BASEBALL/WBCQ viewing parties to be held across Taiwan

Taipei, Feb. 20 (CNA) As Taiwan prepares to compete in the upcoming World Baseball Classic Qualifier (WBCQ) starting Friday, live viewing parties for Team Taiwan's games will be held at various locations across the island over the next few days.

Taiwan is set to face Spain, South Africa and Nicaragua from Friday to Sunday, with each game starting at 7 p.m.

Two qualification spots are available in this four-team group. One will be awarded to the team with the best record after the first three games, while the second- and third-placed teams will compete in a do-or-die match at 7 p.m. next Tuesday for the final berth.

Meanwhile, China, Germany, Brazil and Colombia will compete for the remaining two slots in the 2026 WBC from March 2-6 (U.S. time).

In the 2023 WBC group stage, Taiwan finished with a 2-2 record, tying with three other teams in Pool A.

However, due to tournament rules that factor in runs scored and conceded, Taiwan was placed last and must now participate in the qualifier for the 2026 edition.

CNA has compiled a list of major outdoor viewing parties for Team Taiwan's games:

Taipei

Location: Taipei Performing Arts Center

Date: Friday-Sunday

Time: 7 p.m.

Note: Free cheering sticks and small national flags

New Taipei

Location: New Taipei City Hall Square

Date: Friday-Sunday

Time: 7 p.m.

Note: Free food vouchers, cheering sticks and limited raffle tickets

Taichung

Location: Taichung City Hall Square

Date: Saturday & Sunday (also next Tuesday if Team Taiwan has to play)

Time: 7 p.m.

Note: Free limited popcorn

Tainan

Location 1: Tainan Municipal Baseball Stadium

Date: Friday-Sunday (also next Tuesday if Team Taiwan has to play)

Time: 7 p.m.

Note: Free towels and vouchers for fried sweet potato balls

Location 2: Nanying Green Heart Park

Date: Friday-Sunday (also next Tuesday if Team Taiwan has to play)

Time: 7 p.m.Note: Free towels

Kaohsiung

Location: National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying)

Date: Friday-Sunday

Time: 7 p.m.

Keelung

Location: We R

Date: Saturday & Sunday

Time: 7 p.m.

Hsinchu City

Location: Hsinchu Railway Station Square

Date: Friday-Sunday (also next Tuesday if Team Taiwan has to play)

Time: 7 p.m.

Note: Free cheering sticks, limited steamed buns and beverages

Changhua County

Location: Changhua County Art Museum Square

Date: Friday-SundayTime: 7 p.m.

Yunlin County

Location 1: Douliu Pengshu Forest Park

Date: Saturday & SundayTime: 7 p.m.

Note: Free cheering sticks, popcorn and coke

Location 2: Huwei Yuanhuan Parking Lot

Date: Friday-SundayTime: 6:45 p.m.

Chiayi County

Location: Gaia Manor

Date: Friday-Sunday

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Chiayi City

Location: Zhongzheng Park

Date: Friday-Sunday (also next Tuesday if Team Taiwan has to play)

Time: 7 p.m.

Yilan County

Location: Yilan Style Square

Date: Friday-Sunday (also next Tuesday if Team Taiwan has to play)

Time: 7 p.m.

Hualien County

Location: Far Eastern Department Store's Chienlin Square

Date: Friday-Sunday (also next Tuesday if Team Taiwan has to play)

Time: 7 p.m.

Note: Attendees wearing baseball-related clothing or accessories will receive limited free snacks

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