Uni-President Lions Secure Historic Win in Sell-Out Debut at Asia-Pacific Stadium
The Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions kicked off a new era in Tainan on March 29, 2026, securing a 3-1 victory over the TSG Hawks in the first-ever Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) game held at the Asia-Pacific Baseball Training Center’s main stadium. The win marks a triumphant start for the Lions at their new home, cementing the venue’s status as a premier destination for Taiwanese baseball.
The atmosphere was electric as a capacity crowd of 23,500 fans filled every available seat, setting a new record for attendance at an outdoor baseball stadium in Taiwan. The venue, which can accommodate up to 25,000 people, saw its 23,500 sellable tickets vanish instantly upon release, reflecting the immense anticipation surrounding the stadium’s opening.
The game’s defining moment came in the bottom of the sixth inning when Su Chih-chieh launched a solo home run to right field, etching his name into the history books as the first player to hit a home run at the Asia-Pacific Stadium. This pivotal play helped the Lions maintain their lead and secure the inaugural win on their new turf.
Adding to the prestige of the event was the presence of President Lai Ching-te, a devoted Uni-President fan. The stadium’s development is a long-term project that President Lai originally initiated during his tenure as the Mayor of Tainan. Before the first pitch, the President visited the locker rooms of both the Lions and the TSG Hawks to offer encouragement to the players.
CPBL President Tsai Chi-chang, who as well attended the match, praised the collaboration between the Tainan City Government and the Uni-President organization. Tsai noted that the stadium is a “win-win” for the local community and the promotion of baseball across Taiwan, specifically acknowledging President Lai’s early vision and planning that made the facility possible.
The event was more than just a game; it was a full-scale festival for the fans. Attendees queued early for limited-edition merchandise, including “First Game Commemorative Ticket Cards” and “Limited Lion AAOA Jerseys.” The experience was further enhanced by the “Ryan Cool Asia-Pacific Home Store” in the outfield and a vibrant food market featuring over 30 stalls. To cap off the celebrations, Tainan native and Golden Melody Award winner Lu Guang-zhong performed live after the game.
To manage the massive influx of spectators, the team provided shuttle buses to and from Yongkang Station. The Uni-President Lions have planned a total of 48 home games at the Asia-Pacific Stadium this year, as Tainan strives to establish itself as a leading baseball city in Asia.
