Information for visitors to Sapporo Tsukisamu Arena
Posted by japanstats on 2008 March 21日 Friday
Some information about the Tsukisamu Arena in Sapporo, Japan where the 2008 IIHF World Championship Division I Group B games will be held.
Chances are your mobile phone won’t work in Japan because Japan uses a proprietory cell system. Even overseas 3G phones won’t work just by inserting Japanese SIM cards (though things may have changed recently, so check with your local carrier). Very inconvenient for visitors, I know.
Tsukisamu Arena has a capacity of about 3000 (this year’s AL games drew close to 2900).
Here are some pictures of the arena:
I recommend staying in the Susukino area of Sapporo, as that’s where the nightlife is, and it’s only 4 metro stops away from the Tsukisamu-Chuo station where the arena is situated (a 3 minute walk) on the Toho metro line.
All weekday Japan games are scheduled at 8pm, so I expect a good crowd for those games (not sure about preordering tickets). But I don’t expect much of a crowd for the other games, as Sapporo’s not a hockey town (there are some nice mountains nearby, so skiing and snowboarding are more popular) and Japanese people tend not to take many holidays.
For the Japan team preview, most of my Asia League summary is here already:
https://jhockey.wordpress.com/category/hockey/asia-league-ice-hockey/
If I have the time I’ll try to do a Team Japan preview once the roster’s announced.
Japan, Hockey, Baseball, etc. 
capper said
How can I purchase tickets for the upcoming World Hockey Championships at Tsukisamu Arena?
simoncurrie said
I don’t think there are any online ticket agencies that has English service but here it is in Japanese.
http://ent.pia.jp/pia/event.do?eventCd=0804774
I doubt the early games will sell out, so you can just go to the arena in time for the first or second game, buy the ticket at the door, and just stay till the end (tickets are good for all 3 games during game day).
The only issue might be Saturday, you migt want to pick up tickets for that day on the first day you go to the arena.
Reserved seats are 2700 yen (3000 at the door, I think)
Non-reserved seats are 1800 yen (2000 yen)
And if you’re going for the whole tournament, then the 5-day ticket (probably non-reserved) is 7500 yen.
erich said
where can i find a live stream for the games in sapporo 2008 iihf championship ??
simoncurrie said
Sorry, none that I’m aware of, since TV coverage is limited (tape delayed selected Japan games only on a satellite channel).
Georges LaFreniere said
Hello,
Is it possible to watch the Nikko Icebuck at Seibu Prince Rabbits game at 14:00 on September 14th over the internet?
Regards,
Georges
simoncurrie said
Hi Georges,
I assume you’re related to Eric.
Unfortunately there are no Asia League games that are being streamed online, let alone a preseason game. But if anything does come up, I’ll make sure to post that information in this blog.
Thanks