TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) addressed concerns about the black rubber granules on the artificial turf at Taipei Dome (大巨蛋) on Tuesday (Oct. 15), reassuring the public the granules' upheaval is normal. Following a National Day event on Oct. 10, online users questioned the venue's condition. Chiang reassured that Farglory (遠雄) and Mizuno had inspected the site and confirmed the granules' upheaval as normal.
Chiang emphasized the city government's commitment to maintaining the field's levelness and safety, particularly with the upcoming WBSC Premier12 baseball tournament. He noted that Farglory provided photos of the turf grooming process from Japan's domes, which showed similar occurrences. Chiang stated that it is normal for the black rubber particles to turn over, alleviating public concerns about the venue's readiness.
City councilors Chan Wei-yuan (詹為元) and Chen Yu-cheng (陳宥丞) have urged the Sports Department to invite stadium operators and key baseball associations to discuss maintenance standards and standard operating procedures for the artificial turf. These discussions could ensure the field remains in optimal condition for future events.
As Taipei Dome prepares for international competitions, the city government remains focused on addressing any issues to ensure the venue's integrity and safety. The involvement of experts and stakeholders will be crucial in maintaining the field to international standards.