FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY'S will make a special appearance at the Shimizu S-Pulse's match against Nagoya Grampus on May 3, 2025, celebrating a nostalgic connection with the team.
Scheduled for a 14:00 kickoff at the National Stadium, this event marks a considerable milestone as FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY'S has a long-standing history with Shimizu S-Pulse. The band’s hit song "ALWAYS" served as the theme for S-Pulse’s 'CHALLENGE FIVE!' during a standout season in 2006, when the team won all five home games. This correlation between music and sporting triumph is especially significant as the band prepares to perform it again, renewing the fervor among fans.
Since their collaboration in 2006, the relationship between Shimizu S-Pulse and FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY'S has flourished, creating nostalgic ties for both players and supporters. The upcoming match will not only provide entertainment in the form of live music, but also sparks renewed enthusiasm reminiscent of past victories.
Earlier, in September 2006, they performed at the National Stadium to honor their five-game winning streak; nearly two decades on, fans await another memorable performance. Members of the band expressed excitement about returning to the field, especially since they will conclude a limited tour in Hachioji just a day later.
Adding further dimension to the narrative is a simultaneous controversy brewing regarding ticket prices for another game at the National Stadium between Machida Zelvia and Urawa Reds, scheduled for April 13, 2025. The ticket prices for this match, listing at around 5,000 yen for adults, have generated discontent among fans, who argue that this rate is excessively high compared to other matches held at the same venue. For comparison, tickets for Vissel Kobe vs. Albirex Niigata will cost approximately 3,500 yen, while tickets for Shimizu S-Pulse's match against Nagoya Grampus are set at 3,800 yen.
The shift to dynamic pricing implemented by Machida serves as a contributing factor to these increased costs, raising eyebrows within the community and creating calls for re-evaluation from supporters. Naturally, fans took to social media platforms to voice their dissatisfaction, creating a heated dialogue around fair pricing in J.League matches.
Tickets for the Machida versus Urawa match begin general sales on March 23, 2025, with a mixture of emotions surfacing among potential purchasers. As many remember fondly the enthusiasm surrounding sports and music, the sharp increase in ticket prices emerges as a focal point that could detract from the shared experiences of fans.
While the commitment to delivering an unforgettable match day experience with live performances resonates positively, the outcry for more reasonable ticket prices demonstrates the juxtaposition between what fans cherish and what they feel is becoming unaffordable.
This dichotomy underscores a broader concern impacting the J.League's relationship with its supporters, emphasizing the need for accessible pricing to encourage attendance, foster loyalty, and cultivate an inclusive environment.
Thus, as this juxtaposition unfolds—music's joyous return at Shimizu S-Pulse's historic collaboration with FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY'S and the contrasting ticket price frustration faced at Machida—fans continue to seek a balance that respects both their passion for the sport and their financial well-being.
