Pro volleyball's KB Stars to leave Uijeongbu next season; seeking temporary home

The KB Insurance Stars, a prominent men's professional volleyball team, faces a significant disruption as they prepare to leave their long-time home in Uijeongbu for the upcoming season. The team's departure is necessitated by the full-scale reconstruction of the Uijeongbu Stadium, their primary venue, which was deemed unsafe following a structural integrity assessment in December 2024. This move marks the end of an era for the team in Uijeongbu, where they have played for the past two seasons after a period of nomadic existence.

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It has become inevitable to play home games in a temporary venue next season as the Uijeongbu Stadium, our home ground, is undergoing full-scale reconstruction.

The team is now actively exploring temporary home venue options, with possibilities ranging across Gyeonggi Province and potentially other regions of the country. The selection process is complex, requiring approval from local government officials, which is expected to gain clarity after the local elections on June 3. This uncertainty highlights the logistical challenges faced by sports teams when critical infrastructure requires extensive renovation, impacting team operations and fan accessibility.

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We are considering candidates ranging from Gyeonggi Province to other regions. It's not yet decided where it will be. It seems like the outline will emerge after the local elections on June 3.

KB Insurance Stars has utilized the Gyeongmin University Stadium in Uijeongbu as a temporary home for the last two seasons. However, due to academic schedules and potential disruptions to students, the team is seeking a third-party venue. The Uijeongbu Stadium's reconstruction is projected to last until mid-2028, meaning the Stars will likely play away from Uijeongbu for at least the next three seasons. This prolonged absence underscores the significant impact of facility infrastructure on professional sports leagues and the need for strategic planning to ensure continuity during such transitions.

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We had considered continuing to use the Gyeongmin University Stadium next season, but considering the university's academic schedule and the inconvenience to students, we decided to find a third location.