Is this possible? Rain leaking in 'Korea's only' Gocheok Dome? Despite securing tickets with a single click, a 'mass audience evacuation' ensued

*This content was translated by AI.

On the 22nd, heavy rain struck the Korean Peninsula, excluding the southern region, causing scheduled professional baseball games in Jamsil, Incheon, and Daejeon to be cancelled one after another. However, a game was held at Gocheok Skydome, 'Korea's only' dome stadium. Throughout the day around Gocheok Dome, heavy rain and light rain alternated. Under such weather conditions, it seemed as though a rain-free festival would unfold with all 16,000 seats sold out for the matchup between the visiting team KIA Tigers, on a six-game winning streak, and the home team Kiwoom Heroes. This marked back-to-back sellouts.

However, an absurd leak incident occurred at the dome stadium, which was considered 'the absolute safe zone of professional baseball' even when it rained. Rainwater began dripping from the ceiling above some third-base spectator seats.

Although it was not pouring rain as such, water droplets fell ceaselessly, making it impossible for fans to watch the game. Approximately 30 fans who had secured tickets for the visiting team KIA's third-base cheering section after an intense 'single-click war' found themselves in the absurd situation of having to seek shelter from the rain inside the dome stadium.

In response, the Kiwoom club side quickly sealed off the affected seats with tape. Since there were no other available seats for replacement due to a full-house situation, a club official suddenly opened up vacant skybox seats to evacuate the affected spectators.

In fact, this is not the first time Gocheok Dome has leaked. During the rainy season in August 2020, rainwater was captured falling during a game due to continuous rainfall. At that time, it was somewhat fortunate that the game was held without spectators due to COVID-19.

At that time, an official from Seoul Facilities Corporation stationed at Gocheok Dome told on-site reporters, "It is difficult to state clearly what the exact cause is. We are continuously conducting inspections and repairs." He added, "Rainwater may flow down the roof and into steel beams, or it could leak through gaps in between. Aviation, communication, and electrical equipment are installed at the top of the building, which is also a vulnerable area, so leaks could occur from there as well."

The official further stated, "We also take this as a very serious issue and are not standing idly by. We have consistently responded to leaks since the early days. While we cannot argue if pointed out that something was wrong, it is not poor construction. There are technically unavoidable aspects."

He continued, "A detailed inspection is necessary to find the exact cause. Work can only be done safely after the rain stops. In fact, there are not many people in Korea who can climb onto a dome stadium roof. If we locate just the leaking spots, it should take about three to four days." However, the problem recurred.

Seoul Facilities Corporation also recognized this leak issue, but immediate repairs are expected to be difficult due to a lack of weekend staff. On the 23rd, during the final game of the three-game series over the weekend, spectators' anxiety and inconvenience are expected to continue.

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*This content was translated by AI.