'Reservation for 10 million spectators over 9 million for the first time ever' Even if you're taken by ambulance...What's wrong with baseball? What's going on

Aug 29, 2024

The match between the Hanwha Eagles and the SSG Landers at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon on the 16th. It sold out for the 27th time this season. Daejeon = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.06.16/

Baseball is nothing...

2024 is likely to go down in history after the inauguration of the KBO League.

On Aug. 28, the cumulative number of spectators exceeded 9 million. for the first time in history. Another record was born after surpassing the previous season's record of 8.4 million,688 early on the 18th. At this rate, mobilizing 10 million spectators is not a dream. Arithmetically, it is possible. A new history is on the horizon.

This summer, a record heat wave came. Going to the ballpark itself was a struggle. The number of spectators did not decrease despite the occurrence of a heat illness in the heat wave warning. Getting tickets is like war. Previously, it was only noisy on weekends, but now selling out on weekdays is a daily routine.

Then, why did baseball suddenly become so popular.

A match between Samsung and Lotte at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 23rd. Lions Park, which sold out for the 19th time in the season. Daegu=Song Jeong-heon, Reporter Song@sportschosun.com/2024.08.23/

It's not like the stadium facilities have improved dramatically, or the level of baseball has suddenly risen like a major league. The cheering culture that fans like has not changed much. Other points should be pointed out.

It should be noted that the number of young fans is rapidly increasing. In particular, the proportion of female fans in their teens and 30s has increased very high. Young fans will be attracted to the baseball game itself, but they are also very interested in the culture derived from it.

For example, it is said that there are many percentages of people who encounter teams or players as if they are supporting existing idol groups. Supporting their performance, purchasing related goods, and gaining satisfaction.

Each club actively utilizes the video platform YouTube. It shows the players' every move, including preparation for the game and daily life. It's a factor that makes you fall for attractiveness other than baseball. This year, it will release a lot of special uniforms. It is implementing a strategy to collaborate with popular characters and release various products to make fans line up in the store. Young fans are so happy to take pictures at the ballpark wearing their favorite players and character uniforms.

Fans visiting the baseball stadium are watching the game between Lotte and LG held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium on the 16th. The game was sold out as the crowd was full. Jamsil= Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2024.06.16/

Still, it's clear that all the bases are baseball. So I have to talk about popular baseball entertainment programs. A match played by retirement legends. It is evaluated that baseball and entertainment have been superbly mixed at 50-50 points. It attracts more spectators than professional baseball. Young fans who did not know baseball came into contact with baseball through entertainment programs, and the mind of 'Should I watch professional baseball and go to the stadium' was naturally connected. In addition, it is convincing to say that the professional baseball game experienced in person is more exciting and has many fun elements such as cheering. Whether it was destined to increase in popularity, interest was inevitably increased as a ranking battle was taking place more intensely than ever this season.

A game between the LG Twins and the NC Dinos at Jamsil Stadium on the 10th. LG cheerleaders are playing in the water and cheering. Jamsil = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.08.10/

The emergence of a large number of good-looking and handsome players in their early 20s, including Kim Do-young (KIA), Moon Dong-ju (Hanwha), Yoon Dong-hee (Lotte), and Lee Jae-hyun (Samsung), is also having a big impact on the influx of young fans.

Cheerleaders' performances, such as the `Picky Picky Challenge' which has recently become a global topic, are also playing a big role in baseball's popularity. It boasts a huge impact through the video 'Shorts'. The percentage of fans visiting the ballpark to breathe with cheerleaders and cheerleaders is also huge.

awesome@sportschosun.com

'Reservation for 10 million spectators over 9 million for the first time ever' Even if you're taken by ambulance...What's wrong with baseball? What's going on

Sports