WBSC welcomes IOC approval of Yokohama Stadium for Olympic, Baseball Softball at Tokyo 2020 Games

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) today welcomed the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to approve the Tokyo 2020 venue proposal, which confirmed the 30,000-seat Yokohama Stadium as the main venue for baseball and softball events at the Olympic Games in 2020.

Approximately 40 km/25 miles south of Tokyo and located in the city centre, Yokohama Stadium is the home of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) club Yokohama DeNA BayStars.

In July, WBSC officials conducted inspections of Yokohama Stadium as a potential Olympic venue.

“WBSC is delighted with the decision of the International Olympic Committee Executive Board to confirm Yokohama Stadium as a main venue,” said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. “Yokohama Stadium with its downtown skyline will provide a spectacular backdrop for Olympic baseball and softball — this is an exciting day that takes baseball and softball one step closer on the historic road to Tokyo 2020.”

The ballpark in the city of 3.7 million features a “natural grass” look, but the entire field is fitted with a next generation artificial turf, with dirt cut-outs around the bases, pitcher’s mound and home plate circle.

Collaborations will continue between WBSC and Tokyo 2020 on the tournament format and the venue plan in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and how a game(s) in Fukushima could potentially be realised. Potential final proposals to the IOC are expected in 2017. The venue process for baseball and softball events has been generating a media buzz in Japan and internationally.

WBSC is also working to confirm the Olympic baseball and softball qualification method in early 2017.