What is Hokkaido Ballpark F Village?

Many people know that a new ballpark is being built, but do not know what it will look like! You may be thinking, "I know a new baseball stadium is coming, but I don't know what it will be like!

Hokkaido Ball Park F Village is an area that includes the new stadium of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. It is scheduled to open in March 2023, the 20th anniversary of the Fighters' arrival in Hokkaido.
The project is designed and constructed by Obayashi Corporation and HKS, Inc. with the aim of creating a "co-creative space" not only for watching baseball games, but also for revitalizing local communities and contributing to society together with partners, fans, and local residents.

The Hokkaido Ball Park is being built here.

What kind of facility is the Hokkaido Ball Park F Village?

Let's take a look at the completed Hokkaido Ball Park F Village.

©H.N.F.

First is ESCON Field HOKKAIDO, where baseball is played.
It is a baseball-specific ballpark where both players and fans can enjoy baseball to the fullest.

The new ballpark, which was designed with attention to detail with input from the players, is Japan's first natural grass ballpark with a retractable roof. The south side of the stadium has a glass wall to promote the growth of the turf, giving it a great sense of openness!
The backyard area, including the locker rooms used by the players, has also been designed for ease of use based on feedback from the field.

The stadium aims to be both a player-first and fan-first stadium, where you can feel the comfort of the stadium with all five senses.

©H.N.F.

Fans will be able to enjoy baseball in a wider range of ways than ever before. For example, they can watch baseball games from the VIP room or lounge space. Fans can also enjoy watching the game with small children or those in wheelchairs without hesitation.

©H.N.F.

What is even more unique is that you can watch the game from the hot tub facilities...!
Tower 11, a four-story building on the left side of the building, can be used year-round and will house bathing and lodging facilities. It is said that the four-story building "Tower 11" on the left side of the building will be open year-round, and will include bathing facilities and accommodations!

©H.N.F.

In addition, there are two field-level seats on the first and third base side of the stadium where you can enjoy the baseball game with a realistic feeling! The stadium is sure to satisfy even the most hard-core fans.

©H.N.F.

We also have a strong desire to "not be outdone in ballpark food! This ballpark will offer unprecedented food entertainment and excitement through food. We are very much looking forward to watching baseball games and enjoying food made with Hokkaido's local and seasonal ingredients!


Next, I would like to introduce the surrounding areas of the new stadium, which will be gradually expanded after 2023.
There will be many facilities outside the stadium that will allow people to enjoy this place regardless of whether there is a game or not.

First, there will be a kids' area. A small field and lots of playground equipment will be set up to allow children to play freely and to their heart's content.

©H.N.F.

Then, outdoor accommodation facilities such as cottages!
On days when there is a game, you can enjoy watching the game at the stadium with a drink in hand and stay at the cottages directly after the game. On the next day, you can enjoy the exciting plan of visiting fun spots in Kita Hiroshima City by car.
It will definitely become a leisure spot that both children and adults can enjoy.

ESCON Field HOKKAIDO is scheduled to open in March 2023. At present (November 2021), the project is 48% complete!

A large building with a grand dream on it is steadily nearing completion, and I can't stop being excited about it.

The F Village, which will be co-created with various partners, will continue to grow and evolve after its opening, and like Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan, the goal is to create a facility that will continue to thrill visitors as new areas are gradually added.
When we imagine what the F Village will look like in 10 or 20 years, we can see a future that will be endlessly interesting.

©H.N.F.

Access to the Hokkaido Ball Park F Village

Many of you may be thinking, "I want to go to Hokkaido Ball Park F Village to watch the games when it is completed! I'm sure many of you would like to go and watch the games. Let's check the access!
As of March 2023, when Hokkaido Ball Park F Village opens, the nearest station is Kitahiroshima Station.
It is a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the station. The area around Kitahiroshima Station has been maintained by Elfin Road, a bicycle and pedestrian road, since 1997, so you will reach the Hokkaido Ball Park in no time if you walk in a very pleasant landscape.

Image courtesy of Kitahiroshima City

In conjunction with the opening, a shuttle bus service is scheduled to begin operating from the west exit of Kitahiroshima Station, and the west exit roundabout is being developed.

Image courtesy of Kitahiroshima City

The area surrounding the west exit of the station is currently undergoing the "Kitahiro Hometown-BASE 2021-2029" revitalization plan, which aims to make the area a hometown for everyone, including local residents, businesses, and tourists.
Following the construction of a roundabout in 2023, an exchange center where everyone can freely use and spend time will be constructed in 2024. A complex of exchange center facilities, including a food market and community space through sports, as well as plazas and parks, will be constructed.

Image courtesy of Kitahiroshima City

Furthermore, a new train station is scheduled to be constructed near the Hokkaido Ball Park F Village in 2027, further improving access to the stadium.
The area is sure to become even more interesting for both the residents of Kitahiroshima City and the fans who come to watch the games.

Please keep an eye on the Hokkaido Ballpark in the future!