The Japan Series champion Fukuoka Softbank Hawks will open their 2015 season at home on March 27, according to the Pacific League, which announced the dates and venues for next season on Friday.
With both leagues opening on the same day, the Hawks will host the Chiba Lotte Marines at Fukuoka's Yafuoku Dome, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters will take on the visiting Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles at Sapporo Dome, while Seibu Dome will see the Seibu Lions taking on the Orix Buffaloes.
After the PL acceded to the Central League's demand to shorten interleague play to 18 games from 24, five extra league games were added from this year. As a result of the change from a 144-game season to 143, the Hawks, Fighters and Lions will each play one more league game at home than on the road. In 2016, the other three PL clubs will each get an extra home game.
The CL schedule was announced on Thursday.