2024 WBSC Premier12 venues: Where are the first round games being played?

The 2024 WBSC Premier12, set to kick off November 9, is an electrifying stage for international baseball, bringing together the world’s top 12 teams to vie for global dominance. With host venues scattered across three baseball-loving nations, Mexico, Taiwan, and Japan, fans are in for two weeks of intense matchups and unforgettable moments. Here’s a closer look at where each first-round Game is set to unfold and what these venues bring to the experience.

Group A: Mexico hosts in Tepic and Guadalajara

Mexico steps up to host Group A games at two iconic venues: Estadio Panamericano in Guadalajara and Santa Teresita Stadium in Tepic. Guadalajara’s Estadio Panamericano has hosted major baseball events before, so it’s a familiar battleground for fans who know the thrill of seeing Mexico’s national team in action. Known for its lively crowds and an atmosphere that rivals the loudest stadiums, Estadio Panamericano seats over 16,000 fans and promises an electric backdrop for each pitch and swing. It’s set to host games featuring Mexico, the United States, Venezuela, the Netherlands, Panama, and Puerto Rico.

Over in Tepic, Santa Teresita Stadium is a smaller, more intimate venue, but it has its own unique character, nestled within the landscape of Nayarit. While less accustomed to the international spotlight, Santa Teresita Stadium will provide an up-close-and-personal experience for the fans, especially when Team USA faces Puerto Rico and later the Netherlands. Both stadiums bring an intense home-field vibe, making Group A matchups especially captivating.

Group B: Taiwan welcomes with Taipei Dome and Tianmu Stadium

Taiwan, competing under its sporting designation of “Chinese Taipei”, hosts part of Group B’s schedule, with games at the newly built Taipei Dome and the established Tianmu Baseball Stadium in Taipei. The Taipei Dome is a marvel of modern architecture, set to host thousands of fans and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. With Chinese Taipei playing their games on home turf, there’s little doubt the atmosphere here will be fervent and charged with hometown pride.

Just a short distance away, Tianmu Baseball Stadium adds a classic touch to the Taiwanese baseball experience. Its compact, open-air design brings fans close to the action, allowing them to feel every pitch as the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and other Group B teams take the field. Both stadiums ensure an unforgettable setting for games that could well decide the trajectory of the tournament.

Japan: high stakes at Vantelin Dome Nagoya and the Road Ahead

In Japan, Group B teams, including the hosts Japan and South Korea, will face off at the Vantelin Dome in Nagoya, a familiar stadium with a retractable roof that amplifies crowd roars and keeps the field pristine no matter the weather. Japanese fans are known for their unwavering enthusiasm, and with their national team stepping up to defend their 2019 title, every game promises to be a spectacle.

Japan isn’t just a first-round host, though; the tournament’s Super Round and championship will be held at the famed Tokyo Dome. This stadium is the heart of Japanese baseball, famous for its massive crowds and a history of unforgettable matchups. Once teams make it past the group stage, Tokyo Dome becomes the proving ground for the world’s best as they vie for a place in the Premier12 final.

Teams to watch: talent across the globe

The WBSC Premier12 brings together twelve of the world’s best baseball teams, all ranked by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). Defending champions Japan face strong comPetition from powerhouses like the United States, South Korea, and Mexico. Teams like Venezuela, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic bring a wealth of raw talent and a style that draws fans from every corner of the globe.

The Premier12’s first-round venues highlight each host nation’s unique baseball culture, adding depth to the Games beyond the stats and scores. Whether you’re watching from a seat in Guadalajara or catching a late-night stream from Tokyo, the excitement and energy from each venue promise a baseball experience like no other.