HANSHIN KOSHIEN STADIUM

Seat refurbishment and specification changes at HANSHIN KOSHIEN STADIUM in pursuit of comfort

HANSHIN KOSHIEN STADIUM was the first large-scale multipurpose baseball stadium in Japan. As the sacred ground for high school baseball and the home of a popular professional baseball team, it continues to be loved by many baseball fans.
HANSHIN KOSHIEN STADIUM, which has undergone repeated renovations and renewals throughout its long history since its completion, underwent a large-scale renovation in 2020 in pursuit of a more comfortable environment for spectators.

Premium Seats with rich seating comfort that conforms to the body

The main part of the seating renovation was to upgrade the premium seats behind the back nets.
The area behind the back nets, considered the most special seats in the stadium. The new stadium seat is as spacious and comfortable as a theater chair, while maintaining the functionality of the previous seat. The overall rounded form was changed to a square shape. The backrest is 60 mm higher than before, and a new cushion has been added to improve comfort when the body is placed on it. The depth of the seat has been increased by 80 mm and the thickness of the cushion by 50 mm, so that long-time spectators can relax and enjoy the game comfortably. The 3D curved cushion is ergonomically designed to fit the body comfortably and provide an environment for spectators to concentrate on the game. In addition, the armrests have been widened and cushioned as well.
In order to maintain the same number of seats, the width and pitch for each seat remain the same, but the lower part of the backrest has been designed to provide more legroom for those seated in the back rows for spaciousness.

Seats on the 1st- and 3rd-base sides with increased comfort in terms of space and functions

The 1st- and 3rd-base Alps stands were renovated with a new concept.
The Alps stands, unique to Koshien and located between the infield and outfield seats, are used by the cheering section in high school baseball games. Previously, the seats had been the same as the outfield seats, individual seats without backrests but the narrow width  made it difficult to improve comfort. The long bench type seating with variable capacity was newly introduced to meet this need. Using grooves and partitions between seats, the number of seats can be maintained as before for high school baseball games, and the width can be 1.5 times larger than before when professional baseball games are held. The specifications are designed to provide spacious seating, depending on the situation.
SMBC seats on the 1st- and 3rd-base sides have improved functionality while utilizing the existing seats.
As with the back of the back net, a thicker cushion is applied to the seat of the two-piece type chair, in which the backrest and seat are separated, to enhance seating comfort. The table with cup holders installed at the end of the armrests is safe to use because a damper is installed in the movable section to allow it to move gently even when released. This table is also new to Ivy seats and Breeze seats. It is even easier to eat and drink while watching the games.

Newly developed upholstery fabric for outdoor cushioning with extreme durability

In outdoor stadiums, there are various challenges in introducing seats with cushions.
Countermeasures against stains caused by wind and rain, deterioration caused by ultraviolet rays and moisture, and rainwater penetration are some examples.  At HANSHIN KOSHIEN STADIUM as well, there were many cases of crows making holes in the upholstery. In response, we have developed, in collaboration with a chemical materials manufacturer, a robust upholstery material for outdoor seats that applies the technology used for train car components. We repeated the prototype many times before introducing the product, conducted test introductions, and conducted follow-up observations. After about two years of testing, we decided to implement the material. This upholstery fabric is used for the cushions that have been newly refurbished for the seats.
The coloring of the seating is important because it greatly affects the impression of the stadium. The premium seats are in a luxurious dark green color, while the other seats are in a conventional green color. While upgrading the facilities, the renovation maintained the historical and traditional image of HANSHIN KOSHIEN STADIUM. This renovation and specification change is in pursuit of a better seating environment.

Facility Overview

HANSHIN KOSHIEN STADIUM, completed in 1924, was built for the National Secondary School Championship Baseball Tournament, which was gaining popularity at the time. Today, it is primarily the home stadium of a Japanese professional baseball team, as well as a venue for the National High School Baseball Tournament and college baseball games. What makes it different from other stadiums is that it is solely dedicated to baseball, without a commercial image all over the place. It is expected that HANSHIN KOSHIEN STADIUM will continue to evolve as only it can, while inheriting its history and traditions.