TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an on Sunday (Dec. 3) said that for safety reasons, the attendance at the Taipei Dome will be gradually increased, with a goal to complete a full capacity test of 40,000 spectators within the next year.
The 30th BFA Asian Baseball Championship kicked off the same day at the Dome, opening doors to 17,000 people.
In preparation for the evacuation of the 17,000 fans, Chiang detailed that the frequency of the Taipei MRT trains will be increased, with the shortest gap between trains set at two and a half minutes. The aim is to complete the evacuation in 35 to 40 minutes.
When asked whether next year's arrival of Japan's professional baseball team, the Yomiuri Giants, could see an opening for 40,000 fans, Chiang said that he would respect the professional assessment of the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA) and the Farglory Group.
Chiang noted that the city government is willing to assist and will continue to increase the number of spectators gradually and safely.
The 2023 Asian Championship is not only the first international event at the Dome since its completion, but also features a classic showdown between Taiwan and South Korea. Tickets for the event sold out instantly, with 17,000 snapped up in seconds.