"I went to this stadium last year for One Ok Rock's Premonition World Tour in Kaohsiung and was very impressed. It's a big venue and a great space for a concert. Plus, it's conveniently located just a short walk from the train station."

Merry Love Angielyn

"An appalling stadium and concert experience!

Are all concerts in Taiwan run like this? This was my first time attending a concert at the Kaohsiung National Stadium — for Accusefive — and the entire experience, from entry to on-site arrangements, service provision and staff professionalism, was absolutely dreadful.

From the moment we exited the MRT station, it was a long walk to the stadium with no staff along the way to provide safety guidance or entry information. We simply followed the crowd. It wasn’t until we were almost at the venue that we even saw any signage.

Before and after entering, no one informed us that we were allowed to bring water. When we asked staff, we were told there were vending machines inside. But once we were in, it became clear there were none. We asked several staff members, yet not a single one could confirm whether vending machines existed at all.

We were extremely thirsty and worried about enduring a three-hour concert in Kaohsiung’s sweltering heat without water. Out of desperation, we approached the medical station. Despite there being numerous bottles of water clearly visible on the table, no one was willing to spare us even one. They even insisted, rather self-righteously, that there were never vending machines provided and that we didn’t look faint enough to need help — as if we’d still be standing and able to seek assistance if we were actually about to collapse! It was shockingly unprofessional and utterly lacking in empathy.

I simply cannot understand how an event with such a large audience failed to provide any access to drinking water. I strongly suggest the organisers and working staff at Kaohsiung National Stadium take a serious look at how international stadiums operate and manage large-scale events. Overseas, venues are properly equipped with ample restrooms that are accessible throughout the event — not just temporary toilets placed outside, like at this stadium. Each level usually has multiple vendors selling food, water, and even alcoholic drinks. And for those who don’t want to spend money, there are always free water stations where you can fill a bottle or have a quick drink.

To make matters worse, it started pouring with rain during the exit. There was not a single staff member to manage the crowd or keep order. Chaos ensued — people panicked and shoved, and many nearly fell over. It was clear the security and medical staff had all disappeared by then. Completely unprofessional.

After this experience, I honestly have no desire to ever attend another event at Kaohsiung National Stadium again."

Sunburnt Aussie

"We went to this 55,000 capacity stadium for Maroon 5. It’s a nice looking stadium which idea surrounded by landscaped grounds with ponds. We were seated in section B on finding chairs in the field area. There are a few things to be aware of (I don’t know how much of this was the organiser and how much was the stadium itself)

-Because the stadium and park area are so big there is potentially quite a bit of walking to get to your entrance. 🚶🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️
-Plastic bottles were allowed in but with no caps 💦
-The only concessions we saw were beer but even that wasn’t obvious 🍻
-I didn’t see any merchandise stands, there might have been at other entrances👕
-Surprisingly the toilets were the plastic portable style🚻
-The Oil Refinery Elementary School metro station is supposedly less busy, but it was still busy 🚇"

Bob Cook