A timeline has finally emerged for a new multipurpose arena in Osaka next to the iconic Expo '70 Commemorative Park.
The project is part of an ongoing initiative to revitalize the Expo Park area in Suita City. All the way back in 2019, the Osaka Prefectural Government declared its intention to build the facility next to the Expo City shopping mall by 2025, but both the pandemic and a lack of willing construction partners derailed things a bit. Kensetsu News and others are now reporting that the first phase of construction, focusing on the arena and various associated amenities, will begin as early as January next year.
While there is always some resistance to big changes like this, local residents have brought up a good point: lack of access. The Osaka Monorail that currently serves the nearest station has a very low capacity and reduced timetables compared to other forms of public transport, so the crush after concerts might be the stuff of nightmares.
