Changwon: The head of the South Korean baseball club NC Dinos has threatened to move the team following a disagreement with its current home city over stadium management, triggered by a deadly incident.
According to Yonhap News Agency, at a press conference held at Changwon NC Park, Dinos CEO Lee Jin-man expressed that the club had been "treated unreasonably" by the municipal government, which jeopardized the Dinos' survival despite their efforts to integrate into the local community. This announcement came as the Dinos returned to their home stadium for the first time since an accident on March 29, when an aluminum panel fell and killed a fan, leading to extensive safety inspections and maintenance work that forced the team to play on the road for over a month and a half.
In the wake of the incident, Changwon faced criticism for avoiding responsibility, even though it owns the stadium. Baseball fans later criticized the city for its slow response when the Dinos attempted to set a return date following inspections. The Dinos temporarily relocated to Ulsan, where they played six games. Only after this announcement did Changwon rush to prepare the stadium for the team's return, arguing that the Dinos' absence would harm the local economy.
Lee addressed the discord between the Dinos and Changwon, stating that despite challenges, the club has tried to establish roots in the community but felt unrecognized and unfairly treated. He emphasized the need for a partnership based on mutual trust and stated that relocating next season would be challenging, though discussions with Changwon are necessary. Lee hopes the club can focus on baseball without external distractions.
The Dinos have reportedly lost around 4 billion won (US$2.9 million) due to missed home games, affecting team performance. Lee mentioned specific requests made to Changwon, including compensation for financial losses, and is awaiting the city's response while exploring potential new homes.
Lee assured that the decision on the team's future would prioritize the Dinos and their fans and would not be made emotionally. He remained open to discussions if Changwon offers practical solutions. Park Keun-chan, KBO's secretary general, stated that the league has urged Changwon to support the club.
Lee noted that the KBO had informed the Dinos about relocation options and highlighted that teams in foreign leagues relocate for various reasons, often yielding positive effects. He mentioned discussions with the KBO on a wide range of issues.
KBO clubs generally pay city governments annual fees to use local stadiums. The Dinos reportedly paid 33 billion won for a 25-year lease when Changwon NC Park opened in 2019. Lee stated that the payment would not affect their decision-making and that moving to another city could enhance the team's value, considering the lease a sunk cost.