The Nippon Ham Fighters, who are planning a move to Sapporo in 2004, will play about 15 games at the Tokyo Dome after relocating in Hokkaido to ensure that Pacific League games are played in Tokyo, baseball sources said Thursday.
Also, in a lead up to their proposed move, the Fighters are planning to schedule 10 games at Sapporo Dome next season.
According to the sources, scheduling adjustments will have to be made for games at Tokyo Dome and Sapporo Dome.
The sources added that after the move to Hokkaido, the Fighters will have to obtain consent to use Tokyo Dome from the Yomiuri Giants and Yakult Swallows of the Central League, who will share the stadium as their home field.
Nippon Ham, which currently plays its home games at the Tokyo Dome, has indicated that it plans to move the franchise to Sapporo.
The Seibu Lions, however, are opposed to the move since they have their own plans to make Sapporo their second home away from the Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Pref.