Changwon: Changwon NC Park, home of the baseball club NC Dinos where a fan died following a tragic incident, is ready to reopen after weeks of safety inspections and maintenance work, local officials said Thursday. Officials in the southeastern city of Changwon stated that the stadium has met all the safety requirements set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in light of the incident during a Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) game on March 29.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a female fan was struck by a louver panel that fell from the window of the Dinos’ office above a concession stand, succumbing to a head injury two days later. The incident led the Dinos and the municipal government of Changwon to initiate comprehensive safety inspections at Changwon NC Park, which had opened in 2019.
Disagreements on the timetable for the stadium’s reopening prompted the Dinos to reach out to the city of Ulsan, some 70 kilometers northeast of Changwon, as an alternate venue. Last Thursday, the Dinos announced Ulsan as their temporary home, despite Changwon’s requests to reconsider due to the potential economic impact.
Changwon city formally requested the Dinos to return by Sunday, with Changwon City Council, Changwon Sports Council, and local merchants holding press conferences urging a swift return. However, the Dinos stated their commitment to their agreement with Ulsan, planning to play there “for the time being.”
The Dinos are scheduled to host the Kiwoom Heroes in Ulsan from Friday to Sunday, with subsequent home games against the Hanwha Eagles from Tuesday to Thursday next week. Following a six-game road trip, they aim to bring home the Eagles again from May 30 to June 1. Changwon is hopeful for the Dinos’ return to Changwon NC Park by May 30 at the latest.
Due to various schedule disruptions, the Dinos have played the fewest games in the KBO this year, with 38 games through Wednesday. They currently hold fourth place with a record of 18-19-1 (wins-losses-ties), including a 17-15-1 record on the road.