What is Hokkaido Ballpark F Village?

Many of you might know that a new ballpark is being built, but you may not know the details of what it will entail.

"Hokkaido Ballpark F Village" is the name of the entire area that includes the new stadium for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. It is scheduled to open in March 2023, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Fighters' move to Hokkaido.
It's not just for watching baseball; it aims to be a "co-creation space" that contributes to the revitalization of the local community and society, built together with partners, fans, and local residents. The design and construction are being handled by Obayashi Corporation and HKS, Inc.

Hokkaido Ballpark is being constructed right here.

What Kind of Facility is Hokkaido Ballpark F Village?

Let's take a look at the completed vision for Hokkaido Ballpark F Village.

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First is "ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO," where the baseball games will be played.
It's a ballpark specifically designed for baseball, allowing both players and fans to enjoy the game to the fullest.

The new stadium, which incorporates feedback from the players down to the finest details, is Japan's first natural grass ballpark with a retractable roof. The south-facing side is a massive glass wall to promote grass growth, creating an incredible sense of openness!
Additionally, the backstage areas like the players' locker rooms have been designed for maximum usability based on input from those on the ground.

It's a stadium that aims to be both player-first and fan-first, where you can feel comfort with all five senses.

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The ways fans can enjoy baseball are also set to expand. For example, you can watch from VIP rooms or lounge spaces. This allows families with small children or guests in wheelchairs to enjoy the game without any worries.

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Even more unique is the fact that you can watch the game from a hot spring facility...!
A four-story building called "TOWER 11," located on the left-field side, will be open year-round and will house a spa and hotel. It sounds incredibly fun—you could strike up a conversation with people you've just met and enjoy the game together!

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Furthermore, field-level seats will be installed on both the first and third base sides, offering an immersive experience! It's a ballpark that will satisfy even the most hardcore fans.

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With a strong desire to "not be beaten when it comes to stadium food," the ballpark will also deliver unprecedented food entertainment and moving experiences through cuisine. Being able to savor dishes made with Hokkaido-produced and seasonal ingredients while watching a game is something to look forward to!


Next, let's look at the areas surrounding the new ballpark, which will be gradually expanded from 2023 onwards.
Outside the stadium, numerous facilities are planned where people can enjoy the space regardless of whether there's a game on.

First up is the kids' area. With a small field and plenty of play equipment, it will be a space where children can play freely and to their heart's content.

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And then there are outdoor accommodation facilities like cottages!
On game days, you can enjoy the match at the stadium with a drink in hand, and then stay overnight in a cottage. The next day, you could drive around to explore the fun spots in Kitahiroshima City. This exciting plan will be possible.
It's sure to become a leisure spot that everyone from children to adults can enjoy.

ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO is scheduled to open in March 2023. As of this moment (November 2021), construction is 48% complete!

This massive structure, carrying such grand dreams, is steadily nearing completion, and the excitement is palpable.

Furthermore, F Village, created through co-creation with various partners, aims to continue growing and evolving even after opening. The goal is to become a facility that, like Tokyo Disney Resort or Universal Studios Japan, keeps guests excited by gradually adding new areas.
Imagining its form 10 or 20 years from now reveals a future of endless fun.

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Access to Hokkaido Ballpark F Village

Once Hokkaido Ballpark F Village is complete, many of you will want to go see a game, right? Let's check the access information!
As of its opening in March 2023, the nearest station to Hokkaido Ballpark F Village will be "Kitahiroshima Station." From there, it's a 5-minute drive or about a 20-minute walk. The area around Kitahiroshima Station has had the Elfin Road, a dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians, since 1997. A pleasant walk through the lovely scenery will get you to Hokkaido Ballpark in no time.

Image courtesy of Kitahiroshima City

In addition, a shuttle bus service from the west exit of Kitahiroshima Station is scheduled to begin in time for the opening, and the rotary at the west exit is currently being developed.

Image courtesy of Kitahiroshima City

In the area around the station's west exit, the revitalization and development plan 'Kitahiro Hometown-BASE 2021-2029' is underway, aiming to create a hometown for everyone, including local residents, businesses, and tourists.
Following the completion of the rotary in 2023, a community hub where everyone can freely use and spend time will be built in 2024. It will include a multi-purpose community facility with a food market and a community space centered around sports, as well as plazas and parks.

Image courtesy of Kitahiroshima City

Furthermore, a new station is planned for construction near Hokkaido Ballpark F Village in 2027, which will make access to the ballpark even better.
This is an area to watch, as it's sure to become an even more interesting city for both the residents of Kitahiroshima and the fans who visit for games.

Be sure to keep an eye on the developments at Hokkaido Ballpark!