Miyagi Baseball Stadium

Rakuten Kobo Stadium Miyagi

Kobo-Sta Miyagi
Full name	Rakuten Kobo Stadium Miyagi
Former names	Fullcast Stadium Miyagi
Location	Sendai, Japan
Coordinates	38°15′22.34″N 140°54′9″E / 38.2562056°N 140.90250°E / 38.2562056; 140.90250Coordinates: 38°15′22.34″N 140°54′9″E / 38.2562056°N 140.90250°E / 38.2562056; 140.90250
Owner	Miyagi Prefecture
Operator	Rakuten Baseball, Inc.
Capacity	23,451
Field size	Left Field - 100.1 meters Power Alleys - 116.0 Center Field - 122 meters Right Field - 100.1 meters
Surface	Artificial
Opened	1950
Tenants
Lotte Orions (1973–1977) Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (2005–present)

The Miyagi Baseball Stadium (宮城球場, Miyagi Kyūjō) (official name: Rakuten Kobo Stadium Miyagi) is a stadium in Sendai, Japan. It was primarily used for baseball as the home field of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. It opened in 1950. In order to modernize the facility for the Golden Eagles' first season (2005), seating was reduced from approximately 28,600 to about 20,000, as more-spacious seating was installed. For the 2006 season, about 3,000 seats (including private boxes along the first-base side) were added, increasing capacity to about 23,000. An artificial surface was installed before the 2005 season, replacing the grass outfield previously used.

From January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010, the stadium's official name was the Kleenex Stadium Miyagi (クリネックススタジアム宮城, Kurinekkusu Sutajiamu Miyagi), and abbreviated as K-Sta Miyagi (Kスタ宮城). The stadium was also formerly known as Fullcast Stadium Miyagi (フルキャストスタジアム宮城, Furukyasuto Sutajiamu Miyagi) between 2005 and 2007.

Unlike most stadiums, the home team uses the dugout along the third base line. Each team's bullpen is located beneath the stands behind the dugout areas, out of view of the spectators in the stadium; however, curtained windows outside allow passerby to watch the pitchers warming up.

Concession stands are located outside the stadium, and on the second and third levels in the area behind home plate.

The stadium hosted its first Japanese All-Star game between the Pacific League and Central League in 2007. They were hosting its secound Japanese All-Star game in 2011.

The stadium was heavily damaged by floods during the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

Transportation

"Baseball Station", near the stadium

Miyagi Baseball Stadium is located near Miyaginohara Station and Tsutsujigaoka Station on the Senseki Line. Miyaginohara Station is nicknamed Baseball Station due to its proximity to the stadium.

References