Crunch for dome watchers
June 7, 2002
It is one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the World Cup's opening round and it will take place in the world's most advanced stadium.
The Guardian
When England face Argentina in the Sapporo Dome, the eyes of the 42,000 spectators inside the arena may be as much on the pitch itself as on the game, given that the venue is considered one of the most sophisticated sports constructions in the world.
While Wembley is expected to cost more than £700m once construction gets under way, Japan's Sapporo Dome cost only £260m to build and was completed within two years.
Resembling a silver futuristic sculpture and dominating the skyline, the stadium usually has baseball matches but has been reconfigured for World Cup football, with tomorrow's match being the last of three Sapporo has held.
The roof will be closed for the crunch encounter and most fans will get unspoiled views, with a chance to feel close to the action.
The most revolutionary aspect of the Sapporo stadium, however, is the pitch which is outside the seating area when matches are not taking place. One side of the stadium - a 90 metre wide wall - opens up and the pitch, gliding just two inches off the ground, is then moved inside by a unique hovercraft system.
Once inside the stadium the pitch can be turned in any direction along with the seats. It takes about five hours for the pitch to be moved into the dome and a revolutionary method of keeping it fresh and watered is also used.
The dome, built on the country's northern island of Hokkaido, with Japanese taxpayers' cash, can be used for all kinds of events. The decision to design the hovercraft system was taken after recognition that most stadiums with roofs do not allow the grass enough sun and rain.
While the dome will provide a unique atmosphere, football aficionados could find it a little strange given that it could feel like watching a game in a giant, enclosed convention centre.
It will be England and Argentina's first World Cup match in a closed-roof stadium and both teams have played friendly matches in the stadium in the run-up to the tournament.