- Hits: 1987
Vegalta Sendai was originally formed in 1988, as the company team of Tohoku Electric Power Company. It was a top team in the old Tohoku regional league during the JSL days. In 1994, the team entered the JFL under the name "Brummel Sendai", but the name was changed to "Vegalta" in 1997. It is located in Sendai, about three hours north of Tokyo by train and one of the largest cities in northern Japan. Sendai boasts a strong local football base, and has one of the nicest football-only stadiums in Japan. Though not particularly large, its soaring semi-transparent roof and high twin decks have earned it comparison to Ajax's Amsterdam Arena.
Vegalta Sendai takes its name from the twin stars Vega and Altair. The two stars feature in a popular local legend about two "star-crossed" lovers, and there is a festival to commemorate the date when the two stars reach their apex, in midsummer. The team mascot, emblem and color scheme, on the other hand, are based on the Golden Eagle, which is often spotted soaring above the heavily forested hills to the west of the city.
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