Amidst continuing financial difficulties, Sapporo Dome will hold its first music concert on March 30th using a "new mode" of partitioning the stadium with blackout curtains.

Will this lead to improved finances? Harsh words came from the "mastermind behind the ballpark."

In March, an exhibition game was held at Sapporo Dome.

The 2024 season will see only two days of games at Sapporo Dome during this exhibition period.

With the Fighters relocating to Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido, Sapporo Dome's revenue is projected to decrease by approximately 30%, and its deficit for fiscal year 2023 is expected to balloon to over 300 million yen.

"I visited Sapporo Dome yesterday for the first time in a long time, and I was reminded once again of what a truly well-designed facility it is," (Ken Maezawa, Director, Fighters Sports & Entertainment).

This is Ken Maezawa, Director of Fighters Sports & Entertainment, the mastermind behind the ballpark.

"I think Sapporo Dome is a facility that the world can be proud of, but it's such a waste. I think if things continue like this, we'll have no choice but to get rid of it," (Director Maezawa)


How will they fill the void left by the Fighters' departure?


A first-of-its-kind initiative was planned for Sapporo Dome.


"Sapporo Dome is exploring new ways to utilize the facility; will the use of the new mode for events be a catalyst?" (Field Caster Ryutaro Yagi)


The "new mode" involves dividing the arena with blackout curtains, allowing events to be held at about half the usual capacity, around 20,000 people.


On March 30th, a music concert will be held using this "new mode" for the first time for a private company.


The "new mode" was introduced at a cost of approximately 1 billion yen because it allows for more compact use of Sapporo Dome.


Regarding the "new mode" that divides Sapporo Dome in half, citizens have said…


"That's impossible. Considering the acoustics, even just having partitions would make it difficult for concertgoers to use the space."

"I think it's a good idea, but I don't think it can be implemented. Something that meets the needs. I hope (events in the new mode) continue." (Both Sapporo residents)

An expert familiar with stadium operations said…

"If it can be used effectively in places like behind the main curtain, for scene changes, or for changing the experience, then it might be interesting from a production standpoint. It's not about judging it as a success or failure based on just this one concert, but rather that they've taken the first step, and they should be able to make further improvements." (Isao Kambayashi, Associate Professor, Faculty of Sociology, Otemon Gakuin University)

And another thing Sapporo Dome is hoping to increase revenue from is "naming rights."

The desired price is over 250 million yen per year, for a period of 2 to 4 years.

Companies can expect advertising benefits by naming the dome after their company or product, but there were no applications by the deadline at the end of February.

On the other hand, Escon Field has recorded an operating profit of 2.6 billion yen in its first year of operation.

"To be honest, it's not that I hate Sapporo or the facility; it's just that there was a fundamental misunderstanding," (Director Maezawa)

The mastermind behind the ballpark, which is parting ways with Sapporo Dome, spoke harshly precisely because of his special feelings about the situation.

"I still think the way it's operated or managed is wrong. Completely wrong. Naming rights, like with Escon Field, aren't just about a company wanting to promote its name; that's less than half the objective. If Company A buys the naming rights to Sapporo Dome, you need to ask what kind of business Company A can conduct at Sapporo Dome. Without going that far, a deal worth hundreds of millions of yen wouldn't be finalized," (Director Maezawa)

Real estate developer "Nippon Escon" not only acquired the naming rights to Escon Field, but is also working with the Fighters and Kitahiroshima City on regional development.

Could this be a hint for revitalizing Sapporo Dome?

"Now more than ever, we need to reconsider the question, 'What is needed in that entire region?' and, when viewed as one large city like Sapporo, we should consider what should be in that location." (Isao Kambayashi, Associate Professor, Faculty of Sociology, Otemon Gakuin University)

Sapporo Dome will soon celebrate its 23rd anniversary since opening.

How should it be utilized as a public asset?

It stands at a major crossroads.

"This stadium (Escon Field) and this area wouldn't exist without the Sapporo Dome facility. It's a place we shouldn't forget, and while the fans have affection for the Fighters after 20 years, they also have affection for the facility. This complex emotional state should be resolved through human effort. It's about people. The facility itself is fundamentally not at fault." (Director Maezawa)

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