Major League Baseball to stage first ever regular-season games in South Korea
The USA’s Major League Baseball has announced that it will stage its first regular-season fixtures in South Korea in March next year.
Part of an MLB World Tour that will visit four countries in 2024 - including the Dominican Republic, Mexico and England - the South Korean fixture will feature the season opening clash between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres of the National League West division.
Dubbed the ‘Seoul Series’, the two-game series is scheduled for 20th and 21st March.
Commenting on the MLB's efforts to grow its international footprint, MLB Commissioner, Rob Manfred explained “Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024.
“Our recent efforts have produced strong enthusiasm around the globe, and we look forward to building on that foundation with returns to Mexico City and London, while also opening the season in Korea for the first time.”
Dodgers President Stan Kasten, said in a statement “we can't wait to play meaningful major league games for the very first time in front of the outstanding baseball fans of South Korea next season.
"The Dodgers have a long and proud history of helping to grow the game abroad, highlighted by our trips to Mexico, China and Australia (so) it's very exciting to add Korea to the list.”
No venue has been confirmed for the Korean games but reports suggest that that the Gocheok Sky Dome, home of KBO League team Kiwoom Heroes, will be the venue.
The MLB’s 2024 calendar will also feature a game at Rickwood Field - the oldest professional ballpark in the USA and the former home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the USA’s former Negro Leagues - between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants on 20th June.
Images: Baseball fans at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome (top, credit: Shutterstock) and Major League Baseball's logo for its 2024 Seoul Series on the MLB World Tour (below, credit: Yonhap).
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