Yokohama Arena
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Yokohama Arena | |
|---|---|
Main entrance |
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| Location | 3-10 Shin-Yokohama, Konan-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan |
| Coordinates | |
| Opened | April 1, 1989 |
| Owner | Yokohama Arena Corp. |
| Tenants | |
| Capacity | 17,000 |
Yokohama Arena (横浜アリーナ Yokohama Arīna?) is an indoor sporting arena located in Yokohama, Japan. It is a five minute walk from the closest subway station, Shin-Yokohama Station on the JR/Yokohama Municipal Subway. The capacity of the arena is 17,000 and was opened in 1989. The arena was modeled after US sports venue Madison Square Garden in New York City. The first SmackDown! world tour was held here. A number of famous concerts have been held here, including tour stops by AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Queen + Paul Rodgers, Destiny's Child and Green Day.
Besides these international groups, the Arena is also popular with many Japanese musicians. As one of the largest concert venues in the Kantō region, it is a frequent location for bands to end their tours. The spacious stage allows for more complex set design and lighting, but the reasonable size makes it easier to sell out than the Tokyo Dome. Among the famous Japanese artists that have performed here are Malice Mizer, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, Dir en grey, The Gazette, Morning Musume and Ayumi Hamasaki.
Recently, popular singer Kumi Koda performed here for a charity event for her fan club where all money raised was donated to the World Wildlife Foundation.
Korean boy band TVXQ, known as Tohoshinki in Japan had recently kick-start their 3rd Live Japan Arena Tour here.

