Changwon: The South Korean baseball club NC Dinos will return to Changwon NC Park for home games next Friday, starting with their matchup against the Hanwha Eagles, after temporarily relocating due to safety concerns stemming from a deadly accident at the stadium in March.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Dinos announced on Friday, "We have decided to host the home game against Hanwha at Changwon NC Park on May 30." Initially, the club had agreed with the city of Ulsan to use Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium until the end of June. However, this decision was made after considering the local economy, KBO League fans, and team operations.
The Dinos have been unable to use their home stadium in Changwon, located about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, since a tragic accident occurred there in late March. A piece of aluminum structure fell, resulting in the death of a fan and prompting ongoing safety inspections at the stadium.
In response to these events, the club designated Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium as their temporary home on May 8 and began hosting games there on May 17 against the Kiwoom Heroes. Dinos CEO Lee Jin-man expressed his condolences, stating, "I once again express my deepest condolences to the individual who lost their life in this accident, and I sincerely apologize to the bereaved family and those who were injured." He also assured that the club would collaborate with the Changwon city government and the Changwon Facilities Corporation to ensure the safety of the ballpark for citizens and fans.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) granted approval for the Dinos' request to return to Changwon NC Park. KBO Commissioner Heo Koo-youn met with acting Changwon Mayor Jang Geum-yong to discuss the matter further. Heo emphasized the responsibility of local governments in operating professional baseball clubs and solicited active support from the Changwon city government to enhance the fan experience at the stadium.