Officials and athletes gathered in Nobeoka City on April 18, 2026, to celebrate the completion of the new Athletes’ Town Nobeoka Arena, marking a major milestone in Miyazaki Prefecture’s preparations to host the 2027 National Sports Festival and National Disability Sports Festival.
The facility, officially named the New Miyazaki Prefectural Gymnasium, was completed after joint development efforts between the prefecture and Nobeoka City. Miyazaki Governor Kouno and Nobeoka Mayor Miura presided over the opening ceremony, which included a ribbon-cutting attended by approximately 50 officials and stakeholders.
Following the ceremony, attendees witnessed a judo demonstration featuring members of the Asahi Kasei judo team, led by head coach Kanezo Nakamura. The team engaged in randori practice with Mayor Miura on the main arena floor, showcasing the venue’s readiness for high-level combat sports.
the Kobayashi Houfu High School rhythmic gymnastics team performed a routine, adding an artistic element to the event. These demonstrations highlighted the arena’s versatility across multiple disciplines, as outlined in official materials.
The main arena is designed to accommodate volleyball, basketball, judo, and other indoor sports, with a seating capacity of 4,000 spectators. The project represents a 12.2 billion yen investment by Miyazaki Prefecture toward strengthening regional sports infrastructure.
On the same day, the arena hosted a discussion forum focused on attracting a B.League basketball club to Nobeoka. Governor Kouno met with B.League executive Ryuuta Katsui to explore pathways for establishing a professional team in the city, with both parties agreeing to pursue sponsorship development and collaborative planning moving forward.
The facility will also serve as a public relations hub for the upcoming 2027 festivals, with an information center operating from 10:00 a.m. To 2:30 p.m. On opening day. Promotional activities included a campaign offering Miyazaki beef and other premium local products as prizes.
Public access to the arena began immediately after the ceremony, with general admission granted following the ribbon-cutting at approximately 10:50 a.m. Local time. Visitors were directed to enter through designated gates guided by facility staff.
Looking ahead, the Athletes’ Town Nobeoka Arena is positioned to become a central venue for training camps, national tournaments, and community sports programs in Miyazaki Prefecture. Its completion advances the region’s goal of fostering broader sports participation while supporting elite athlete development.
For updates on future events and facility usage, the public is encouraged to consult official announcements from Miyazaki Prefecture and Nobeoka City authorities.
