KIA Tigers Take the First Step Towards V13! A Roundup of the Star-Studded Events for the Spectacular Home Opening Series
The day baseball fans have been waiting for is finally here. From April 3rd to 5th, Gwangju-KIA Champions Field will transform into a vibrant festival ground for three days under the slogan ‘V13urn Again’. This home opening series, carrying the hopes for a 13th championship, is quite literally the KIA Tigers' starting line, where they're putting it all on the line to get 'Back in the Heat of It'.
Star-Studded Ceremonial First Pitch and First Swing Lineup at Champions Field
Without a doubt, the highlight of this series is the dazzling lineup for the ceremonial first pitch and first swing. According to sources close to the team, final preparations are underway to invite some true-blue fans who are making waves in their respective fields to take the mound. On opening day, the 3rd, actors Bae Yoo-ram and Lee Je-hoon will handle the first pitch and first swing duties, respectively. This marks the long-awaited debut for the pair at Champions Field, after their appearance was unfortunately rained out last year. On the 4th, former short track speed skating gold medalist Kim A-lang will take the mound for the first pitch, bringing her signature bright energy to the crowd. Then, for the finale on the 5th, the series will be capped off by actor Kim Eui-sung, a self-proclaimed die-hard fan of the Tigers for over 40 years. Having shared that this feels 'like a dream', he's sure to create an unforgettable memory for the fans in attendance.
V13urn Again: All Hands on Deck for Victory-Themed Events
The stadium and its surroundings are set to be filled with the spirit of '13' and victory. According to a compilation of local reports, the lineup is set, starting with a cheer song medley performance by the 25-member marching band 'Crown', followed by a celebratory stage from the talented band 'Touched'. A particularly spectacular moment will be the players' entrance, which will be a supercharged parade featuring 13 Kia EV line vehicles driving around the field. This is a powerful display of the team's determination to win, perfectly aligned with this season's catchphrase and theme.
But that's not all. Throughout the stadium, banners on flagpoles and lampposts featuring the 12 past championship emblems will be installed, aiming to elevate the festive atmosphere. There will also be an event where fan photos posted on social media are turned into images featured on the big screen. After each game, regardless of the outcome, there will be a post-game celebration with the team, and after the game on the 3rd, singer Lee Bo-ram will join in to further amp up the excitement.
Capturing the Moment: Your 2026 KIA Tigers
Of course, the real thrill of baseball lies on the field. The KIA Tigers, led by manager Lee Beom-ho, are locked in a tight battle in the early season standings. Looking at the stats so far, the lineup is showcasing its trademark explosive offence with a team batting average over .300, but the team has the task of refining their earned run average on the mound. However, as any baseball fan knows, Champions Field itself is a force to be reckoned with – a variable and a source of strength. The journey towards V13 has only just begun.
Another Layer of Fun at the Ballpark: Meet Recy & Friends
Meanwhile, for fans visiting Champions Field this year, there's another 'must-have' item. It's the 'Recy & Friends' merchandise, created in collaboration with the KBO. In particular, the Recy & Friends x KBO Gang Recy Plush Doll Keyring series sees the return of the victory fairy 'Recy' and cheerleader 'Bibi', who were hugely popular in last year's first season, now transformed with even more variety. With a lineup of over 110 items, including plush dolls, keyrings, and crossbody bags, it's a shopping experience in itself. Along with the limited-edition special design tickets for the opening series, the fun of grabbing the Recy & Friends x KBO Gang Recy Plush Doll Keyring KIA Tigers edition is another highlight not to be missed this season.
- Dates: April 3 (Fri) – April 5 (Sun), 2026
- Venue: Gwangju-KIA Champions Field
- Opponent: NC Dinos
- Theme: V13urn AGAIN (Back in the Heat of It)
- Special Events: Star-Studded First Pitch/Swing Lineup, EV9 Team Parade, Post-Game Celebration with the Team, Limited-Edition Recy & Friends Merchandise
Tickets go on sale from 11:00 AM on March 27th, seven days before each game, via the team's official app and Ticketlink. You could be the one holding the special design ticket that kicks off the opening series.