Spring has arrived at Sajik Stadium. However, the cheering squad will operate on a reduced scale that day.
Lotte announced that the third game of the regular season against the KT Wiz, held at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 30th, has sold out (22,665 fans). This marked a complete sellout for all three home opening series for Lotte.
After recording 1 win and 1 loss in the previous two games, Lotte is aiming for its first winning series of the season against KT. Jeon Jun-woo (designated hitter), Han Ho-young (third baseman), Na Seung-yeop (first baseman), RAY (left fielder), Yoon Dong-hee (right fielder), Kim Min-seong (second baseman), Jeong Bo-geun (catcher), Lee Ho-jun (shortstop), and Jang Du-seong (center fielder) will start. The starting pitcher is Tucker Davidson.
However, on that day, cheering operations will be scaled back at Sajik Stadium, as well as at Jamsil, Gocheok, and Daejeon, due to the aftermath of an incident that occurred the previous day (29th) at Changwon NC Park.
At Changwon NC Park, where the game between the LG Twins and NC Dinos was held the previous day, an external structure on the third floor of the stadium fell, injuring three spectators. The club explained, "Around 5:20 p.m., a structure fixed to the wall on the third base side of Changwon NC Park fell, injuring three spectators who were transported to the hospital. Two were taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for examination and treatment. One was transferred to another hospital due to being significantly startled and needing rest."
On the following day, the 30th, Lee Jin-man, CEO of NC, issued an apology. He stated, "An accident occurred around 5:20 p.m. on March 29 when a structure fixed to the wall near the concession stand on the third base side of Changwon NC Park fell, resulting in three injuries. We wish for a speedy recovery for those who suffered unfortunate injuries. The club is making every effort to take necessary actions, and we will work with relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and establish measures to prevent a recurrence."
He noted, "Immediately after the accident, we quickly called an ambulance for the injured and controlled the area and passages to prevent further damage. Simultaneously, we contacted the police and cooperated with the investigation. Our staff has been prioritizing the injured by waiting at the hospital from the transport of the injured to the hospital. A club executive accompanied the injured to the hospital to check their situation and to continue assessing if there are any areas needing support. The club has been in contact with the victims' families since the accident, making efforts to prevent the spread of unfounded rumors that have not been confirmed."
Regarding the situation of the injured, he added, "The person who injured their head underwent surgery on the evening of the 29th and is currently in intensive care. We are continuously monitoring their condition, and a club official is waiting at the hospital. The person with the injured collarbone has been confirmed to have a fracture and is currently receiving treatment. The other individual is currently not presenting any unusual symptoms, but will be continually monitored."
In the meantime, NC and the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) decided to cancel the game on the 30th for safety reasons. NC is selecting a vendor for safety inspections of the facilities and plans to conduct a safety inspection of the facilities as soon as possible.
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