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 186m long LED vision connecting the foul poles on both wings is seamlessly connected all the way to center fielder, a rare feature among NPB home stadiums that use ribbon vision. The display area is one of the largest among NPB home stadiums, and the linked effects with The Hawks Vision will further liven up the game before, during, and after the game. In addition, by operating as an advertising medium, it will be possible to deliver impactful advertising to visitors to MIZUHO PayPay Dome.

- 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.

・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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・ LED ribbon vision installed on outfield wall at MIZUHO PayPay Dome New artificial turf and expanded protective netting also installed on ground.