ZOZO Marine Stadium

History

ZOZO Marine Stadium, originally opened as Chiba Marine Stadium on February 2, 1990, is located in Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Japan. Designed as a multi-purpose venue, it has primarily served as the home field for the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball’s Pacific League since 1992. Over the years, the stadium has hosted numerous events, including rugby matches and large-scale concerts.

Description

With a seating capacity of approximately 30,000, ZOZO Marine Stadium features a circular design reminiscent of American stadiums like Three Rivers Stadium. The field dimensions are 99.5 meters (326.4 feet) down the left and right field lines and 122 meters (400.3 feet) to center field. The stadium underwent renovations in 2019 and between 2023 and 2024 to update its facilities and enhance the spectator experience.

Architectural Features

Situated along the shores of Tokyo Bay, the stadium is known for its strong coastal winds, which have influenced game play and led to the installation of a large outfield wall to mitigate wind effects. The open-air design allows fans to enjoy sea breezes during events, contributing to the stadium’s unique atmosphere.

What is ZOZO?

ZOZO, Inc. is a Japanese e-commerce company specializing in fashion retail through its platform ZOZOTOWN. In November 2016, ZOZO acquired the naming rights to Chiba Marine Stadium, leading to its current name, ZOZO Marine Stadium. The partnership reflects ZOZO’s commitment to supporting local sports and community engagement.

Records

One of the stadium’s most notable baseball events occurred on April 10, 2022, when Chiba Lotte Marines pitcher Rōki Sasaki threw a perfect game, the 16th in Nippon Professional Baseball history. Additionally, the stadium has hosted major concerts, including Madonna’s Blond Ambition Tour in 1990 and Lady Gaga’s ArtRave: The Artpop Ball in 2014.