Is the violation of Official Baseball Rules by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters’ new stadium an actual problem ?
In March 2023, Escon Field HOKKAIDO which the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters have been constructing will finally open.
They will be able to host games at their own home stadium, moving from Sapporo Dome which they used until 2022 (more precisely, until the exhibition games on March 4th and 5th this year).
It is said the Nippon Ham Fighters decided to construct their own stadium because Sapporo Dome Co., Ltd., entrusted by Sapporo City with managing and operating Sapporo Dome, refused to negotiate for more relaxed usage terms. Sapporo Dome Co., Ltd. and Sapporo City likely assumed at that point that the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters had no choice but to use Sapporo Dome.
Since the details of the negotiations have not been officially disclosed, this is speculation, but it is said that the usage contract also included provisions regarding the handling of sales revenue from Fighters merchandise sold at Sapporo Dome.
https://www3.city.sapporo.jp/somu/hyoka/torikumi2/pdf/20191023645.pdf
As for confirmed information, there is the usage fee. Sapporo Dome is used by both professional baseball and the J.League, but it is a fact that only the J.League received fee reductions.
A similar case involves the DeNA BayStars. At that time, news reported the DeNA BayStars were considering constructing a new stadium. However, the issue was resolved when the Yokohama DeNA BayStars acquired a majority stake in Yokohama Stadium Co., Ltd. through a tender offer.
This is purely my personal opinion, but I believe the ideal resolution was achieved by having the team own the stadium.
Negotiations between the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and Sapporo Dome Co., Ltd. have broken down.
As a result, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters have decided to construct their own new home stadium. Furthermore, they have selected neighboring Kitahiroshima City, not Sapporo City, as the candidate location.
Some reports state that Sapporo Dome Co., Ltd. not only refused to respond to negotiations but also offered terms that were unfavorable to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
If these reports are true, it seems Sapporo Dome Co., Ltd. has decided to abandon the professional baseball of the biggest monster content and choose choose the thorny path.
A new problem has been discovered just before the opening of the new Escon Field HOKKAIDO stadium.
It violates rules regarding the distance from home plate to the backstop. It is reportedly about 3 meters shorter than the rule requires.
This is stipulated in Official Baseball Rule 2.00, Playing Field. This is stipulated in Official Baseball Rule 2.00, Playing Field. These field rules specify distances such as the distance between bases, the foul territory, and the outfield fence.
The current violation concerns the distance from home plate to the backstop (fence). The rule requires this distance to be 60 feet or more, but the actual distance is approximately 50 feet. (For reference, the infield rules require a minimum distance of 325 feet to each outfield corner and 400 feet to center field.)
Unlike other sports, baseball can be affected by plays outside the playing field. For example, a foul fly ball. It not only adds an out but can also impact scoring depending on the situation.
Regarding this issue, there are mixed opinions: some take a strict stance that “it should not be permitted since it violates the rules,” while others say “this kind of thing should be allowed.”
From here on, this is my personal opinion.
The current baseball field rules are unfair to players. I believe we should first address this issue. This is because it directly impacts players’ records. For professional baseball players, it affects their titles and has a direct impact on their income.
Of course, some people might say that’s precisely the unique charm of baseball. However, outside the playing field—for example, there are no regulations for audience seating, allowing for distinctive shapes and seating arrangements.
Why are the rules for the playing field so vague, specifying only “at least XX meters” or “minimum distance of XX meters” ?
In particular, I think the playing field should have clear specifications for the distance to the outfield, its shape, and the height of the fences.
In fact, these rules directly impact titles like home runs and ERA.
Professional baseball stadiums are already constructed to suit local conditions. For existing stadiums, it’s impossible to reconstruct them compliant if the field rules are changed.
However, for future stadium construction, if the playing field is made to the standard size as specified, I believe international tournaments could be held without inequality.
(※ By the way, the infield is clearly specified down to the grass line.)
By the way, the Nippon Ham Fighters have decided to begin renovations after the end of the 2023 season.
I’ve written a lot, but I’m really looking forward to the opening of the new Escon Field HOKKAIDO stadium.
This stadium is an indoor stadium, but it has a retractable roof, so when conditions allow, you can enjoy the atmosphere of an outdoor stadium.
I think there are still challenges with transportation and surrounding facilities, but I believe the area will develop centered around this wonderful baseball park.
Reference: HOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE(2023/01/03)
(Please select “Language” from top right button)
https://www.hkdballpark.com
Reference: NPB(NIPPON PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL ORGANIZATION) (2023/01/03)
https://npb.jp/eng/
Reference: EXCITE NEWS[BUSINESS JOURNAL] (2023/01/03)
https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Bizjournal_201811_post_25545
Reference: Supporo Cyti (2025/12/29)
https://www3.city.sapporo.jp/somu/hyoka/torikumi2/pdf/20191023645.pdf
Thanks.