APAC Baseball Stadium Evaluation: Tainan City Seeks Win-Win with Uni-President Lions

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Su Chih-yu, Tainan, June 16) The Chinese Professional Baseball League's Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions are using the Tainan Asia-Pacific Senior Baseball Main Stadium on a lease basis this year. The Tainan City Government is planning to explore future cooperation through an OT (Operate-Transfer) model, continuing discussions with the Lions to develop a win-win solution, while addressing areas identified by the team and fans as needing improvement.

The Tainan Asia-Pacific Baseball Training Center comprises seven facilities. Six of them—the senior baseball secondary field, indoor comprehensive training facility, two youth baseball fields, and two infield practice fields—are entrusted to the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association to serve as a national team training base. The future operator of the main senior baseball field has drawn significant attention.

Wang Yi-lin, Director Secretary of the Tainan City Government Sports Bureau, stated in a media interview today that a comprehensive evaluation will only be possible after the CPBL season concludes in mid-September. Internally, the city is currently discussing an OT model, aiming to assess consumer demographics based on this year’s operational experience.

Wang emphasized that regular meetings with the Lions continue and that cooperation opportunities are not ruled out. However, given the high cost of public infrastructure, the city must safeguard taxpayer funds and hopes to create a win-win scenario for both citizens and the team, negotiating a mutually acceptable agreement.

Regarding previous disputes over off-site vendors at the Asia-Pacific Baseball Stadium, Wang clarified that the city has no intention of competing with the Lions for profits, but rather aims to meet fan demands. Currently, the number of on-site concession stands is sufficient for regular-season crowds. For large-scale events such as themed days or postseason games, the city will consider off-site vendor arrangements based on the Lions’ needs.

The Asia-Pacific Baseball Training Center has recently become a sought-after spring training venue for Korean professional baseball teams. Wang confirmed that foreign professional teams have made inquiries, while the Lions have also expressed interest in using the facility for spring training. A final decision will be made after this week’s meeting with the Lions.

Additionally, Wang addressed improvements requested by the Lions team. The red clay area, which previously experienced water accumulation, will undergo regular dredging. Drainage improvements, including evaluating larger pore diameters, are also under review. Streetlights, walkway surfacing, and restrooms have all been progressively upgraded over the past year. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150616