Shonan BMW Stadium Hiratsuka

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The biggest problem with visiting Japan and being a sports lover is finding out where the games are and how to get to the games.  While there is ample information about when the games are, it can be difficult to know how to get there; where to sit; and what to do at the games.  This is part of a series of posts designed to help you navigate to the stadium and enjoy the game as much as possible rather than getting lost in what to do.

*All information is valid as of the start of the 2019 season and subject to change.

Stadium Stats

  • Name: Shonan BMW Stadium Hiratsuka
  • Location: Hiratsuka, Kanagawa
  • Team: Shonan Bellmare
  • Main Station: Hiratsuka Station (25 minute walk)
  • Alternative Stations: Isehara Station (20 minute bus)
  • Capacity: 18,500

Shonan BMW Stadium Hiratsuka

Team

Shonan BMW Stadium Hiratsuka only has one main tenant, Shonan Bellmare.  Shonan Bellmare has been in the J League since 1994 but in their recent history they have been more of a J2 club than a J1 club.  They continue to bounce between the top tier and secondary tier.

Getting There

Getting to Hiratsuka is easy.  It is a stop for all trains on the Tokaido Line.  Unfortunately there are not a lot of options for getting to Hiratsuka other than the Tokaido Line.  Hiratsuka Station is serviced by the following lines:

  • JR Tokaido Main Line
  • JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line

Shonan BMW Stadium Hiratsuka can also be accessed by the Odakyu Odawara Line at Isehara Station by bus.

From Hiratsuka Station, head to the west exit and head north.  Go 1 block east and then continue heading north.  Keep going for about 20 minutes till you reach Hiratsuka City Park.  The stadium is in the north side of the park.

From Hiratsuka Station, you can also head out the north exit.  Head to the rotary and then down to the underground passage; head to bus bay 11 for the shuttle bus to Shonan BMW Stadium Hiratsuka.  The shuttle bus departs roughly every 10 minutes and arrives inside the parking lot at Hiratsuka City Park.  Once you arrive, just follow everyone to the stadium.

Note:  It costs 180 yen for the shuttle bus.  IC cards offer a 5 yen discount.  If you use an IC card, you must tap in and out of the bus.

At the stadium, be aware of which gate you must enter.  The main stands are at the central gate.  The south gate is for the visitor supporters while the north gate, Gate 8, is for the home supporters.  Gates 7 and 6 are for the back stands.  Please check your tickets to know which one to use.

Seats

  • Main Special (メイン特別席) – Reserved Seats
  • Main Reserved (メイン指定席) – Reserved Seats
  • Main Free (メイン自由席) – Free Seating
  • Back Reserved (バック指定席) – Reserved Seats
  • 6G Back Seats (6Gバック自由席) – Free Seating (Note: Mainly visiting team fans sit here but some home fans will also sit in this section)
  • 7G Home Team Back Seats (7Gバックホーム自由席) – Free Seating (Note: Only home fans allowed)
  • Home Supporters Standing (ホームサポーターゾーン立見) – Free Standing (Note: Standing only)
  • Home Supporters Seating (ホームサポーターゾーン座席) – Free Seating
  • Visitor Supporters (アウェイサポーターゾーン立見/座席) – Free Seating (Note: Visitor supporters have both seating and standing only sections)
  • Super Crazy Seats (超暴れん坊シート) – Chairs next to the pitch
  • Crazy Seat NEO (暴れん坊シートNEO) – Chairs next to the pitch

*Discounts available to fan club members.

Seat Layout & Single Match Ticket Prices

Shonan BMW Stadium Hiratsuka

Tickets

J-league has its own website in English to purchase tickets for some teams, including Shonan Bellmare, however as of the start of 2018, Shonan Bellmare is no longer selling tickets on the official J-League site.

Note:  Tickets are usually released 1-2 months in advance.

J-League’s Shonan Bellmare Ticket Site

Shonan Bellmare has many options for purchasing tickets in Japanese:

Shonan Bellmare Supporters Club

Joining the fan club is very worthwhile.  It costs 3,500 JPY to for a 1 year membership and you get 2 free tickets for same day seating availability.  If you purchase regular tickets, you will receive at around 500 JPY off every ticket purchased.  Members also receive 10% off merchandise at their online shop as well as a 500 JPY voucher for the purchase of goods totalling over 1,500 JPY.  The card can also be used to track how often you go to games to win awards.

Same Day Tickets

Buying tickets on the day of the game, or at the stadium, is not a big risk.  Games are unlikely to sell out but this is not a guarantee.  It is important, if you can speak Japanese, to check the ticket availability for major games or games during the major holidays.  Generally you don’t have to worry.  Same day tickets at the stadium are also around 500 JPY more expensive than advanced tickets.

You can purchase tickets in the main plaza as well as at the central gate of the stadium.

View from the Back Stands near the Visitor Stands

Club Merchandise

Prior to the games, Shonan Bellmare sets up a plaza in front of a pond on the south-west corner of Shonan BMW Stadium Hiratsuka.  There are a few tents with club merchandise.  They also have a single tent for visiting fans as well.

Inside the stadium, there is a small merchandise shop at the main gate.  Unfortunately we cannot confirm if there are merchandise shops behind the goals or in the back stands.

Merchandise Shop near Shonan BMW Stadium Hiratsuka in Hiratsuka City Park

Information