"My Ticket Status?" Social Distancing Raised to Level 1.5... KS Audience Also Adjusted

Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] As the government announced on the 19th at midnight that it would raise the social distancing level in the Seoul metropolitan area from Level 1 to Level 1.5, it is expected to affect spectator attendance at the 2020 KBO Korean Series held on the 17th.

When social distancing Level 1.5 is implemented, spectator attendance at professional sports events will be restricted. At Level 1, 50% of the venue's capacity is allowed, but at Level 1.5, it is limited to 30%.

Since the Korean Series is also held at Gocheok Sky Dome located in Guro-gu, Seoul, it is subject to spectator restrictions according to the upgraded distancing guidelines.

According to the distancing guidelines, only 30% of the venue's capacity will be allowed for the third game of the Korean Series scheduled for the 20th. The problem is that reservations have already been made up to the 7th game at 50% capacity.

According to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), from the third game onward, attendance will be limited to 30% based on Level 1.5, so all existing reservations made under the 50% standard will be canceled, and reservations will have to be made again from the beginning.

Because of this, baseball fans are expressing frustration, so-called 'mental breakdowns.' A baseball fan in his 40s, Mr. Kim, said, "I put a lot of effort into getting Korean Series tickets," and added, "I hope the tickets are organized in the order they were purchased."

Another baseball fan in his 30s, Mr. Park, said, "It's frustrating that we have to make reservations again," and added, "I will make a reservation if I have to, but there should be some kind of countermeasure."

Meanwhile, a Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) official stated, "No specific decisions have been made yet. Once the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters announces detailed distancing measures, we will follow the relevant guidelines."