Learning from MLB Experience: Hou Yu-ih Visits International Sports Venue Design Firm to Exchange Views on Dome Planning
2026-03-19
[New Taipei City News] New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih visited the Asia-Pacific headquarters of internationally renowned sports and entertainment venue design firm Populous today (Mar 17), where he met with Paul Henry, Global Director and Co-Founder of the firm. During the meeting, Nick Malyon, Associate Principal, shared Populous’s experience participating in multiple Major League Baseball (MLB) stadium projects, offering valuable reference points for the planning of the New Taipei Dome and other sports venues.
According to Hou, the site selection for the New Taipei Dome will be finalized by mid-year, with the goal of creating a comprehensive district that can further drive the development of surrounding areas. The overall vision is to ensure that the venue can serve a variety of purposes throughout the year, functioning not only as a host site for sporting events, but also as a space for concerts, exhibitions, and community activities, thereby increasing utilization and economic value.
Hou also noted that the New Taipei Dome is intended to serve not only New Taipei residents and people across Taiwan, but also visitors from around the world. The goal is to create an international destination that encourages people to arrive early, stay longer, and leave later. To support this vision, the project must incorporate a full range of commercial, hospitality, and entertainment facilities.
In response, Paul Henry said he was pleased to hear about the plans for the New Taipei Dome and noted that Populous has always been willing to share the experience it has accumulated over more than four decades of designing sports venues around the world. Using case studies from Japan, South Korea, and Australia, the Populous team explained practical approaches to large-scale public infrastructure under different cultural and market conditions. They discussed how, beginning at the design stage, venues can achieve both functionality and landmark value through integrated spatial planning and diverse programming, combining spectator experience, commercial functions, and urban development so that even when no games are being held, venues can still draw people into the surrounding community.
The New Taipei City Government noted that Populous’s portfolio includes major projects around the world, such as the Sphere in Las Vegas, more than 20 MLB ballparks, and multiple Olympic main stadiums. Through this exchange, the city gained practical insight into the planning and operation of world-class venues. Going forward, the city will continue to engage in exchanges and cooperation with professional institutions as an important reference for planning major sports facilities and advancing New Taipei’s development as a diversified sports city.
According to Hou, the site selection for the New Taipei Dome will be finalized by mid-year, with the goal of creating a comprehensive district that can further drive the development of surrounding areas. The overall vision is to ensure that the venue can serve a variety of purposes throughout the year, functioning not only as a host site for sporting events, but also as a space for concerts, exhibitions, and community activities, thereby increasing utilization and economic value.
Hou also noted that the New Taipei Dome is intended to serve not only New Taipei residents and people across Taiwan, but also visitors from around the world. The goal is to create an international destination that encourages people to arrive early, stay longer, and leave later. To support this vision, the project must incorporate a full range of commercial, hospitality, and entertainment facilities.
In response, Paul Henry said he was pleased to hear about the plans for the New Taipei Dome and noted that Populous has always been willing to share the experience it has accumulated over more than four decades of designing sports venues around the world. Using case studies from Japan, South Korea, and Australia, the Populous team explained practical approaches to large-scale public infrastructure under different cultural and market conditions. They discussed how, beginning at the design stage, venues can achieve both functionality and landmark value through integrated spatial planning and diverse programming, combining spectator experience, commercial functions, and urban development so that even when no games are being held, venues can still draw people into the surrounding community.
The New Taipei City Government noted that Populous’s portfolio includes major projects around the world, such as the Sphere in Las Vegas, more than 20 MLB ballparks, and multiple Olympic main stadiums. Through this exchange, the city gained practical insight into the planning and operation of world-class venues. Going forward, the city will continue to engage in exchanges and cooperation with professional institutions as an important reference for planning major sports facilities and advancing New Taipei’s development as a diversified sports city.
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