Taipei, Taiwan – The Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) has voiced its disappointment following the announcement that the number of regular-season games scheduled at the iconic Taipei Dome will be nearly halved in 2025. This decision, made by the venue’s operator, Farglory Group, has raised concerns across the league, particularly from the teams that rely on the stadium for both revenue and fan engagement.
During a video conference held with team managers on Thursday, the CPBL confirmed that only 20 regular-season games will be played at the Taipei Dome in 2025, a significant reduction from the 38 games scheduled there in 2024. The new schedule includes two season openers and six three-game weekend series, which is far fewer than the league anticipated.
Farglory Group, the operator of the Taipei Dome, attributed the cut to the Taipei City government’s plan to use the venue for the 2025 World Masters Games. The event will occupy the Taipei Dome from April 23 to May 28, making the stadium unavailable for baseball during that period. This is seen as a major scheduling conflict that could disrupt the league’s regular season and impact the home games of teams like the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions and CTBC Brothers, who traditionally draw large crowds at the venue.
CPBL Expresses Discontent Over Reduced Schedule
The CPBL was quick to voice its disapproval, with league officials stating that they could not accept the decision. In a public statement, the league emphasized its intention to continue negotiations with both the Taipei City government and Farglory Group to prioritize baseball events at the Taipei Dome.
The Taipei Dome, which replaced the demolished Taipei Municipal Baseball Stadium in 2000, has become a key venue for the CPBL. Over the years, it has seen a growing number of games and is beloved by players and fans alike for its modern amenities, large capacity, and protection from weather disruptions like rain delays.
The Impact on Teams and Fans
The reduced number of games at the Taipei Dome has sparked frustration from various quarters, including players and team management. Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲), the captain of the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions, expressed disappointment over the decision, noting that his team had only played six games at the Taipei Dome in 2024 – the second-fewest in the league. Meanwhile, the CTBC Brothers, who had a strong fan base at the venue, played 28 games there.
Chen pointed out the impact of the reduced schedule on the team and fans: “My first thought was that the CTBC Brothers played over 20 games at the Taipei Dome this year. What about next year? Can we [the Uni-Lions] get to play here at all?” He went on to highlight that playing at the Taipei Dome offers a comfortable environment for both players and fans, preventing disruptions from weather, such as rain delays.
The Importance of Taipei Dome to CPBL
The Taipei Dome has become synonymous with top-tier baseball in Taiwan. Its modern facilities and central location make it an attractive destination for fans, and its large seating capacity helps the CPBL draw substantial attendance figures. In 2023, the league reported a record 2.77 million total attendance for the regular season, with 38 games at the Taipei Dome attracting 786,189 fans.
The decision to cut games scheduled at the Taipei Dome could have significant ramifications for the CPBL’s ability to maintain its fanbase and generate revenue. With the 2025 World Masters Games taking precedence, the Taipei Dome’s availability for sports events is now limited, further heightening tensions between sports organizers and the government.
Government and Venue Operators Respond
The Taipei City government has stepped in to clarify the situation. Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) reassured the public that sports events would remain the priority at the Taipei Dome. He mentioned that a review meeting would be held soon to further discuss the scheduling and resolve the concerns raised by the CPBL.
In response to the league’s frustration, Farglory Group said it remained committed to maximizing the use of the Taipei Dome and would prioritize key events, including the CPBL’s preseason, All-Star game, and postseason games. The group also stated that they were open to making adjustments to the schedule if necessary.
Meanwhile, Taipei’s Department of Sports emphasized that despite the scheduling issues related to the World Masters Games, sports events would always take precedence at the Taipei Dome. They pledged to help secure additional baseball games and alleviate the concerns of CPBL teams and players.
CPBL Attendance and Financial Impact
The CPBL has witnessed tremendous growth over the years, with record-breaking attendance figures in 2023. As one of Taiwan’s most popular sports leagues, the CPBL’s ability to host games at top venues like the Taipei Dome is crucial for maintaining its relationship with fans. The reduced availability of the stadium for 2025, particularly during key months of the season, could affect attendance numbers and potentially the league’s overall profitability.
CPBL 2025 Games at Taipei Dome – Quick Breakdown
| Season/Event | Number of Games | Dates | Teams Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Games | 20 | 2025 season | All CPBL teams |
| Season Openers | 2 | April 2025 | All CPBL teams |
| Weekend Series (3 games) | 6 | May 2025 | All CPBL teams |
| World Masters Games | N/A | April 23 – May 28, 2025 | Venue unavailable |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is the number of CPBL games at the Taipei Dome reduced in 2025?
The reduction in games is due to the Taipei City government’s plan to use the Taipei Dome for the 2025 World Masters Games, which will make the venue unavailable for baseball from April 23 to May 28.
2. Which teams will be most affected by the reduced schedule at the Taipei Dome?
Teams that traditionally play a large number of games at the Taipei Dome, such as the CTBC Brothers and Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions, will be the most affected by the reduced availability.
3. How many games will be held at the Taipei Dome in 2025?
Only 20 regular-season games are scheduled for the Taipei Dome in 2025, compared to 38 games in 2024. This includes two season openers and six weekend series.
4. Will there be any changes to the CPBL’s postseason or All-Star games?
Farglory Group has confirmed that the preseason, All-Star, and postseason games will still be held at the Taipei Dome, with flexibility in the schedule for adjustments if needed.
5. What is being done to address the concerns of the CPBL and its teams?
The CPBL is in ongoing negotiations with the Taipei City government and Farglory Group to prioritize baseball games and adjust the schedule if possible. The Taipei Department of Sports has pledged to help secure more baseball events at the venue.
