SEOUL - As Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome prepares to host the inaugural Major League Baseball (MLB) games in South Korea, veteran groundskeeper Murray Cook has played a pivotal role in readying the stadium for this landmark event. Under his expert guidance, the dome has undergone significant renovations to meet MLB's exacting standards, a transformation that Cook regards with considerable satisfaction.
According to Yonhap News Agency, his involvement with Gocheok Sky Dome began in 2017 during the World Baseball Classic (WBC), laying the groundwork for his return to upgrade the stadium for the upcoming Seoul Series featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. Cook, the president of BrightView and MLB's official field consultant, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the dome's enhancements, underscoring the importance of such improvements for South Korea's future in hosting MLB games.
The renovations addressed various aspects of the stadium's infrastructure, focusing primarily on the field's condition and lighting. Cook identified settling areas and grading inconsistencies as significant challenges, which were rectified by adjusting curbs and the field's foundation to ensure a level playing surface. Furthermore, to enhance player safety and field performance, a new shock pad was installed beneath the artificial turf, drawing comparisons to the surfaces used by MLB teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers for its resilience and quality.
In addition to field improvements, Gocheok's lighting underwent a substantial upgrade. The replacement of outdated metal halide lamps with advanced LED technology not only improves visibility and energy efficiency but also introduces dynamic lighting effects, elevating the spectator experience during key moments like home runs.
With these upgrades, Cook has ensured that Gocheok Sky Dome stands ready to meet MLB specifications, contributing to a successful Seoul Series and reinforcing the stadium's reputation as a premier sporting venue. As the city of Seoul anticipates the thrill of hosting MLB games, Cook's contributions underscore the global nature of baseball and the meticulous preparations that facilitate such international showcases.