Hometown Rivalry Open Games
A rare preseason hometown rivalry plays out across both of Kansai’s iconic baseball venues, as the Hanshin Tigers and Orix Buffaloes meet in Open Games at Kyocera Dome Osaka and Hanshin Koshien Stadium over one long spring weekend.
Every spring, Kansai baseball fans find themselves pulled between two identities: the Hanshin Tigers and the Orix Buffaloes. In March 2026, that rivalry returns in a form that is both rare and unusually accessible, with a three-game preseason Open Game series split across the region’s two most important baseball stadiums.
The series begins in Osaka city at Kyocera Dome Osaka, where the Buffaloes host two games in a weather‑proof, centrally located setting. It then shifts to Hanshin Koshien Stadium, where the Tigers welcome their hometown supporters back to the most storied field in Japanese baseball.
Preseason games offer a different rhythm from the regular season. Lineups rotate more freely, star players appear earlier, and fans often get closer views of key figures than later in the year. For inbound travelers, the appeal is clear: in just three days, it’s possible to experience both Kansai teams and both of their home stadiums without long-distance travel.
Fans can expect to see major contributors from both clubs take the field, including Hanshin standouts Teruaki Sato, Koji Chikamoto, and ace Shoki Murakami, alongside Buffaloes stars Hiroya Miyagi, Yuma Tongu, and emerging young arms such as Shunpeita Yamashita.
For fans local and from around the world, the series delivers a concentrated introduction to Kansai baseball culture—chants, uniforms, food, and fan traditions—packed into one long weekend at one of Osaka’s most convenient major venues.
Two Hometown Teams — Hanshin Tigers and Orix Buffaloes meet in preseason play.
Two Iconic Stadiums — Kyocera Dome Osaka and Hanshin Koshien Stadium in one series.
Preseason Access — Easier tickets and a relaxed atmosphere before Opening Day.
Stars Up Close — A strong chance to see top players from both teams.
Perfect for Visitors — Experience Kansai baseball culture in just one long weekend.
Photos: Official Team Websites
Maps
THE SCENE: FAQ’s
ACCESS
Game 1 & 3 Venue: Kyocera Dome Osaka
Address: 3-2-1 Chiyozaki, Nishi-ku, Osaka
Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line → Dome-mae Chiyozaki Station
(Exit 1) About 2 minutes on foot. Direct underground access to the dome concourse.
JR Osaka Loop Line → Taisho Station
(North Exit) About 7 minutes on foot. Walk west toward the dome.
Hanshin Electric Railway Hanshin Namba Line → Dome-mae Station
(Exit 2) About 5 minutes on foot. Follow signage toward Kyocera Dome Osaka.
Game 2 Venue: Hanshin Koshien Stadium
Address: 1-82 Koshien Chuo, Nishinomiya, Hyogo
Hanshin Electric Railway Main Line → Koshien Station
(North Exit) About 5 minutes on foot. The stadium is directly in front of the station.
SCHEDULE
GAME 1
Friday, March 20, 2026
Orix Buffaloes vs Hanshin Tigers
Venue: Kyocera Dome Osaka
Start time: 18:00
GAME 2
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Hanshin Tigers vs Orix Buffaloes
Venue: Kyocera Dome Osaka
Start time: 14:00
GAME 3
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Hanshin Tigers vs Orix Buffaloes
Venue: Hanshin Koshien Stadium
Start time: 13:00
TICKETS
Tickets for preseason Open Games are sold by designated home team and venue.
Kyocera Dome Osaka games:
For Orix-hosted games, tickets are sold via the official Orix Buffaloes ticket site:
https://www.buffaloes.co.jp/ticket/
For Hanshin-hosted games at Kyocera Dome, tickets are sold via the Hanshin Tigers preseason ticket page:
https://m.hanshintigers.jp/ticket/preseason/kyocera/
Hanshin Koshien Stadium game:
Tickets for the Koshien Open Game are sold via the Hanshin Tigers official ticket site:
https://hanshintigers.jp/ticket/
Preseason games are generally easier to secure than regular-season tickets, but rivalry dates may still sell out.
INFO & TIPS
Preseason games feature relaxed seating rules and frequent player rotation. Photography is generally permitted, but flash, drones, and professional equipment are prohibited.
Kyocera Dome Osaka is fully indoors and weather‑proof. Hanshin Koshien Stadium is an outdoor venue; weather conditions may affect play.
