Scheduled to open in March 2031, Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium will be reborn as a smart baseball stadium.
Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium will transform into a smart baseball stadium equipped with advanced technology.
On the 3rd, the city of Busan announced that the Sajik Baseball Stadium reconstruction project has received a conditional approval from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's central investment review.
A total budget of 292.4 billion KRW is being invested in this project, which is classified as a large public work under the Local Finance Act, making central investment review approval essential.
Busan Mayor Park Hyung-jun emphasized in a briefing that "this approval means that the necessity and feasibility of the project has been officially recognized by the government."
"The approval signifies that the necessity and feasibility of the project have been officially recognized by the government."
Opened in 1985, Sajik Baseball Stadium has long faced the need for reconstruction due to aging facilities and safety issues. The city of Busan plans to transform it into a future-oriented smart baseball stadium by incorporating ICT technology and eco-friendly design, going beyond simple renovations.
Reimagined as a complex cultural space with advanced technology
The new baseball stadium will be built on the existing site in Dongnae-gu, Busan, with 2 underground levels and 4 above-ground levels. It is planned to have a total area of approximately 61,900 square meters and seating for 21,000 spectators.
Busan City plans to start the design competition in 2026, proceed with construction from 2028 to 2030, and aims for the official opening in March 2031.
During the construction period, home games for the Lotte Giants will temporarily be held at the remodeled Asiad Main Stadium.
The new baseball stadium will feature advanced viewing convenience technologies, including a real-time game data analysis system, a mobile app-based seat guidance service, and augmented reality (AR) photo zones.
The outdoor space will be structured as a complex cultural space utilizing smart lighting and media content to showcase game schedules, highlight reels, and player introduction videos.
On days without baseball games, it is planned to be utilized as a content hub within the city for citizens to visit.
Urban content hub
Formation of an expert advisory group and attraction of private investment
To ensure the smooth progress of the project, Busan City plans to form a dedicated organization to oversee the entire process and an expert advisory group.
The advisory group will consist of members from the city of Busan, KBO, Lotte Giants, as well as architecture and sports experts. They also plan to secure national funds through participation in public projects organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
In the private investment sector, Lotte Giants has already submitted a letter of intent for an investment amounting to 81.7 billion KRW.
Mayor Park Hyung-jun expressed his aspirations by stating, "We will create a luxury baseball stadium equipped with the optimal game environment and viewing conditions, making it a popular city landmark for citizens even on days without baseball."
The transformation of Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium into a smart baseball stadium is expected to enhance its value as a regional landmark and contribute to the development of baseball culture, going beyond mere improvements to sports facilities.
Image source: Reconstruction perspective of Sajik Baseball Stadium / Busan City, Lotte Giants website
