KIA Tigers' First Step Towards V13! A Round-Up of the Star-Studded Events for a Spectacular Home Opening Series
The day baseball fans have been waiting for is almost here. From 3 to 5 April, Gwangju-KIA Champions Field will transform into a vibrant festival ground under the banner 'V13urn Again'. This home opening series, embodying the ambition for a 13th championship, is quite literally the starting line for the KIA Tigers as they throw everything into the new campaign – ready to 'turn up the heat once more'.
Star-Studded Ceremonial First Pitch & First Swing Lineup to Grace Champions Field
Undoubtedly, the biggest draw for this series is the spectacular lineup for the ceremonial first pitch and first swing. According to sources inside and outside the club, the final touches are being put on plans to invite some of the most passionate 'superfans' from various 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 the long-awaited debut at Champions Field for the pair, after it was unfortunately rained off last year. On the 4th, former short track speed skating Olympic gold medallist Kim A-rang will take the mound for the ceremonial first pitch, bringing her signature vibrant energy. Then, for the finale on the 5th, the stage will be graced by actor Kim Eui-sung, a self-proclaimed original fan of over 40 years. Having expressed his own amazement, calling it 'like a dream', he is sure to create unforgettable memories for the fans in attendance.
V13urn Again: A Full Roster of Events Channelling the Spirit of Victory
The stadium and its surroundings are set to be awash with the number '13' and the aura of victory. Pulling together information from local sources, preparations are complete for everything from a medley of cheer songs performed by the 25-piece marching band 'Crown' to a celebratory stage from the accomplished band 'Touched'. Notably, the team introduction will be a super-sized parade featuring 13 Kia EV line vehicles driving around the ground. This spectacle perfectly aligns with this season's catchphrase and theme, demonstrating an unyielding will to win.
And that's not all. Flags featuring the emblems of the club's 12 previous championships, along with banner poles, will be installed throughout the stadium to maximise the celebratory atmosphere. There will also be an event showcasing fan-submitted matchday photos from social media as the main title image on the big screen. Following each game, regardless of the outcome, a post-match fan gathering will take place with the players, and after the game on the 3rd, singer Lee Bo-ram will join in to amplify the excitement.
Capturing the Moment: The 2026 KIA Tigers Story So Far
Of course, the true thrill of baseball lies on the field. The KIA Tigers, led by manager Lee Beom-ho, are engaged in a fiercely contested battle near the top of the standings early in the season. Looking at their performance to date, the batting lineup boasts a team average over .300, showcasing their characteristic explosive offence. However, they face the challenge of tightening up their pitching staff's earned run average. But as any baseball fan knows, Champions Field is a force in its own right, a unique variable in any game. The journey towards V13 has only just begun.
Another Stadium Treat: Meet Leshy and Friends
Meanwhile, fans visiting Champions Field this year have a new 'must-have' item to collect. It's the 'Leshy and Friends' merchandise, a collaboration with the KBO. The Leshy and Friends x KBO Leoshion Plush Doll Keyring series has returned with a more vibrant makeover for characters like the victory fairy 'Leshy' and the cheerleader 'Bibi', who were a huge hit with the first season last year. With over 110 items, including plush dolls, keyrings, and cross-body bags, the range itself offers a 'shopping experience' to savour. Alongside the limited-edition special design tickets for the opening series, snagging an edition from the Leshy and Friends x KBO Leoshion Plush Doll Keyring KIA Tigers range is another highlight not to be missed this season.
- Dates: Friday 3 April – Sunday 5 April 2026
- Venue: Gwangju-KIA Champions Field
- Opponent: NC Dinos
- Theme: V13urn AGAIN (Turn up the heat once more)
- Special Events: Star-studded ceremonial first pitch/first swing lineup, team EV9 parade, post-match fan gathering, limited edition Leshy and Friends merchandise sales
Tickets go on sale at 11:00 AM on 27 March, seven days before the games, via the club's official app and Ticketlink. You could be the one to get your hands on the special design tickets commemorating this opening series.