The 2024 WBSC Premier12 presented by RAXUS Group B is set to take place across Asia, kicking off on Wednesday in the vibrant cities of Nagoya (JPN) and Taipei (TPE), featuring an exciting schedule of 15 games hosted at three prestigious venues.
Vantelin Dome Nagoya
The renowned Vantelin Dome Nagoya will be the stage for the highly anticipated matchup between Japan and Australia on November 13. Nestled in Nagoya, the largest city in the Chūbu region and the fourth-most populous city in Japan, the Dome is architecturally remarkable, featuring a geodesic design that creates a hemispherical thin-shell structure. This innovative lattice-shell construction relies on a polyhedron formed from interconnected triangles.
Since its grand opening in 1997, the Dome has consistently captivated audiences, with a seating capacity of 36,418 for baseball games and an impressive 49,000 for concerts. It has proudly been the home ground for the NPB’s Chunichi Dragons and has previously hosted the Orix Blue Wave and Kintetsu Buffaloes.
The baseball field is uniquely constructed, measuring 328 feet (100 metres) at the foul poles and extending to an impressive 400 feet (122 metres) in center field. Equipped with artificial turf, the facility features a sprawling roof that stands at a remarkable height of 67 meters, creating a spectacular atmosphere for fans and players alike.
Taipei Tianmu Stadium
Located in the heart of the Shilin District, the Tianmu Baseball Stadium will host a total of eight Group B games during the Premier12. Originally crafted as a community ballpark in 1999, this venue is situated within Tianmu Sports Park in vibrant Taipei City.
With a seating capacity of 10,500, Tianmu Stadium boasts advanced artificial turf and an outfield that measures 325 feet (99 metres) in left and right field, with a center field distance of 400 feet (122 metres).
Since welcoming international baseball in 2001, when it served as the main venue for the Baseball World Cup, Tianmu Stadium has continually evolved as a hub for regional baseball activity, having recently hosted the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup in 2022 and the U-18 Baseball World Cup in 2023.
The Taipei Dome
Home to six Group B games, the Taipei Dome, also recognized as the Farglory Dome, is a state-of-the-art multipurpose facility located in the bustling Xinyi district of Taipei City. Groundbreaking for the Dome commenced in 2012, but after facing delays in 2015, construction resumed five years later, culminating in its completion in 2023. Its grand opening test event recently welcomed 13,000 eager spectators, marking a significant milestone for the stadium.
This modern venue boasts a maximum capacity of 40,000 for sporting events, and can accommodate up to 50,000 concertgoers, making it a versatile space for a variety of events. The playing field measures 335 feet (102 metres) along the foul lines and stretches 400 feet (122 metres) in center field, all featuring high-quality artificial turf.
The WBSC Premier12 marks the debut of major international sporting events at the Taipei Dome, showcasing its potential as a premier destination for future competitions.
During the follow-up stage, the top two finishers from Group B will face off against the first and second-place teams from Group A. From November 21 to 24, the illustrious Tokyo Dome will host the III WBSC Premier12 Super Round and Medal Games, providing an exhilarating finale to the tournament.
The Tokyo Dome
The iconic Tokyo Dome, often referred to affectionately as “The Big Egg,” began construction on May 16, 1985, and opened its doors on March 17, 1988. The stadium’s distinctive dome-shaped roof is an innovative air-supported structure, maintained by a slight pressurization of the interior, allowing for a unique architectural experience.
Built on the site of the historic Velodrome, adjacent to the predecessor ballpark, Korakuen Stadium, the Tokyo Dome showcases a versatile seating configuration capable of accommodating a maximum total capacity of 57,000 fans.
The playing area is covered with high-quality field turf, measuring 100.28 metres (329 feet) down the left and right fields, while the center measures a substantial 122 metres (400 feet).
As the home field for the esteemed NPB Yomiuri Giants, the Tokyo Dome has made its mark by hosting the Premier12 2015 semifinals, Medal Games, and the Premier12 2019 Super Round. Furthermore, it is recognized as the location of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame, enriching its cultural significance within the sport.
Throughout its storied history, the Dome has also welcomed numerous Major League Baseball games and played host to the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classic events. Its multifunctional design has made it a bustling venue for music concerts, basketball, American football, and various combat sports, solidifying its status as a central hub for entertainment in Japan.
**Interview with John Smith, Baseball Analyst and Historian**
**Editor**: Welcome, John! The 2024 WBSC Premier12 is just around the corner, and it’s set to take place in some incredible venues. Can you tell us what excites you most about this year’s championship?
**John Smith**: Thank you for having me! I’m really excited about the range of venues that are hosting the games this year. The Vantelin Dome Nagoya has such a stunning architectural design that not only provides a fantastic atmosphere for fans but also enhances the players’ experience. It’s a historic site for Japanese baseball, and the matchup between Japan and Australia on November 13 is definitely one to watch.
**Editor**: Absolutely! The Vantelin Dome has a rich history and fantastic capacity. How do you think its design impacts the games played there?
**John Smith**: The geodesic design doesn’t just offer visual appeal; it contributes to acoustics and crowd engagement as well. Fans are more involved when they can feel the energy bouncing around such a well-designed space. Additionally, the layout can sometimes present unique challenges for players regarding the outfield dimensions, especially with that 400-foot center field.
**Editor**: Now, shifting focus to Taipei, the Tianmu Baseball Stadium and the newly opened Taipei Dome also have their own unique features. What do you find noteworthy about these venues?
**John Smith**: The Tianmu Stadium is like a classic gem in the baseball world. It’s become an integral part of the local community while still hosting significant international events. Its intimate size allows for a fantastic fan experience, which is vital in baseball.
As for the Taipei Dome, it’s exciting to see a modern facility debut with such promise. It can accommodate a large number of fans, and it’s designed for versatility, which bodes well for a wide range of future events beyond baseball.
**Editor**: The combination of these venues certainly adds to the overall appeal of the Premier12. Given that the tournament’s format allows for both Group A and B teams to compete, what do you predict for the progression of the games in this setting?
**John Smith**: I expect some thrilling matches. The format is designed to bring out the best in teams, and playing in such top-tier venues elevates the stakes. The way these teams perform in the group stages, especially in high-pressure matches, will set the tone for the knockout rounds. I can’t wait to see who shines!
**Editor**: As a final thought, what can fans expect in terms of the atmosphere at these events, knowing the locations and venues?
**John Smith**: Fans can expect an electric atmosphere, that’s for sure! Baseball in Asia has a unique charm with passionate supporters. Whether in the well-established Vantelin Dome or the modern Taipei Dome, the culture surrounding the game will be palpable. It’s a wonderful opportunity for fans to experience international baseball at its finest.
**Editor**: Thank you for your insights, John! We look forward to an exhilarating 2024 WBSC Premier12.
**John Smith**: Thank you! It’s going to be an exciting tournament. Can’t wait!
