"Is Jangchung Gymnasium the best alternative?" Samsung and SK are looking for a temporary gym. How far are we
"Is Jangchung Gymnasium the best alternative?" Samsung and SK are looking for a temporary gym. How far are we
Blog Article
Samsung, which is about to say goodbye to Jamsil Gymnasium, and SK, which uses Jamsil Student Gymnasium until next season, are also busy selecting temporary gymnasiums.
There are gyms that celebrate the last season amid a flurry of fresh changes in the KBL in the 2024-2025 season, including new faces and new broadcasting stations. Jamsil Gymnasium is disappearing into history.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is working on the redevelopment of Jamsil Sports Complex. The remodeling of the main stadium began in August last year, and the Jamsil Gymnasium, which is being used as Seoul's home stadium, is scheduled to be demolished after the end of this season.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will begin construction of a new gymnasium in 2025, and it will be completed in 2029 if the construction proceeds as planned. The gymnasium will be used as a home stadium for both Samsung and Seoul SK from the 2029-2030 season.
Unlike SK, which uses Jamsil Student Gymnasium until next season, Samsung has to select a gym that should be used temporarily from next season. Gymnastics stadiums, KBS halls, and university gymnasiums have been selected as candidates, but there are not many options considering conditions such as safety ratings, audience size, and rental schedule.
Jangchung Gymnasium is considered the best alternative. Opened in 1955, Jangchung Gymnasium was used as a neutral stadium in the early days of the WKBL (Korean Women's Basketball League). After extensive remodeling, the stadium is now being used by two professional volleyball teams. In 2022, Triple Jam of the WKBL was also held. Although it is the best place for facilities, as it is the home ground for the two professional volleyball teams, there are many areas that need to be discussed.
▲ Jangchung Gymnasium where the WKBL Triple Jam was held in 2022
Of course, SK does not have much time to spare. SK is also busy with Samsung as its top priority is to select a temporary gym. Samsung and SK are working hard for smooth consultations, including preparing simulations of games when four teams, including the volleyball team, use the Jangchung Gymnasium together.
A SK official said, "It may not be easy for a total of four teams to complete the season's schedule, but we are looking for the best way. Although there are about 3,500 seats, we and Samsung also put Jangchung Gymnasium as our top priority because it is a gymnasium where professional sports are being held."
They are also looking for alternatives. If SK fails to enter Jangchung Gymnasium, it will use the university gymnasium as its temporary home ground. However, this case carries risks. Hwajeong Gymnasium at Korea University is less accessible and Hanyang University has to pour more than 1 billion won into repairing outdated facilities.
A SK official said, "Hanyang University's gymnasium is spacious and accessible. The safety rating came out well. However, all seats need to be changed and multi-vision has to be installed. Olympic Handball Stadium is one of the candidates. We will have another meeting next month regarding the use of Jangchung Gymnasium."
Anyway, it is true that this season is the last season where you can watch basketball at Jamsil Gymnasium. Jamsil Gymnasium was the mecca of Korean basketball where numerous events were held, including the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 2006 먹튀검증 World Basketball Challenge (WBC) where Dream Team participated. As it will disappear into history soon, this season will have to be a gym where more fans have to take their steps than ever before.