There had been speculation, following the events of March 11, it might not be possible to play professional baseball games at Tokyo Dome for the entire 2011 season, on account of the problems at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power facility. Because it is an indoor stadium, lighting and other energy consuming power sources are needed for day and night games.
A total of 12 Yomiuri Giants games scheduled between March 25 and April 24 were canceled or moved to other ballparks, and a Pacific League series, slated March 29-31 between the Nippon Ham Fighters and Orix Buffaloes, was also scrapped. However, the Giants, after three weeks of playing on the road, were finally able to host Golden Week afternoon games at the Big Egg on May 3, 4 and 5 against the Hanshin Tigers. They also played the Yokohama BayStars in the first night games at Tokyo Dome this season May 11-12.
Crowds of better than 45,000 showed up for each of the matinee games against the Tigers, and the concern for the visibility was evident on the field and in the stands where an eerie feeling reminded fans they were in a setsuden (power saving) situation. Minimal lighting was used in the stadium concourses, concession stands and in the areas below the stands where players, coaches, managers, team staff and media members have access to the field.