Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium

The Hiroshima Carp, founded in 1949 as part of the city's postwar recovery, finally found corporate stability when Toyo Kogyo, later Mazda, became their principal sponsor in 1968. In 1975 they became the first Japanese team to hire a foreign manager, American Joe Lutz, and won their first league championship the same year. Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium, their home since 2009, sits about 15 minutes southeast of Hiroshima Station. The retro-styled exterior stands out among modern ballparks. During the March-to-October season, up to six games per week are played here, and on game days the surrounding streets fill with fans wearing red. The stadium seats tens of thousands and has several food and merchandise areas.