On July 29, the provincial government held a briefing at the provincial office press center, announcing, "Gyeongsangnam-do will take proactive measures at the provincial level to ensure the NC Dinos can thrive together with the region."
They also announced a provincial funding support of 10 billion KRW for facility improvement projects aimed at enhancing convenience for visitors to NC Park.
The support fund will be used for the following: expanding Changwon NC Park's seating by 2,000 to accommodate up to 20,000 people; expanding the team store to two floors to facilitate the sale of NC Dinos merchandise; installing additional electronic display boards within NC Park; and building a steel-frame parking lot at Masan Baseball Center to secure 600 additional parking spaces.
Additionally, to improve facilities at Masan Baseball Stadium, which serves as the second-team stadium, the province provided 1 billion KRW in June for replacing the scoreboard and infield seating. Further support will be provided for replacing outfield seating and repairing structures.
The province plans to help ensure that the 5 billion KRW Masan Stadium renovation and repair project is selected for funding by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, providing support from application to selection.
Furthermore, the province will introduce baseball viewing programs for underprivileged residents and expand group viewing events for public officials and others, enabling more residents to attend NC home games.
Plans are also in place to use the electronic display boards at NC Park to promote major provincial policies, events, and Gyeongsangnam-do's leading agricultural and livestock brands, 'Iroro' and 'Hanwoojie'.
In August, a pop-up store will be opened at NC Park to showcase tourism products that combine the NC Dinos' intellectual property (IP)?such as characters, logos, and players?with the province's cultural content.
Next year, the province intends to pilot a package that links NC Dinos game viewing with local tourism, including accommodations and meals at nearby attractions.
In addition, train schedules departing from Masan Station?a frequently used station for out-of-town visitors to Changwon?will be extended, and the province will work with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Korail to expedite the opening of the Bujeon-Masan double-track railway.
The NC Dinos, based in Changwon, were unable to use NC Park for over two months after a March 29 accident in which a stadium exterior structure collapsed, resulting in the death of one spectator and injuries to two others.
When home games resumed at NC Park on May 30, the NC Dinos raised the possibility of relocating their home base and submitted 21 demands to Changwon City.
The demands included expanding NC Park's seating, enlarging the team store to two floors, installing additional electronic display boards, securing exclusive facilities for second-team players, expanding public transportation routes to improve fan accessibility, and building new parking facilities.
They also requested compensation for losses due to the stadium closure following the fatal accident, as well as cash support through annual advertising contracts and ticket purchases.
Changwon City is currently in discussions with the NC Dinos to maintain the team's home base, based on these demands, and will hold a public briefing on support measures for the NC Dinos for citizens on July 31.
Previously, Governor Park Wansu stated at a headquarters meeting on June 23, "The NC Dinos are more than just a professional baseball team?they are a community asset beloved by residents. This is not just an issue for Changwon City; if there is a role for the province to play, we must actively step forward."
On July 29, Director Park Ildong of the Culture and Sports Bureau said, "The NC Dinos are not just a sports team but a valuable asset to the local community. We will do our best to ensure the NC Dinos receive even more love from residents and become a source of pride for Gyeongsangnam-do."
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