Rakuten Eagles announced on the 21st that they will hold a send-off ceremony for the professional basketball club "Sendai 89ERS" ahead of the start of the B.Premier 2026-27 season at their game Seibu Lions on September 15th at Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi.

Head coach Dan Tashney and all 13 players appeared at the send-off ceremony and expressed their enthusiasm for the opening game on September 26th (Saturday) at Xebio Arena Sendai. In addition, Jarrett Culver, last season's B.League scoring champion, and Taisei Kataoka, a native of Sendai City, will throw the ceremonial first pitch, helping to create excitement for the opening of the B.Premier League as fellow professional sports teams from Tohoku and Miyagi prefectures.

In addition, the 89ERS Cheers and the team mascot Tina are also scheduled to appear.

▼ Comments from Jarrett Culver

"I am very much looking forward to throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Rakuten Mobile Rakuten Eagles Park Miyagi, the home of Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. It will be my first time standing on a professional baseball field, so I am a little nervous, but I want to enjoy it to the fullest!"

▼ Comments from Taisei Kataoka

"I'm Soldier! I'm so happy to be invited to Rakuten Eagles Mobile's Strongest Park Miyagi again this year, and to be able to throw the ceremonial first pitch on behalf of the Sendai 89ERS in front of all of you. This is my first time ever throwing a ceremonial first pitch, so I'm a little nervous, but as a player from Miyagi, I want to put my feelings for Rakuten Eagles, the Sendai 89ERS, and Miyagi into the throw! I hope all of you in the Niners family will join me in cheering on Rakuten Eagles!"