[4][5] The stadium, to be located on the former site of schools that were destroyed in the tsunami,[6] was named as one of twelve venues selected in March 2015 by World Rugby for the tournament.

[9][10] The stadium opened on 19 August 2018 for an exhibition match between the Kamaishi Seawaves and Yamaha Júbilo, attended by 6,000 people.

[11] The city government also plans to promote the stadium in Japan's bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

[12] Two pool matches of the 2019 Rugby World Cup were scheduled to be played at the stadium, but only one was contested, with Uruguay achieving an upset victory over Fiji on 25 September.

[13] The match between Namibia and Canada scheduled for 13 October 2019 was cancelled due to the effects of Typhoon Hagibis on the local area.