Kaohsiung Stadium Turf Damaged by Concert Overuse, Audit Finds

Kaohsiung's National Stadium, also known as the World Games Stadium, is under fire for the deteriorating condition of its athletic turf, a consequence of its increasing role in hosting major concerts. The stadium, which can accommodate up to 55,000 spectators, has become a prime venue for large-scale music events, contributing significantly to the city's tourism economy, estimated at over 5 billion New Taiwan dollars annually. However, an audit report has raised concerns about the lack of a robust management and restoration mechanism for the stadium's grass.

The report points out that the stadium's turf, covering approximately 7,719 square meters, is the first in Taiwan to achieve Class 1 certification from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and meet FIFA standards for football. Despite annual maintenance contracts, the stadium's use for concerts necessitates covering the grass with protective panels or mats for extended periods, often ranging from 15 to 18 days per event. This duration far exceeds the contractual limit of 48 hours for covering the turf. Furthermore, the high density of attendees, sometimes reaching 40,000 per concert, leads to significant wear and tear, impacting the grass's aeration and growth.

In response to the audit's findings, the Kaohsiung City Sports Development Bureau acknowledged the issue. The bureau stated that it is currently formulating a comprehensive management and restoration plan for the turf. This plan includes imposing restoration fees on concert organizers, with the recovered funds to be allocated to selected turf maintenance contractors for the necessary repair work. The aim is to ensure the quality and longevity of the stadium's playing surface while continuing to leverage its capacity for major cultural events.