On the evening of September 17, 2025, Daegu Samsung Lions Park was set to host a pivotal KBO League matchup between the Samsung Lions and the Lotte Giants. Fans had filled the stands in anticipation, eager for another chapter in this storied rivalry. Yet, as storm clouds gathered over Daegu, no one could have predicted the dramatic turn of events that would unfold just before the first pitch.
At approximately 5:00 PM, with the teams warming up and the atmosphere electric, a sudden and violent lightning strike hit the ballpark. According to multiple official reports, the lightning not only sent shockwaves through the stadium but also struck a Lotte Giants player, causing him to faint on the field. Fortunately, after swift medical attention, the player recovered without complications. It was a moment that left everyone shaken but, in the end, grateful that the outcome wasn’t far worse.
The incident didn’t stop there. The force of the storm, which included powerful gusts and torrential rain, also caused significant structural damage within the stadium. The most dramatic scene was the collapse of the netting pole in the first-base Exciting Zone, an area located right beside the dugouts and just behind the cheerleading stage—the closest seats to the action. The pole toppled toward the stands, but, remarkably, no spectators or staff were injured. “It’s a relief that nobody got hurt,” a Lotte Giants representative stated, echoing the collective sigh of relief from both teams and the crowd.
Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyung reflected on the close call, saying, “I heard the pole went down. It could have been a major accident.” As the stadium staff rushed to assess the situation, the severity of the damage quickly became apparent. The Samsung Lions’ management, after consulting with KBO League officials, made the difficult decision to cancel the game. “The lightning strike and the resulting damage made it impossible to continue safely,” a Samsung spokesperson confirmed.
The cancellation was officially announced just minutes before the scheduled first pitch, leaving thousands of fans disappointed but understanding. Safety, after all, comes first. The KBO League issued a statement: “The game between the Samsung Lions and Lotte Giants, scheduled for September 17 at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, has been canceled due to ground conditions and other circumstances.”
For the Samsung Lions, this was a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering their remarkable season so far. The team boasts the highest attendance in the league—an impressive 154,262 fans over 67 home games, averaging 23,000 per game. Daegu Samsung Lions Park has become a fortress, with local supporters turning out in droves to back their team. But on this stormy night, not even the most passionate fans could will the game to go on.
As news of the cancellation spread, attention quickly turned to the safety of the stadium’s infrastructure. The Samsung Lions announced immediate plans to conduct a comprehensive inspection of all facilities. “A construction team will visit the stadium tomorrow,” a team official explained. “We’ll do everything we can to repair the damage before our next home game.” The club also pledged to re-examine every pole and structural element, not just the one that fell, to ensure such an incident doesn’t happen again. “It’s only right that we check every part of the stadium and other facilities thoroughly,” the official added.
The ripple effects of the storm were felt beyond Daegu. Elsewhere in the KBO League, weather wreaked havoc on the schedule. In Suwon, the LG Twins versus KT Wiz game was postponed due to heavy rain, with a doubleheader rescheduled for the following day. Similarly, the first game of a doubleheader between the NC Dinos and SSG Landers in Changwon was called off after a deluge just before the opening pitch. As the rain eased, hopes were high that at least some games could proceed, but the league’s priority was clear: player and spectator safety above all else.
Back in Daegu, the aftermath of the lightning strike and stadium damage prompted a broader conversation about weather preparedness and infrastructure resilience in Korean professional baseball. While weather delays and rainouts are nothing new, a lightning strike causing both injury and significant facility damage is almost unheard of in KBO history. “This is an unprecedented event,” noted one league official, highlighting the need for robust contingency planning as climate patterns grow more unpredictable.
Despite the chaos, the KBO League acted swiftly, rescheduling the Samsung-Lotte matchup for September 24, giving both teams time to regroup and the stadium staff time to make necessary repairs. For the Lions and their fans, the focus now shifts to the upcoming slate of games: September 18 at Changwon against the NC Dinos, September 20 against the LG Twins, September 21 against the KT Wiz, and a return to Daegu on September 23 to face the Doosan Bears. The team’s management expressed confidence that all repairs and safety checks would be completed before the next home stand.
In the days ahead, the Samsung Lions will face a demanding stretch, both on the field and behind the scenes. The club’s commitment to safety and its proactive response to the crisis have drawn praise from fans and league officials alike. “We’re doing everything possible to restore the stadium and protect everyone who comes here,” said a team representative. As the KBO League continues to monitor weather patterns and reinforce stadium protocols, the events in Daegu serve as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of vigilance in sports venue management.
For now, the Lions and Giants will have to wait a little longer to settle their rivalry on the diamond. But one thing’s for sure: when play finally resumes at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, both teams—and their fans—will be ready for a safe and spirited return to action.
