【正】 Sapporo’s newest and boldest civic feature is the futuristic Dome,where the World Cup matches will be played in 2002. Nicknamed inJapanese "Hiroba" (Plaza), the gigantic structure will be completedin May 2001 on the edge of the city centre. Designed by architectHiroshi Hara, the Dome will have a capacity of 42,122 when usedfor football. Sapporo opted for an all-weather covered stadium not leastbecause of the local climate conditions, particularly the heavy snow