by Armand Vaquer
(Originally published in G-FAN #81. Fall, 2007)
Fukuoka Yahoo Dome is Japan’s first retractable roof stadium. The Dome was featured in the 1995 movie, Gamera: The Guardian of the Universe when Japanese authorities attempted to capture three Gyaos birds. Gamera made his appearance at the dome after coming ashore from Hakata Bay to destroy the Gyaos. Gamera succeeded in killing one while the other two escaped after Gamera partially demolished the Dome's roof.
Above, Hakata Bay with Fukuoka Dome (behind the tall building) from Fukuoka Tower.
The stadium opened on April 2, 1993 and was originally named “Fukuoka Dome" until it was renamed the "Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome." Fukuoka Dome was renamed on February 2, 2005 when Yahoo Japan purchased the naming rights.
The dome was designed with an ancient Roman Coliseum motif and allows optimal viewing for spectators and state-of-the-art athletic field. The retractable roof makes the Dome an ideal venue for sporting events and concerts in any weather condition. The Dome seats 48,000 spectators.
While home to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks baseball franchise, it has 6,000 movable seats on both sides of the field which allow for a wide spectrum of sporting events to be held like American football games and super motorcross races. It is also a concert venue for big-name celebrities from Japan and abroad, including Whitney Houston, Eagles, the Rolling Stones and Billy Joel.
Nearby, Fukuoka Tower (spotlighted in G-FAN #80) is within easy walking distance from the Dome and the Fukuoka Hard Rock Cafe is a courtyard away.
Several hotels are clustered around the Dome and the shore at Hakata Bay is nearby.
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