KIA Tigers Take Their First Step Toward V13! A Complete Guide to the Special 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 vibrant festival ground under the slogan 'V13urn Again'. This home opening series, carrying the hopes for a 13th championship, is literally the starting line for the KIA Tigers, as they go all in with a 'once more, with fire' attitude.
Star-Studded Ceremonial First Pitch and First Swing Lineup at Champions Field
Undoubtedly, the highlight of this series is the impressive lineup of celebrities set to throw the ceremonial first pitch and take the first swing. According to club sources, final preparations are underway to invite genuine, high-profile fans from various fields to 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 their long-awaited debut at Champions Field, which was unfortunately rained out last year. On the 4th, former short track speed skating gold medallist Kim A-lang will take the mound, bringing her signature bright and energetic spirit. Then, on the final day, the 5th, the finale will be graced by actor Kim Eui-sung, a self-proclaimed die-hard fan of over 40 years. Having described this moment as 'a dream come true', it's sure to be an unforgettable experience for all the fans in attendance.
V13urn Again: A Full Lineup of Events Charged with Winning Energy
The stadium and its surroundings will be buzzing with the spirit of '13' and victory. Local sources indicate that everything is set, from a medley of cheer songs performed by the 25-member marching band 'Crown' to a special celebration stage by the talented band 'Touched'. A particularly standout moment will be the ultra-special player introduction parade, featuring 13 Kia EV line vehicles driving around the field. This spectacle perfectly embodies this season's catchphrase and theme, showcasing a powerful will to win.
But that's not all. Throughout the stadium, banners on flagpoles and streetlights featuring the 12 previous championship emblems will be installed, further heightening the festival atmosphere. There will also be an event where fan-submitted photos from the stands, posted on social media, are featured on the big screen. After each game, regardless of the outcome, a 'post-game celebration' with the players will take place, and after the game on the 3rd, singer Lee Bo-ram will join in to keep the energy high.
Capturing the Moment: Your 2026 KIA Tigers
Of course, the real heart of baseball is on the field. The KIA Tigers, led by manager Beom-ho Lee, are in the thick of a tight competition early in the season. Looking at their performance so far, the batting lineup shows their trademark explosive power with a team batting average over .300, but they do have the task of fine-tuning their pitching staff's ERA. However, any baseball fan knows that Champions Field itself is a force to be reckoned with and a unique advantage. The journey toward V13 has only just begun.
More Fun at the Ballpark: Meet Leshy and Friends
Meanwhile, fans visiting Champions Field this year have another 'must-have' item on their list. It's the 'Leshy and Friends' merchandise, created in collaboration with the KBO. The Leshy and Friends x KBO Gangsta Leshy Plush Doll Keyring series is back, featuring the victory fairy 'Leshy' and cheer captain 'Bibi', characters who gained huge popularity in Season 1 last year, now transformed with even more variety. With a lineup of over 110 items, including plush dolls, keyrings, and crossbody bags, it offers a 'shopping experience' in itself. Along with the special design tickets for the opening series, snagging items from the Leshy and Friends x KBO Gangsta Leshy Plush Doll Keyring KIA Tigers edition is another highlight not to be missed this season.
- Dates: Friday, April 3 – Sunday, April 5, 2026
- Venue: Gwangju-KIA Champions Field
- Opponent: NC Dinos
- Theme: V13urn AGAIN (Once More, With Fire)
- Special Events: Star-studded first pitch & first swing lineup, player EV9 parade, post-game celebrations, exclusive Leshy and Friends merchandise sales
Tickets are available starting from 11:00 AM on March 27th, one week before the games, via the club's official app and Ticketlink. Be the one to snag the special design tickets commemorating this opening series.