Albirex Niigata is a professional soccer club based in Niigata, Japan. The club was founded in 1955 and has since become a prominent team in the J-League. Albirex Niigata's home venue is the Denka Big Swan Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 42,000 spectators. The club is nicknamed "The Swans" due to the large number of swans that inhabit the nearby Shinano River. Albirex Niigata has had several notable accomplishments throughout its history. In 2003, the club won the J2 League and earned promotion to the J1 League. They also reached the final of the Emperor's Cup in 2007 and the J.League Cup in 2016. Additionally, Albirex Niigata has a strong youth development system and has produced talented players who have gone on to represent the Japanese national team.