Source: Tigers Official
As you all know, the Hanshin Tigers clinched the 2023 Central League pennant on September 14. This earns them the right to host the Final Stage of the Climax Series against the winners of the First Stage (Hiroshima Carp vs. Yokohama BayStars). The Final Stage games will all be held at Hanshin Koshien Stadium, from Wednesday, October 18 until Monday, October 23. That said, the team has earned a one-game advantage in the “best of seven” so it is entirely possible that the series ends before the weekend games. And if the series does go the distance and there are rain-outs, they will play on Tuesday and/or Wednesday (10/24-25).
In order to get your hands on tickets, there are three possibilities:
- As a member of the team’s official fan club (at least for the entirety of the 2023 season) or a season ticket holder, you are eligible to enter a lottery for tickets to as many games as you’d like. No guarantees you’ll get them all, but it’s worth a try! Details (Japanese only) here.
- If you want to brave the clogged internet lines for tickets (and I recommend you do because this is where the bulk of the tickets will get snapped up), they will be available (first come, first served) on October 11 at noon. Access the same site you normally would for tickets (here’s my English guide) and make sure you have a TigersID as well (another guide here).
- Leftover tickets will be made available at ticket shops (convenience stores, etc.) on October 13 at 10:00 a.m.
I should also inform you that tickets for the visitors’ cheer section will not go on sale until October 17 at noon, as it will take that long to know who the opponent will be.
Here’s a look at the seating chart and prices. Surprisingly they are quite affordable!
Also, just a heads-up – tickets for the Japan Series are all going to be lottery-style. If I remember correctly, last season they conducted the lottery during the first or second round of the playoffs, in the outside chance the Tigers advanced (they didn’t, so no tickets got sold, and no fans got charged for them).
Best of luck in your endeavors to find seats! If you have an extra one, and want me to tag along, hit me up!