The countdown begins for what promises to be an extraordinary night of martial arts as ONE Championship confirms its return to Japan’s capital city. ONE 173 will transform Tokyo’s Ariake Arena into the epicentre of combat sports on 16 November, delivering the high-octane action that has made the organisation a global phenomenon.
Japanese fight fans, renowned for their passionate support and deep appreciation of martial arts, will once again have the opportunity to witness world-class athletes compete at the highest level. The Ariake Arena, with its state-of-the-art facilities and electric atmosphere, provides the perfect backdrop for what’s expected to be a card filled with title implications and career-defining moments.
ONE has implemented a fan-centric approach to ticket distribution with their pre-sale lottery system. Running from 13 June through 18 June, this five-day window gives supporters worldwide a chance to secure their spot at this marquee event. The lottery format eliminates the traditional rush and stress of general sales, creating a more equitable process for devoted fans.
The notification process is equally streamlined – winners learn their fate on 21 June at 1 PM JST via email. This three-day processing period allows the organisation to carefully manage inventory and ensure legitimate fans receive priority access over scalpers and resellers.
Perhaps most appealing to budget-conscious fans is the substantial 20% discount applied to CAT1-CAT3 tickets through the pre-sale. This isn’t just a nominal reduction – it represents real savings on premium seating that typically commands top dollar for ONE Championship events. The discount extends to wheelchair-accessible seating, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity.
The application system shows impressive flexibility, allowing fans to request up to 10 tickets whilst providing backup seating options. This dual-choice system maximises the chances of successful applicants walking away with tickets, even if their first preference isn’t available.
The digital ticketing approach reflects ONE’s forward-thinking philosophy. QR codes delivered via email eliminate common issues like lost or damaged physical tickets whilst speeding up arena entry.
Payment processing happens automatically for lottery winners, removing the pressure of completing transactions within tight deadlines. However, applicants must ensure adequate credit availability – insufficient funds will invalidate applications regardless of lottery selection.
For fans preferring traditional ticket purchasing or those unlucky in the lottery, general sales commence 5 July at 10 AM. However, given the discount incentive and expected demand, the pre-sale lottery represents the optimal path to securing attendance at this anticipated event.
ONE 173 continues ONE Championship’s tradition of delivering unforgettable experiences in Japan, where martial arts hold deep cultural significance and fans bring unmatched energy to every event.