Deal with CTBC subsidiary for domed stadium close: Taichung mayor

Taichung, Sept. 16 (CNA) CTBC Financial Holding Co. subsidiary Taiwan Life Insurance Co. is expected to sign a NT$60 billion (US$1.89 billion) build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract with Taichung for a 45,000-seat domed baseball stadium in October, Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) said Wednesday.

According to the city government, in addition to an international-standard baseball stadium that can also host concerts, the complex in Taichung's Shuinan Economic and Trade Park will include two hotels and a luxury shopping mall covering around 33,000 square meters.

The city government said that Taiwan Life has partnered with Japan's Nippon-Ham Fighters to leverage the Nippon Professional Baseball team's expertise in stadium construction and operations.

Speaking before a Taichung City Council session, Lu said the dome will take reference from Es Con Field Hokkaido, the Fighters' home stadium, which opened in 2023 and combines baseball facilities with hotels, shopping, dining, leisure facilities and smart technology applications.

Lu said the partnership with the Fighters has been confirmed and should help accelerate construction, which is expected to take around three years after a design phase of more than one year.