FAQ | ALL-STAR SUMO

What is the difference between the US SUMO OPEN and ALL-STAR SUMO?

The US Sumo Open is one of the premiere, international sumo competitions in the world. It is the largest and longest-running (24 years) annual sumo tournament on Earth (outside of Japan). The event is about 5 hours long, with about 60 athletes from around the world, competing in about 150 matches. The All-Star Sumo events are more exclusive. Whereas most of the US Sumo Open competitors are amateurs who have never trained or competed in Japan, the All-Star line-up features some really elite Japanese Pro Sumo legends, and most of the athletes are flying over from Japan! The event is less than 3 hours, with just 8 elite Sumo Champions competing in less than 30 matches. The quality and and style of All-Star is closer to what you would see in Japan, while the US Sumo Open has a more diverse competitor base. Both events are amazing to watch, and we suggest that you attend both.
Is the All-Star Sumo tournament a Japanese Pro Sumo event?

The Japanese Pro Sumo league, on VERY rare occasions, will hold an exhibition overseas. The last time they visited the United States was in 2008. It might be decades before they visit here again for an event.

All-Star Sumo features many Japanese athletes with elite-level success in Japanese Pro Sumo. So, this is almost the only chance you will get to see them in action, live, unless you actually fly to Japan. Other competitors include the highest-level amateur champions, including some with World Champion, Japanese National Champion, and other titles.

Therefore, All-Star Sumo allows you to enjoy, firsthand, some really spectacular sumo action of the highest quality, with some sumo legends from Japan.
What is the All-Star Sumo tournament format?

All of the competitors participate in a full, round-robin competition. in other words, each athlete will face all of the other athletes, head-to-head.

At the end of the competition, the wrestler with the most wins is the Champion. If two or more wrestlers are tied for first place, each with the same number of wins, a play-off round will ensue!
What is the difference between the All-Star Sumo event on Saturday vs. the one on Sunday?

Each day of All-Star Sumo features a complete, stand-alone competition. You can attend just one day, and experience the full array of match-ups, between all the Sumo Champions.

If you choose to attend both days, though, you will experience a completely different series of matches and results, on each day. Because the matches are real and not scripted, outcomes and winners will vary from competition to competition.
Can I choose my seats?

For both venues, all sections are GA — EXCEPT for the Ringside (Red) and the VIP Floor (Blue) sections.

In the Pyramid, the Floor Bleachers (behind VIP on the south side) are also GA.

If you choose Ringside or VIP Floor, you will be assigned best available seats in the row and side that you choose.
Are there any ADA locations?

Yes, in the Pyramid, there are some spots for wheelchairs on the Upper Concourse (with Upper Bleachers tickets). You can also order VIP Floor tickets, and be assigned an aisle seat (for wheelchairs). Be sure to communicate with the box office about this at 562-985-4949, before making your purchase. They can assign best seats, to accommodate a wheelchair.

Yes, in Cow Palace, ADA seats are also available in both the VIP Floor and Bleacher sections. Contact the box office for details.
Are kids free?
Children who are 5 and under do not need a ticket (in THESE sections only), if they sit on a parent’s lap:

Pyramid: Upper Bleachers and Lower Bleachers only

Cow Palace: Bleachers only
Which SIDE is best?

In the Pyramid, the referee stands on the North side of the ring. So, if you sit on the South side, you can generally get a better view of the initial clash. On the other hand, the big screen is on the South side, so sitting on the North side gives you the best view of the screen, for replays and video clips. East and West sides are a mix — pretty good angle for the start of the match, and they can see the big screen.

In Cow Palace, the referee stands on the West side of the ring. So, if you sit on the East side, you can generally get a better view of the initial clash. On the other hand, the big screen is on the East side, so sitting on the West side gives you the best view of the screen, for replays and video clips. North and South sides are a mix — pretty good angle for the start of the match, and they can see the big screen.