The transfer of the OK Savings Bank Ootman volleyball team's Busan home ground was unanimously approved at the board meeting.
On the 24th, the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) held its 7th board meeting of the 21st term at its office meeting room in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Directors General from 14 teams in both men's and women's divisions of the V-League attended the meeting.
There were a total of 4 agenda items for the day. One of the points of interest was the transfer of the OK Savings Bank volleyball team’s home ground. The federation said, 'In addition to the transfer of the men’s team OK Savings Bank home ground, agenda items regarding the transfer of foreign players, the transition to the Asian quota free agency system, and the reduction of men’s team salaries were discussed.'
The transfer of OK Savings Bank’s Busan home ground was unanimously approved. The federation announced, 'The men’s team OK Savings Bank officially requested the transfer to Busan, citing the need to alleviate the concentration of professional volleyball team home grounds in the metropolitan area and to enhance the popularity of the V-League based on the potential fan base of volleyball in the Yeongnam region.'
The federation stated, 'According to Article 6 of the regulations (Home ground of the member), the home ground of the team cannot generally be changed, but if there is a special reason for a change of home ground, it must be applied in writing to the president at least 3 months before the start of the official games, and can be changed only with the approval of the board.' Thus, it decided to approve the change of home ground.
Director General Kwon Cheol-geun of OK Savings Bank said, 'The board has approved this unanimously,' explaining one of the reasons they moved the home ground: 'There is no team south of Daejeon. Men's volleyball ratings do not capture interest south of Daejeon. It was necessary to make a new turning point to secure a national V-League fan base.'
The indoor sports hall at Gangsseo Sports Park in Busan, which the OK Ootman volleyball team will use as its new home venue, has a seating capacity of 4,189 (including 972 variable seats). It is a 6-minute walk from Sports Park Station on Busan Subway Line 3. The team considered fans' accessibility and convenience comprehensively.
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