A joint press conference was held on the 2nd at Chiba City Hall by Chiba City, the Lotte Marines baseball team, and Aeon Mall Co., Ltd. The three parties announced that, by mutual agreement, Aeon Mall Co., Ltd. has been selected as the business partner for Chiba Marine Stadium reconstruction project, and that an "Agreement Concerning the Formulation of the Basic Plan for the Reconstruction of Chiba Marine Stadium" has been signed.

The purpose of the agreement is to promote the reconstruction of an entertainment stadium that will serve as a hub for new urban development in Makuhari New City and seamlessly connect with the city, based on the "Basic Concept for the Redevelopment of Chiba Marine Stadium," through public-private partnership, and for the three parties to jointly formulate a basic plan that will be useful for considering and deciding on the specific details of the project implementation.

In response to the aging of ZOZO Marine Stadium, Chiba City and the Lotte team have been discussing the basic direction of the new stadium reconstruction, including the stadium's style, in a project to build a new stadium nearby, aiming to open around 2034. Based on this direction, the three parties exchanged opinions on harmony with surrounding town development and the feasibility of the project, confirming that they would work together to advance the basic plan. In addition to serving as the home base for professional baseball, the three parties shared their understanding of considering the basic plan for an indoor stadium, based on increased profitability through the use of diverse events throughout the year and improved visitor convenience. Once the dome-shaped new stadium is completed, it will be a farewell to the strong winds that were ZOZO's signature feature.

In considering the basic plan, a council composed of the three parties will be established. The council will focus on considering the functions and facility layout to be introduced to the stadium, transportation plans including the surrounding area, development methods and management/operation methods, and cost-sharing considerations. In addition, for the planning portion to be handled by the project partner, the expertise of external experts will be utilized as needed to confirm and examine the validity of the plan and the role of the project implementation body. The aim is to make a decision on project implementation and formulate the basic plan by around March of next year.

Aeon Mall Co., Ltd. has made proposals that will contribute to enhancing the overall appeal of Makuhari New City, including the creation of a highly walkable urban space centered around the stadium and a facility configuration that generates vibrancy throughout the year. Based on these proposals, the three parties have agreed to proceed with the consideration of a basic plan that envisions an indoor stadium.

In response to the aging of ZOZO Marine Stadium, a project to build a new stadium nearby was initially planned as an outdoor stadium. However, the team has been in continuous discussions and discussions with Chiba City, which owns the facility, and in October of last year, requested a dome-type stadium. In November of the same year, Chiba City Mayor Shunichi Kamiya announced that the city would reconsider the dome-type stadium plan. If the dome is realized, it would make the fifth Pacific League team, excluding Rakuten Eagles, to have a dome stadium.

◆Announced future review schedule (tentative)

Consideration of the basic plan from June 2026 onwards.

Around March 2015: Decision on project implementation and formulation of basic plan.

Basic design, etc. after April 2017

Opened around 1934