Lost in time no more. We are standing where legends played. This is the site of the former Heiwadai Stadium, now known as FIT Stadium. Though it is gone its stories still echo here.
Heiwadai Stadium was built in 1949. It rose from the grounds of Fukuoka Castle, a conversion of a soccer field. Imagine the roar of the crowds. Feel the excitement of a nation falling in love with baseball.
Initially, the stadium was simple. Wood benches sat atop a dirt mound. There were no lights for night games. In 1952, a riot erupted. A game was deliberately stalled by the Mainichi Orions to force its cancellation due to darkness. Fans stormed the field. Nishitetsu players defended the Orions. This incident led to the installation of lights in 1954. Night baseball came to Heiwadai.
The Nishitetsu Lions called Heiwadai home from 1950 to 1978. The stadium hosted the Nishi Nippon Pirates briefly in 1950. The Fukuoka Daiei Hawks also played here from 1989 to 1992. Think of the legacy. In total, 1904 official NPB games were played here.
In 1953, Lions infielder Futoshi Nakanishi hit a home run. It traveled over 160 meters leaving the stadium. It is still considered the longest home run by a Japanese player. A commemorative sign marked the spot.
The Lions entered their Golden Age. They won three straight Japan Series from 1956 to 1958. Temporary stands were added for the 1956 Japan Series. The stadium modernized in 1958. Seating increased from 24000 to 34000. Reinforced concrete replaced the wooden stands. Indoor bullpens and locker rooms were added.
Low attendance and a game-fixing scandal hurt the Lions. The team was sold and moved in 1978. Artificial turf was installed in 1979. Various teams then played countryside games here. The Hawks moved in 1989.
During renovations in 1987, remains of the Korokan were found. This ancient lodging facility changed everything. The city decided to excavate the ruins. A new historical park was planned. The Hawks moved to Fukuoka Dome in 1993.
Heiwadai Stadium closed in 1997. It was dismantled the following year. The outfield bleachers remained until 2008. They were demolished due to earthquake damage. Excavation finished in 2013. Korokan Square opened in 2016.
Today, only part of the outer outfield walls remain. In 2002, a commemorative plaque was erected. The Lions and Hawks still honor their former home. Stone from the outfield wall has been displayed at events. The Fukuoka Dome scoreboard was even modified to resemble Heiwadai’s.
Heiwadai Stadium was more than just a ballpark. It was next to Fukuoka Castle. Spectators climbed the castle walls to watch games. The field was traditionally Japanese. It was curved and symmetrical. An udon soup served here was extremely popular.
So remember Heiwadai Stadium. It stood for baseball history. It stood for community pride. It stood on this very ground.