Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Orix Buffaloes 2026, Chiba, Japan

• September 22, 2026
  Event date:
• September 23, 2026
  Event end:

What to expect in 2026

Chiba Lotte Marines face the Orix Buffaloes in a two-game Pacific League regular-season series at ZOZO Marine Stadium in Chiba on September 22 and September 23, 2026. The first game is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 22, while the second begins at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 23. Both games are part of the Marines’ home schedule at their seaside stadium in Makuhari.

The two-game series has additional entertainment and food programming beyond the baseball itself. September 22 features TEAM26 Day activities, including opportunities for eligible fan-club members to enter draws for player autograph and photo events. The same day also forms the final day of the 2026 MARINES FOOD FESTIVAL “KOREAN FOOD,” with a Korean-market-inspired food area around the stadium.

The September 22 game also includes a special sponsor presentation connected with Akebono Transport’s 50th anniversary. Spectators holding tickets for that day’s game are scheduled to receive a Coolish ice-cream product, with the distribution limited to the first 15,000 eligible attendees.

September 23 has its own pre-game highlight: a Meikyukai blazer presentation for Marines pitcher Naoya Masuda following his achievement of 250 career saves, together with league recognition connected with his 250-save and 800-appearance milestones.

The series therefore combines two regular-season baseball games with different stadium programmes:

• September 22: Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Orix Buffaloes, 6:00 PM
• September 22: TEAM26 Day activities
• September 22: Korean Food Festival
• September 22: player fan-service opportunities for eligible TEAM26 members
• September 22: Akebono Transport 50th Anniversary Thanks Night
• September 23: Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Orix Buffaloes, 5:00 PM
• September 23: Naoya Masuda 250-save Meikyukai blazer presentation

The stadium’s standard game-day entertainment also includes the Marines’ stage programming, roster introduction, music and fan activities before the first pitch.

Match/event dates

The series takes place over two consecutive public holidays in Japan.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Orix Buffaloes
Game start: 6:00 PM
Gates: 4:00 PM

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Orix Buffaloes
Game start: 5:00 PM
Gates: 3:00 PM

The official Marines stadium calendar confirms both fixtures, with the September 22 game starting at 6:00 PM and the September 23 game starting at 5:00 PM.

The different start times are useful for visitors planning their day. September 22 is an evening game, allowing additional time to explore Chiba or Tokyo before heading toward Makuhari. September 23 begins earlier, leaving more time after the game for returning to central Tokyo or continuing onward travel.

The official ticket listings also confirm the published gate-opening times of 4:00 PM on September 22 and 3:00 PM on September 23.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

The games are played at ZOZO Marine Stadium in Chiba’s Mihama Ward.

Venue: ZOZO Marine Stadium

Address: 1 Mihama, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

ZOZO Marine Stadium is the home stadium of the Chiba Lotte Marines and is positioned in the Makuhari waterfront area. The stadium has a listed capacity of 29,645 spectators as of March 2025. Its baseball field has 99.5-meter foul lines and a 122-meter center-field distance, with a water-permeable artificial turf playing surface.

The venue also features large LED screens, ribbon displays and multiple video screens that support live game information, player introductions and entertainment throughout the event.

The location beside Makuhari Seaside Park and close to Makuhari Messe gives the games a broader destination feel. Visitors can combine a baseball game with shopping, dining and other attractions around Kaihin-Makuhari.

Full fixture or event schedule

The two fixtures form a short home series against Orix Buffaloes.

September 22

The stadium opens at 4:00 PM, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:00 PM. Before the game, the stadium hosts TEAM26 Day programming, stage entertainment and fan activities. The day’s programme includes an OB talk show featuring former Marines players, an M☆Splash!! dance performance and a roster introduction before the game.

The timetable includes:

• 3:00 PM: same-day ticket sales and outside catering operations
• 3:00 PM: TEAM26 booth opens
• 3:30 PM: direct bus service from Kaihin-Makuhari Station begins
• 3:40 PM: ballpark stage programming
• 3:50 PM: TEAM26 Day OB talk show
• 4:00 PM: stadium gates open
• 4:30 PM: M☆Splash!! dance show
• Around 5:20 PM: Marines roster introduction
• Around 5:25 PM: DJ play time
• 6:00 PM: first pitch

Some event times may change, so visitors should check the official game-day page before attending.

September 23

The stadium opens at 3:00 PM and the game starts at 5:00 PM. The major special event is the pre-game presentation honoring Naoya Masuda’s 250 career saves and 800 career appearances.

Teams, athletes & participants

The fixture brings together the Chiba Lotte Marines and Orix Buffaloes in a Pacific League regular-season matchup.

Chiba Lotte Marines

The Marines are the home team for both games and use ZOZO Marine Stadium as their home venue. The club’s pre-game programme includes a full roster introduction, giving spectators an opportunity to see the players participating in that day’s game.

The September 22 game also has a particular connection with pitcher Naoya Masuda through the wider TEAM26 Day programme and the club’s recent milestone celebrations.

Orix Buffaloes

The Orix Buffaloes travel from Osaka to Chiba for the two-game away series. The official Orix schedule confirms both September 22 and September 23 as away fixtures at ZOZO Marine Stadium, beginning at 6:00 PM and 5:00 PM respectively.

Starting pitchers and final lineups are subject to official game-day announcements. Baseball lineups can change because of player availability, roster decisions and tactical considerations, so visitors should rely on the official team pages for final information.

Tournament format & competition structure

These games are regular-season professional baseball fixtures rather than a separate tournament.

The Chiba Lotte Marines and Orix Buffaloes are competing as Pacific League teams during the 2026 NPB regular season. Each game is played under professional Japanese baseball rules, with the result contributing to the teams’ regular-season records.

The September 22 and 23 games are not knockout matches and do not form a standalone two-game tournament. Instead, they are two scheduled fixtures within the larger league season.

For spectators, this means the atmosphere combines the importance of league standings with the entertainment traditionally associated with a Marines home game. Each contest is played independently, and the second game does not automatically depend on the result of the first.

Match/event times

The two games have different start times.

September 22: 6:00 PM
September 23: 5:00 PM

The gates open two hours before the September 22 game and two hours before the September 23 game, according to the current ticket listings.

The earlier September 23 start gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy the game during the late afternoon and early evening. The September 22 evening start provides more time for visitors to explore the Makuhari area before entering the stadium.

On September 22, visitors should allow additional time for the Korean Food Festival and TEAM26 activities before the game. The Korean Food Festival’s dedicated outside area operates from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, although individual food vendors may operate later.

Ticket types

ZOZO Marine Stadium uses reserved seating and dynamic pricing for Marines home games. The final price depends on the game, seat category, seat location and purchase timing. The club specifically states that listed prices are reference examples because the dynamic-pricing system can change prices according to demand.

The stadium offers multiple categories, including:

• Infield reserved seating
• General seating
• Home outfield cheering reserved seating
• Visitor outfield cheering reserved seating
• Premium and special seating areas
• Wheelchair seating
• Universal seating

As a reference, the official 2026 price table shows certain standard seat categories ranging from approximately $6 to $70 USD, depending on seat type and dynamic pricing level. Some individual categories can reach higher levels. These are reference ranges rather than guaranteed prices for the September 22–23 games.

Because the September 22 and 23 games are subject to dynamic pricing, visitors should check the actual price displayed in the official M Ticket system when selecting their seats.

Children’s pricing is available for certain seat categories. Children aged four and older generally require tickets, while children under four can enter without a ticket if they remain seated with an accompanying adult; if they occupy their own seat, a ticket is required.

Ticket release phases

Ticket sales for the September 22 and 23 games were released through the Marines’ staged ticket-sales programme.

For the September 19–28 home-game block, the published schedule included:

TEAM26 special seat lottery: August 7–9

TEAM26 advance sales: Beginning August 15, with sales times varying by membership stage

M Ticket Seven-Eleven advance sales: Beginning August 18

General online sales: August 19 at 10:00 AM

General counter sales: August 20 at 10:00 AM

The official schedule confirms these sales phases for the September 22–23 Buffaloes games.

Current listings show the September 22 and September 23 games available through official ticket channels at the time of checking. Availability can change as seats are purchased or released.

VIP & hospitality options

The September 22 game has a particularly notable premium seating opportunity through the TEAM26 Day programme.

A special Field Terrace Suite lottery was offered to paid TEAM26 members. This normally group-oriented premium area was opened in shared-seat format for the special event. The package included drinks, live commentary and fan interaction with Marines OB Naoya Uchi, including a signed commemorative business card.

Former Marines players were scheduled to provide live commentary within the suite using CHEERPHONE, while guests could also participate in photo and autograph opportunities.

The special Field Terrace Suite lottery was specifically associated with the September 22 TEAM26 Day event and was not a general-access upgrade for every ticket holder.

Other premium seating and hospitality areas may be available through the regular Marines ticket system, but availability and pricing depend on the selected game and sales period.

Stadium & event rules

Visitors should follow the Chiba Lotte Marines’ official stadium rules and the terms governing attendance at professional baseball games.

Reserved seating: All seats are assigned, and visitors should use the seat shown on their ticket.

Dynamic pricing: Ticket prices can change depending on demand, game date, seat and purchase timing.

Sightlines: Some seats can have partial obstruction from protective netting, home-run poles, stadium equipment or other structures. The club states that such characteristics are not grounds for cancellation, refund or seat movement.

Cheering areas: Home and visitor cheering sections have their own rules governing standing and support activities. The club asks spectators to respect the surrounding audience and designated cheering arrangements.

Food and drink: Food and beverages can be purchased from stadium concessions and event-area vendors, subject to stadium rules and individual vendor conditions.

Event changes: Special events, vendors, stage programmes and player appearances can change without notice.

Fan activities: TEAM26-only activities require the relevant membership and successful participation in the applicable lottery.

Visitors should check the official stadium rules before attending because regulations can be updated for individual games.

How to get there

ZOZO Marine Stadium is located at 1 Mihama, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture.

The most common route is through Kaihin-Makuhari Station on the JR Keiyo Line.

From Kaihin-Makuhari Station, the stadium is approximately a 15-minute walk. Visitors can also use buses serving ZOZO Marine Stadium, with the ride taking approximately six minutes.

Another option is Makuhari-Hongo Station on the JR Sobu Line and Keisei Line. From there, visitors can take a bus toward the stadium, with the journey taking approximately 20–21 minutes.

Makuhari-Toyosuna Station is another rail option, although the stadium is approximately a 30-minute walk from that station.

Public transport & parking

Public transportation is generally the most convenient way to reach the stadium on game days.

Kaihin-Makuhari Station: Approximately 15 minutes on foot or around six minutes by bus.

Makuhari-Toyosuna Station: Approximately 30 minutes on foot.

Makuhari-Hongo Station: Approximately 20–21 minutes by bus.

On professional baseball game days, temporary shuttle buses operate from Kaihin-Makuhari Station. The stadium’s official access information says these services normally operate beginning around two hours before a weekday game and around two and a half hours before a weekend or holiday game, with schedules varying by event.

For drivers, a dedicated seaside parking area is available through the official ticketing system. The parking facility is for ordinary passenger cars and requires a parking ticket. Parking after the game can become congested, and vehicles should follow staff instructions.

Visitors should allow additional travel time after the game because thousands of spectators may leave the stadium simultaneously.

Accommodation areas

Kaihin-Makuhari is the most convenient accommodation area for visitors attending these games. Staying close to the station provides easy access to the stadium and nearby shopping, dining and entertainment facilities.

The wider Makuhari area also contains several major hotels close to Makuhari Messe and the waterfront.

Visitors can also stay in Chiba City, particularly around Chiba Station, although this requires additional travel to the stadium.

For travelers arriving from Tokyo, accommodation around Tokyo Station or the eastern Tokyo districts can also work well. The JR Keiyo Line provides direct rail access toward Kaihin-Makuhari, making it possible to combine the baseball game with sightseeing in central Tokyo.

Visitors attending both games can consider staying in Kaihin-Makuhari for the night of September 22, avoiding the need to travel back to central Tokyo immediately after the evening game.

Food & drink at the venue

Food is a major part of the September 22 experience because the game coincides with the final day of MARINES FOOD FESTIVAL 2026 “KOREAN FOOD.”

The festival runs around the outside of ZOZO Marine Stadium and creates a Korean-market-inspired area called “Makuhari Market.” The event features Korean street-food style dishes, specialist Korean food brands and food trucks.

Examples of Korean-inspired food include:

• Tteokbokki
• Rainbow hotteok
• Yangnyeom chicken
• Korean street-food dishes
• Special menus from Korean food brands

Participating vendors include SLOW SLOW QUICK QUICK and CRISPY CHICKEN n’ TOMATO, while Xiaomalar also makes its first ZOZO Marine Stadium appearance as part of the Korean Food programme.

The dedicated Korean Food Festival area is scheduled for 2:00 PM–7:00 PM, with some individual vendors operating until the end of the game. Participation in the festival itself is free, while food and baseball tickets are purchased separately.

Inside the stadium, regular concession stands also offer Marines-themed food and drinks. Current game-day examples include the Marine Cheese Steak Dog at approximately $8 USD, Marine Cream Shrimp at approximately $8 USD, and Marines Beer at approximately $6 USD, based on the published 2026 prices and an approximate exchange rate of ¥158 per US dollar.

Accessibility

ZOZO Marine Stadium provides dedicated accessible seating options.

The stadium offers Paramount Bed Smile Seats, which provide designated wheelchair viewing spaces, together with Universal Seats intended for visitors with mobility limitations and others who may have difficulty using stairs. Applications are handled through the Marines Information Center by telephone or online, with availability determined through a lottery process.

Visitors requiring accessible seating should make arrangements in advance rather than relying on same-day availability.

The stadium also provides accessible toilets, and official facility information identifies accessible parking arrangements that can be confirmed directly with the venue.

Because ZOZO Marine Stadium is a large open-air venue, visitors with mobility requirements should also consider the walking distance from Kaihin-Makuhari Station and the potential crowds around the stadium before and after the game.

Best matches/events to attend

The two games offer different experiences because each has its own additional programming.

September 22: Marines vs. Buffaloes

The September 22 game has the broader event programme. It combines the 6:00 PM baseball game with TEAM26 Day, the final day of the Korean Food Festival, the Akebono Transport anniversary event and multiple fan activities.

September 22: Korean Food Festival

Visitors interested in food should arrive early enough to explore the Korean-market area before entering the stadium. The dedicated festival operates from 2:00 PM, making it possible to combine food exploration with the pre-game entertainment.

September 22: TEAM26 Day

Paid TEAM26 members have access to special activities, including selected autograph and photography events through advance lotteries.

September 23: Marines vs. Buffaloes

The second game begins at 5:00 PM and features the special presentation recognizing Naoya Masuda’s 250 career saves and 800 appearances.

Visitors interested in the full stadium entertainment experience may prefer September 22 because of the greater number of simultaneous programmes, while September 23 provides the earlier start time and the milestone ceremony.

Previous year’s highlights

The 2025 season also featured extensive event programming around Marines home games at ZOZO Marine Stadium.

During September 2025, the stadium hosted the “MARINES FOOD FES. 2025 Meat & Sweets” event, bringing together food trucks and special menus focused on meat dishes and sweets. A one-day beer and lemon-sour promotion was also held on September 23, 2025.

The 2025 season also included several home games against Orix Buffaloes. A September 8 Orix fixture was added as a rescheduled game after an earlier rainout, demonstrating the way NPB schedules can be adjusted during the season.

September 2025 also featured regular pre-game entertainment, including M☆Splash!! performances, ballpark stage programming, roster introductions and food-truck activities.

The 2026 series continues this broader home-game entertainment approach, but introduces its own distinctive programmes. The September 22 Korean Food Festival is especially notable because it transforms the stadium perimeter into a Korean-market-inspired food area, while TEAM26 Day adds fan-service opportunities and special content.

Official tickets

Tickets for the Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Orix Buffaloes games are sold through the official Marines ticket system and authorized ticketing partners.

September 22, 2026: Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Orix Buffaloes, 6:00 PM

September 23, 2026: Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Orix Buffaloes, 5:00 PM

The official ticket schedule confirms general sales began on August 19 online and August 20 at ticket counters for this September home-game block.

Because the Marines use dynamic pricing, the actual ticket price depends on the selected seat and purchase timing. The official price table should therefore be treated as a reference rather than a fixed price list.

Official Ticket Pia: https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventBundleCd=b2670672

Official Chiba Lotte Marines: https://www.marines.co.jp/

Visitors should use official ticket channels and check the selected game date carefully before purchasing. September 22 and September 23 have different starting times and different special-event programmes.

Location

FAQ