TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) outlined plans on Wednesday (March 12) for the future operation of the Taichung Dome (台中大巨蛋), emphasizing a strategy focused on mixed-use commercialization. The city aims to integrate retail, hospitality, and cultural elements to ensure the dome's economic viability.
Mayor Lu recently addressed the city council about her late February to early March visit to Japan, where she examined four major domes. Her itinerary included visits to ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, Sapporo Dome, Nagoya Dome, and Tokyo Dome. She gathered insights on operational methods and facility maintenance, aiming to apply these learnings to Taichung's upcoming projects.
The Taichung government plans to construct a new dome capable of accommodating 30,000 to 50,000 people. Mayor Lu stated that the current Taichung Arena, with a capacity of 15,000, cannot host baseball games, a significant concern given the Taipei Dome's limitations. The proposed Taichung Dome will cover 10 to 15 hectares, with an estimated budget of NT$40 billion to NT$50 billion.
Mayor Lu emphasized the importance of a commercial approach, noting that "the cost of the dome is very high, and if managed poorly by the government, it will be a burden." The city plans to incorporate a department store, hotel, and wellness village to ensure profitability.