The Daejeon-based Hanwha Eagles have announced that their new stadium will be named Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark. It will replace the former Hanwha Life Eagles Park, the oldest and smallest stadium in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). Built in 1982 with a capacity of 12,000, the previous ballpark will be replaced by a modern venue. The new name reflects popular demand, as the Eagles conducted a fan survey last year and consulted brand experts to emphasize their home city in the stadium’s name.
Hanwha's new stadium will be named 'Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark" https://t.co/mC0g3Vk3eZ
— Dan Kurtz (@MyKBO) January 20, 2025
Daejeon is Korea’s fifth-largest city, with a population approaching 1.5 million. The new ballpark will accommodate 20,000 spectators and is set to host the 2025 KBO All-Star Game. Despite missing the postseason for the sixth consecutive year in 2024, the Eagles demonstrated a loyal fan base, leading the KBO with 47 sellouts, according to journalist Jee-ho Yoo.
The stadium’s sponsor, Hanwha Life Insurance, has signed a 25-year contract for the naming rights. The opening ceremony for the park will take place on March 6, and it will host the All-Star Game in July. The total cost of construction was 48.6 billion won, approximately $33.3 million.
Hanwha Eagles new stadium rendering pic.twitter.com/Tj1mO0sttC
— KBO in English (@KBO_ENG) May 16, 2024
The park’s dimensions are:
- 325 feet to left
- 400 feet to dead center
- 312 feet to right
A 26-foot ‘monster wall’ in right field will give the park a unique touch. The dimensions are slightly larger than most KBO parks, and the unorthodox components lead many to believe it will be more pitcher-friendly.
The double-decker bullpens in left field, reminiscent of Citizens Bank Park, are the first of their kind in an Asian stadium. A special infinity pool on the upper decks of the third base side will provide a luxury experience for fans with reservations.
The Eagles began preseason camp in Melbourne, Australia, on January 25. Their 25-day stay will culminate with the International Baseball Showdown at Melbourne Ballpark, home of the Australian Baseball League’s Aces. The Eagles swept the inaugural series between the teams last year and will meet again for a three-game exhibition from February 14 to 16.
In recent years, Asia has seen the development of several modern baseball stadiums:
Taipei Dome (Taiwan): Opened in October 2023, the 40,000-seat indoor stadium was designed primarily for baseball but can also host concerts and other events. It hosted several games during the 2024 Premier12.
Tainan’s Asia-Pacific International Baseball Training Center (Taiwan): A 25,000-seat stadium, expected to be operational by March 2025, providing another new venue for baseball teams and fans.
ES CON Field Hokkaido (Japan): The state-of-the-art stadium, which had its inaugural season in 2023, features a retractable roof and countless contemporary designs, enhancing the experience for both players and fans.
