MIZUHO PayPay Dome installs LED ribbon vision screens on outfield wall and introduces new artificial turf.

Pacific League Insight

Image of the display on the screen between inning © SoftBank HAWKS
Image of the display on the screen between inning © SoftBank HAWKS

Fukuoka Softbank Hawks announced that they will install LED ribbon displays on outfield wall at their home stadium MIZUHO PayPay Dome FUKUOKA, and introduce new artificial turf to ground. All of this is scheduled to be operational from the 2026 exhibition game (March 3rd against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows).

・LED ribbon vision installed on outfield wall expands the scope of new performances
The 186-meter-long LED screen connecting the foul poles on both sides of the field is a rare center fielder design among NPB home stadiums that have introduced ribbon visions, extending all the way to the center field. The display area is one of the largest among NPB home stadiums, and the synchronized effects with The Hawks Vision will further enhance the excitement of the game during and before/after matches. In addition, its operation as an advertising medium will enable impactful advertising campaigns targeting MIZUHO PayPay Dome attendees.

Vision production image © SoftBank HAWKS
Vision production image © SoftBank HAWKS

- New artificial turf installed on ground
The existing artificial turf, which was laid in 2017, will be replaced with new "MS CRAFT BASEBALL TURF" (manufactured by Mizuno Corporation). "MS CRAFT BASEBALL TURF" artificial turf is made by processing the grass pile to a shape similar to natural grass, which gives it high durability and shape recovery, and improves the stability of the ball's bounce, and shock absorption, which is expected to reduce the strain on players' legs and improve safety.

Tama Home Stadium Chikugo also replaced the artificial turf at the end of last year with the same type of artificial turf as MIZUHO PayPay Dome. This was the first replacement since construction began in 2016, and as a countermeasure against the heat inside ground in the summer, the surface layer was made with "Field Chip Greentea," a filler made from used tea leaves that is expected to help prevent the surface temperature from rising.

MIZUHO PayPay Dome artificial turf image © SoftBank HAWKS
MIZUHO PayPay Dome artificial turf image © SoftBank HAWKS
Tama Home Stadium Chikugo after artificial turf replacement © SoftBank HAWKS
Tama Home Stadium Chikugo after artificial turf replacement © SoftBank HAWKS

・Replacing the ball-proof net
The protective netting that runs from behind backstop to infield stands will be replaced with a 21m-high wire-suspended netting. The netting will also be extended to the Coca-Cola Seats wall, improving safety by preventing hazards, especially from line drive drives and foul balls.

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An LED ribbon vision screen has been installed on outfield wall of MIZUHO PayPay Dome and new artificial turf has been introduced on ground, along with an expansion of the protective netting.

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MIZUHO PayPay Dome installs LED ribbon vision screens on outfield wall and introduces new artificial turf.