The Central League announced the dates and venues for its 2015 season on Thursday as teams in both leagues shift from a 144-game season to 143.
In opening matchups determined by the order of finish from the 2013 season, the three-time defending champion Yomiuri Giants will host the Yokohama BayStars at Tokyo Dome on March 27, when each league kicks off its regular season. The CL's other two opening series will see the Chunichi Dragons visit the Hanshin Tigers' early-season home, Kyocera Dome, while the Hiroshima Carp will host the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Mazda Stadium.
The shorter season was a result of the CL's demand for less interleague play. From next season, each team will play six fewer interleague games, but five more league games, creating an imbalance in the total number of home and road games. The Swallows, Dragons and Tigers will each play one more game at home than on the road, with the other three clubs getting an extra home game in 2016.
The Pacific League's schedule will be released on Friday.