Bringing you the highlights of the highly successful 'PR1DE the FINAL' event, Takumi Kuriyama's final game.

Pacific League Insight

PR1DE the FINAL photo spot and celebratory flowers received from colleagues in the baseball world ©PLM
PR1DE the FINAL photo spot and celebratory flowers received from colleagues in the baseball world ©PLM

On August 30th, the retirement match for Saitama Seibu Lions' Takumi Kuriyama was held at Belluna Dome, titled "PR1DE the FINAL." Even before the game, events were held both inside and outside Belluna Dome to celebrate Kuriyama's final game.

Belluna Dome was crowded with many fans even before the gates opened. Upon arriving at Seibu-Kyujo-mae Station, the decorations in the plaza were a huge success as a photo spot.

Photo Spot ©PLM
Photo Spot ©PLM

The area in front of the gate was titled the 'Path of Glory,' decorated in blue with celebratory flowers sent by fans. Additionally, in one corner outside the stadium, flowers from current players of rival teams as well as seniors and juniors in the baseball world were lined up, showcasing the deep respect and popularity Kuriyama commands.

The "Glorious Path of Flowers" created from flowers gifted by fans. (c) PLM
The "Glorious Path of Flowers" created from flowers gifted by fans. (c) PLM
A row of flowers received from Pacific League players and coaches ©PLM
A row of flowers received from Pacific League players and coaches ©PLM

The fourth-generation 'L-train' PR1DE EDITION, with its hanging advertisements completely filled with images of Kuriyama, was specially parked at Platform 5 of Seibu Lions Kyujo-mae Station on this day. The interior was opened for public viewing, and many fans enjoyed the experience in their own way.

The fourth generation "L-train" "PR1DE EDITION" stopped at platform 5 of Seibu Lions Kyujo-mae Station. The headmark features the "PR1DE the FINAL" logo, and the destination display reads "#ThankYouKuriyama-san." ©PLM
The fourth generation "L-train" "PR1DE EDITION" stopped at platform 5 of Seibu Lions Kyujo-mae Station. The headmark features the "PR1DE the FINAL" logo, and the destination display reads "#ThankYouKuriyama-san." ©PLM
This is the interior of the train. Passengers were able to look back at Kuriyama's expressions from various eras through the hanging advertisements. ©PLM
This is the interior of the train. Passengers were able to look back at Kuriyama's expressions from various eras through the hanging advertisements. ©PLM

From the 28th to the 30th, a special three-day exhibition titled 'PR1DE SERIES Episode the FINAL' was held at the Shishi Building to trace the trajectory of Kuriyama's career. His achievements to date were introduced dramatically through a narration by a male guide. Beyond that, a voice message from Kuriyama addressed to the fans was played, creating a truly special atmosphere.

Scenes from the special exhibition "PR1DE SERIES Episode the FINAL" ©PLM
Scenes from the special exhibition "PR1DE SERIES Episode the FINAL" ©PLM

Events were also held between innings of the retirement game. Before The Lions' attack in the first inning, fans held up the cheering boards distributed as merchandise, dyeing the stands in Lions blue.

The Lions fans getting excited while holding up boards ©PLM
The Lions fans getting excited while holding up boards ©PLM

Article provided by:Pacific League Insight

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Bringing you the highlights of the highly successful 'PR1DE the FINAL' event, Takumi Kuriyama's final game.