Saitama Seibu Lions Tickets 2027: The Belluna Dome Guide

Belluna Dome: the Lions' unusual roofed ballpark

Belluna Dome is one of the most unusual stadiums in Japan. It opened in 1979 as an open-air park, and a roof was added in the late 1990s, but the sides were left open. The result is a covered stadium that is still connected to the outside air. Capacity is about 31,500, and the place carries several sponsor names over the decades, with the current one in use since 2017.

Wind, heat and cold at the Lions' park

Because the sides are open, the temperature inside follows the weather. Spring and autumn evenings can feel cold, a summer game can get hot and muggy, and gusts blow through the stands on windy days. The roof keeps rain off most of the seats, though, which is a real advantage over fully open parks. Dress in layers and bring a hand towel in summer.

Setting and surroundings

The ballpark sits among green hills and forest, unlike most city stadiums. The setting adds a calm, almost suburban feel, and in the evening the lights glow across the trees. Recent renovations to the exterior have improved the look of the building, but the character of a roomy suburban park remains.

Getting from Ikebukuro to the Lions' Belluna Dome

The usual route starts at Ikebukuro on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. Take it to Tokorozawa, then change to the Seibu Sayama Line for Seibukyujo-mae Station, the stop named after the stadium. Count on roughly 45 minutes door to door, though transfer times can vary. On many game days the railway adds special services, but treat that as something to confirm once the schedule is out.

Arriving at the station right beside the Lions' stadium

The station is practically part of the stadium: you step off the train and are almost at the entrance. That makes it easy for families and for visitors carrying bags. The trade-off is crowding: the platform fills up fast right after the game, so decide whether to leave a few minutes early or linger for a snack.

Side trips from Tokorozawa

The Tokorozawa area is known for the Sayama Hills, a landscape linked in popular culture to a certain forest spirit film, and for a cultural complex with a striking museum building. Kawagoe, the old merchant town with its sweet potato snacks, is easy to add to the same day.

Choosing seats at Lions games

Infield seats along the baselines are the standard pick for strategy and defense. The outfield stands hold the cheering groups: the Lions' supporters in their blue shirts stand and sing for the whole game, and the visiting fans occupy a separate section. Between infield and outfield, you will find reserved seats that are calmer and good for first-timers.

Lions seats for shade and comfort

Because of the roof, many seats are in shade even for day games, a plus in July and August. Upper decks provide a wide view of the field and the green hills beyond. Families might prefer sections with more legroom and wider aisles.

Tickets for visiting fans at Lions home games

If you want to cheer for an opponent, use the visitor-side outfield section. It is clearly separated, so you can sing without confusion, and the Lions fans around you are generally welcoming. Review the official seating plan once sales open, because zone names can change.

Food and atmosphere at Saitama Seibu Lions games

Stadium food covers the usual Japanese ballpark staples, such as curry, fried chicken, ramen, rice bowls and sweets, and you can find regional touches. Saitama is known for Sayama tea and Kawagoe sweet potatoes, both of which appear in snacks and desserts. Draft beer comes from sellers who carry kegs on their backs and pour at your seat.

The team's color is a bright blue, and the mascots are lions named Leo and Lina. Dance performers entertain between innings. Each Lions batter has a personal cheer song played by the outfield band, and the whole section joins in. On the seventh inning, the stadium sings the club song. Special retro events sometimes put the team in throwback uniforms.

Cheering etiquette at Lions games

Stand and sing when the home team bats, stay quiet when it is the visitors' turn, and follow the lead of the supporters around you. Keep aisles clear and carry your trash out or use the sorted bins.

Lions history: Fukuoka roots and thirteen titles

The Lions began in Fukuoka as the Nishitetsu club and won three straight Japan Series titles from 1956 to 1958 against the Yomiuri Giants, the last one after trailing three games to none, led by the legendary pitcher Kazuhisa Inao. The club later moved to Tokorozawa in 1979 and became the Seibu Lions, then dominated Japan in the 1980s and early 1990s, winning eight titles in the Seibu era before 2000.

Lions titles in the modern era

Two more titles followed, in 2004 and 2008, bringing the total to thirteen, second only to the Giants. The name Saitama Seibu Lions was adopted in 2008 to underline the regional identity. In recent years the club has been rebuilding, and a lot of fans see the future as a chance to return to the top.

Lions rivalries in the Pacific League

The Fukuoka club is the most meaningful rival because of the shared past and the many close races in the 1980s and 1990s. Chiba and Tokyo-area neighbors make for regional contests. For another view of a league with deep traditions, see our MLB hub.

Lions 2027 season: when to expect the schedule

The 2027 NPB schedule is not out. Recent seasons opened in late March, and that is the likeliest window, but the league has not confirmed it. Home dates, interleague opponents and start times for the Lions are still to be published. Treat any circulating date as unconfirmed.

Postseason format and the Lions

After the regular season, the top three Pacific League clubs advance to the Climax Series, with the winner moving on to the Japan Series. A strong finish matters, since a better seed means home field advantage. If you want a comparison, see our MLB postseason page.

How to buy Lions tickets and plan your visit

Sales normally begin with an early window for fan-club members through the club's official ticketing, followed by a general sale and convenience-store terminals. Weekends, holidays and big series sell first. Weekday games are the easy option. Because categories and prices may change each season, check the official guide when sales open, and use the alert on this page to learn when that happens.

Visiting Lions games from abroad

Plan a trip that combines Tokyo with a game at Belluna Dome. Because the stadium is outside the center, give yourself time for the ride and do not schedule a tight dinner reservation afterward. Our first game guide and our guide for European fans cover tickets, etiquette and jet lag.

What to bring to the Lions' park

A light jacket, a hand towel, a transit card, a small bag and a bit of cash for stands that do not take cards. Rain gear is usually unnecessary under the roof, though wind-blown showers can reach the front rows.