KIA Tigers Take the First Step Toward V13! A Complete Guide to the Unmissable Events at the Spectacular Home Opening Series
The day baseball fans have been waiting for is almost here. From April 3rd to 5th, Gwangju-KIA Champions Field will transform into a three-day festival under the slogan ‘V13urn Again’. Carrying the hopes for a 13th championship, this home opening series is the starting line for the KIA Tigers, a declaration that they’re going all-out, once again.
A-List Ceremonial First Pitch and First Swing Lineup to Grace Champions Field
The undeniable highlight of this series is the star-studded lineup for the ceremonial first pitch and first swing. According to club insiders, final preparations are underway to invite passionate celebrity fans who are making waves in their respective fields to the mound. On opening day, the 3rd, actors Bae Yoo-ram and Lee Je-hoon will take the mound and the batter's box, respectively. This marks their long-awaited debut at Champions Field, which was unfortunately washed out by rain last year. On the 4th, former short track speed skating gold medallist Kim A-lang will throw the ceremonial first pitch, bringing her signature bright energy to the crowd. Then, on the final day, the 5th, the grand finale will be handled by actor Kim Eui-sung, a self-proclaimed die-hard fan of over 40 years. Having described the opportunity as ‘a dream come true’, he's sure to create an unforgettable memory for the fans in attendance.
V13urn Again: A Full Lineup of Events Packed with Winning Spirit
Inside and outside the stadium, everything will be infused with the number ‘13’ and the spirit of victory. According to local reports, the entertainment lineup is set, starting with a cheer song medley by the 25-piece marching band ‘Crown’, followed by a special performance from the talented band ‘Touched’. A major highlight will be the players' entrance, which will be an extraordinary parade featuring 13 Kia EV series vehicles circling the field. This spectacle perfectly embodies this season's catchphrase and theme, showcasing the team's unwavering determination to win.
And that's not all. Throughout the stadium, flags and street banners emblazoned with the 12 previous championship emblems will be on display, ramping up the festive atmosphere. There will also be an event where fan photos posted on social media will be featured on the big screen as title images. After each game, regardless of the result, a ‘post-game cheer session’ with the players will be held, and following the game on the 3rd, singer Lee Bo-ram will join in to add to the excitement.
Capturing the Moment: The 2026 KIA Tigers Right Now
Of course, the true excitement of baseball lies on the field. Under manager Lee Beom-ho, the KIA Tigers are locked in a fierce battle near the top of the standings early in the season. Looking at their performance so far, the lineup is displaying its characteristic powerful offense with a team batting average over .300, but the team still faces the challenge of tightening up its earned run average on the mound. But as any baseball fan knows, Champions Field is both a variable and a source of strength in its own right. The journey towards V13 has only just begun.
Another Layer of Fun at the Ballpark: Meet Racy & Friends
Meanwhile, fans visiting Champions Field this year have another ‘must-have’ item. It's the ‘Racy & Friends’ merchandise, created in collaboration with the KBO. The Racy & Friends x KBO Racy Plush Doll Keyring series is particularly popular, with the victory fairy ‘Racy’ and cheerleader ‘Bibi’ characters, who were a huge hit in last year's Season 1, returning with even more variety. The lineup of around 110 items, including plush dolls, keyrings, and crossbody bags, offers a ‘shopping experience’ in itself. Along with the special design tickets for the opening series, grabbing the Racy & Friends x KBO Racy Plush Doll Keyring KIA Tigers edition is another must-do this season.
- Schedule: April 3 (Fri) – April 5 (Sun), 2026
- Venue: Gwangju-KIA Champions Field
- Opponent: NC Dinos
- Theme: V13urn AGAIN (All-out, once again)
- Special Events: Star-studded ceremonial first pitch & first swing lineup, players' EV9 parade, post-game cheer sessions, limited edition Racy & Friends merchandise sales
Tickets go on sale seven days before each game, starting March 27th at 11:00 AM via the club's official app and Ticketlink. You could be the one holding the special design ticket that commemorates this opening series.