Ulsan Hyundai Mobis is embracing the Lunar New Year with a fan-focused event at their home game against Busan KCC at Dongcheon Gymnasium in Ulsan. The team is aiming to create a festive atmosphere where families can enjoy both basketball and traditional Korean cultural experiences.
A Family-Focused Celebration
The event, designed to coincide with the Lunar New Year holiday, features a range of activities intended to appeal to all ages. Spectators entering the gymnasium will receive a lottery ticket for a post-game draw and a fortune cookie, adding an element of chance and tradition to the game day experience. The team is clearly prioritizing fan engagement and creating a memorable outing for those choosing to spend the holiday at the game.
Traditional Games and Cultural Experiences
A dedicated space on the second-floor hallway will host traditional Korean games, including archery, Tuho (a traditional Korean throwing game), rice cake making, and Jegichagi (a traditional Korean foot hacky sack game). These activities offer a hands-on way for fans to connect with Korean culture and provide entertainment beyond the on-court action. The inclusion of these games demonstrates a commitment to celebrating the Lunar New Year in a meaningful way.
On-Court Entertainment and Performances
The game itself will be enhanced with special performances. Cheerleaders and mascots will perform a joint routine while wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean dress. There will also be events specifically for spectators wearing hanbok, and participatory events designed for families. This integration of cultural attire and interactive events aims to create a vibrant and immersive atmosphere within the arena.
Post-Game Lottery and Prizes
Following the game, a lottery will be held, with the grand prize being a 1 million won travel gift certificate and a team-autographed uniform. The lottery tickets distributed upon entry will be drawn by the team members themselves, adding a personal touch to the event. A commemorative photo opportunity with the team will also be available for the winners. This post-game lottery provides a significant incentive for attendance and adds excitement to the overall experience.
Early Entry and Ongoing Promotions
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, as doors will open at , two hours before the scheduled game time. Here’s a change from the usual hour-and-a-half pre-game access. The “February-March Home Game Viewing Certification Event,” which began on , will continue, offering fans the chance to win prizes through a lottery based on the number of game stamps collected. This ongoing promotion incentivizes repeat attendance throughout the month and into March.
Hyundai Mobis Phoebus: A Team with History
The Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus have a rich history in Korean basketball, tracing their origins back to a team sponsored by Kia Motors in 1986, originally based in Busan. Before the establishment of the Korean Basketball League in 1997, the team competed in the National Basketball Festival during the amateur era, achieving dominance in the late 1980s. The team has undergone several name changes, including Busan Kia Enterprise and Ulsan Mobis Automons, before becoming the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in 2017. The team currently plays its home games at Dongcheon Gymnasium, which has a capacity of 5,831.
Current Roster and Key Players
Currently, key players for the Hyundai Mobis Phoebus include Han-Jin Jo, Myeong-jin Seo, Seounghyun Lee, Moobeen Park, and Rayshaun Hammonds. The team is coached by Dong-hyun Cho. Rayshaun Hammonds currently leads the team in scoring, averaging 20.1 points per game, while also contributing 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Myeong-jin Seo is another key offensive contributor, averaging 13.1 points and 4.4 assists per game. Seounghyun Lee adds a strong presence on both ends of the court, averaging 8.6 points and 6.1 rebounds.
Looking Ahead
The Lunar New Year event is a strategic move by the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus to strengthen their connection with the local community and attract new fans. By combining the excitement of a KBL game with the cultural richness of the Lunar New Year, the team is creating a unique and appealing experience. The success of this event could set a precedent for future fan engagement initiatives and further solidify the Phoebus’ position as a prominent force in Korean basketball. The team’s commitment to providing entertainment both on and off the court demonstrates a holistic approach to building a loyal fanbase.
