Mito HollyHock, a professional football club in Japan, announced its decision to relocate its home stadium to Mito Shinkin Bank Stadium starting next season. This move is in response to the J-League's stadium capacity regulations, which require a minimum of 15,000 seats for J1 matches. The club's previous home, K's Denki Stadium Mito, accommodates around 12,000 spectators, which meets J2 standards but falls short of the J1 requirements. The relocation decision has been approved by the prefectural government under the conditions that the club will cover all renovation and maintenance costs and implement measures to address traffic congestion during matches.

The Mito Shinkin Bank Stadium, constructed in 1973 and renovated in 2001, has a capacity of around 22,000, which aligns with J1 standards. This move is expected to increase revenue through ticket sales and merchandise due to the larger capacity. At a press conference, Club President Koji Kojima expressed gratitude for the support from Ibaraki Prefecture and Mito City, indicating their goal to bring joy to the local community. Governor Kazuhiko Oikawa also welcomed the transition as a positive new beginning, urging the club to maximize attendance and strive to remain competitive in J1.

While Mito City Mayor Yasushi Takahashi expressed disappointment regarding the impact on the city's tourism and economy, he refrained from opposing the relocation decision, emphasizing his intention to continue supporting the club with the citizens. This significant move reflects not only the club’s ambitions within the J-League but also highlights the intricate relationship between sports, local communities, and economic factors in Japan.