Lotte upgrades ZOZO Stadium seating area, Yudai Fujioka impressed with changes
The upper infield seating area at the Zozo Marine Stadium, the home stadium of the Lotte baseball team, has undergone a notable transformation. Lotte recently unveiled the renovated walls of the “players’ seats” located on the first base side of the third floor at the stadium. In the past, the walls featured photos of the players, but this season, a talented mural artist named Hori Hayato took over the design responsibilities. Hayato, known for live painting at events like the “FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL,” created a stunning mural depicting twelve players in action: Kojima, Taneichi, Suzuki, Masuda, Sato, Fujioka, Nakamura Shou, Soto, Fujiwara, Polanco, Oka, and Takabe.
One of the team members, Yudai Fujioka, expressed his awe at the new mural, likening it to a lifelike photograph. Fujioka conveyed his admiration for the artist’s ability to capture the essence of each player so realistically that it almost appeared as if they had come to life on the wall. He extended an invitation to fans, encouraging them to experience the games from the 2025 players’ seats and immerse themselves in the team’s spirit.
In the backdrop of this artistic enhancement at the Zozo Marine Stadium, the Lotte baseball team has seen various developments and achievements on the field. News surfaced regarding the passing of former Lotte catcher Hidetoshi Hakamada in early February, marking a somber moment for the team and its supporters. On a more positive note, Shuta Ishikawa made his first start since transferring to the team, showcasing his commitment to pitching and delivering a strong performance in his home opening game debut against Orix on April 1st.
The team’s performance on the field has also garnered attention, with Lotte securing three consecutive wins at the beginning of the season for the first time in thirteen years. These victories were highlighted by a remarkable final point that showcased the team’s skill and determination. Additionally, first-round pick Misho Nishikawa has demonstrated consistency and talent by achieving three consecutive hits since the start of the season, making a noteworthy impact during the games.
Neftalí Soto, another standout player from the team, displayed his prowess with a remarkable performance, hitting his second solo homer in two consecutive games during the fifth inning. Soto’s impressive display of skill and determination on the field has been instrumental in the team’s success, showcasing the depth of talent within the Lotte baseball roster. The team’s strong start to the season and the positive energy stemming from the new mural at the Zozo Marine Stadium have created an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation among fans and supporters, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.