The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are facing criticism over the management of basketball events, even before the official opening ceremony. Issues have surfaced regarding spectator seating arrangements, particularly impacting fans of the South Korean national team.
South Korea’s Strong Start in Men’s Basketball
The South Korean men’s basketball team, led by coach Choo Il-seung, has started the tournament strongly. Competing in Group B, the team secured their second victory on September 11th (Korean time), defeating Indonesia with a commanding score of 102-48 at the Aichi International Arena. This win followed their earlier triumph over Saudi Arabia, 82-66. South Korea is set to face host nation Japan in a crucial match on September 13th, a game that will likely determine the group’s standings.
Many dedicated South Korean basketball fans have traveled to Nagoya to support their team. These passionate supporters, equipped with national team uniforms and cheering paraphernalia, are eager to cheer on their players. However, their experience at the games has been marred by significant inconvenience due to the current ticketing and seating policies.
Aichi International Arena: A Modern Venue with Unexpected Problems
The venue for the basketball matches, the Aichi International Arena, is a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2025. With a capacity of 15,000 spectators, it serves as the home ground for the Japanese professional basketball team, the Nagoya Dolphins. The arena boasts modern amenities, including large video screens, comparable to many NBA arenas.
Men’s basketball games are scheduled to run from 10:00 AM, with four matches taking place daily. The Asian Games organizing committee has opted to sell ‘all-day passes’ rather than individual game tickets. These passes are priced differently for the first tier at 6,000 yen (approximately $50 USD) and the second tier at 4,000 yen (approximately $35 USD). Theoretically, a spectator with an all-day pass could attend all four games, from morning until evening.
The ‘Seat Reservation’ Controversy
The core of the problem lies with the behavior of some extreme fans, primarily from Japan. These fans reportedly arrive at the arena very early in the morning to reserve seats by leaving personal belongings on the chairs. They then leave the venue, only to return later for the evening games, specifically those featuring the Japanese national team, which are typically scheduled last.
This practice has created a frustrating situation for fans of other nations, including South Korea. Supporters who have traveled to cheer for their team find themselves unable to secure good seats, even after purchasing tickets. Despite the arena’s large capacity, many seats remain empty throughout the day, yet the prime viewing spots are occupied by reserved items, not actual spectators.
One South Korean fan shared their experience: “Japanese fans come in the morning and leave their belongings to reserve seats because re-entry is allowed. They don’t sell tickets per game. South Korean fans ended up watching the games from less desirable seats. Some fans who bought first-tier tickets couldn’t find good seats and had to watch from the second tier.”
Fan Reactions and Proposed Solutions
The situation has led to a growing sentiment among South Korean fans to adopt similar tactics. “Now, South Korean fans are also planning to go to the arena early in the morning to reserve seats,” the fan added. “It feels like such a petty thing to do, and it’s a waste of time.”
While queuing is a common practice in Japan for various events to secure good spots, including media seating an hour before press conferences, the expectation is that paying spectators should receive better treatment. The current issue primarily affects the popular basketball matches involving South Korea and Japan.
Several potential solutions could alleviate the problem. The organizing committee could implement a policy of selling tickets per game instead of all-day passes. Alternatively, they could divide the day into sessions, such as morning and afternoon, to manage spectator flow more effectively. Furthermore, prohibiting re-entry or enforcing a rule that only actual persons can occupy seats, not personal belongings, would prevent the current scenario.
The lack of consideration for visiting fans, particularly those who have made the effort to travel and support their national teams, is a disappointing aspect of the event’s organization. Ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for all spectators should be a priority for the 2026 Asian Games.
