KIA Tigers Take Their First Step Toward V13! A Complete Guide to the Special Events at the Thrilling 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 under the slogan ‘V13urn Again’. This home opening series, embodying the hopes for a 13th championship, marks the starting line for the KIA Tigers as they go all out, literally ‘once more, with fire’.
Star-Studded Ceremonial First Pitch & Batting Lineup to Grace Champions Field
Undoubtedly, the highlight of this series is the impressive lineup for the ceremonial first pitch and first swing. According to sources within and around the club, 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 the long-awaited debut at Champions Field for them, after last year’s rainout. On the 4th, former short track speed skating national team gold medalist Kim A-lang will deliver the first pitch, bringing her signature bright energy. Then, on the final day, the 5th, actor Kim Eui-sung, who proudly declares himself a fan of over 40 years since the team’s inception, will headline the finale. Having shared that this feels ‘like a dream’, he’s sure to create an unforgettable memory for the fans in attendance.
V13urn Again: A Full Slate of Events Charged with Winning Spirit
Inside and outside the stadium, expect everything to be infused with the number ‘13’ and the spirit of victory. Based on local reports, preparations are complete, ranging from a medley performance by the 25-member marching band ‘Crown’ to a celebratory stage by the talented band ‘Touched’. A key highlight will be the players' entrance, which will be an ultra-premium parade featuring 13 Kia EV line vehicles circling the field. This spectacle perfectly embodies the team’s will to win, aligning with this season’s catchphrase and theme.
But that’s not all. Throughout the stadium, international flags and lamp post banners featuring the 12 previous championship emblems will be installed, further amping up the festive atmosphere. There will also be an event where fan-taken game photos posted on social media are featured as title images on the big screen. After the game, regardless of the outcome, there will be a ‘post-game cheering session’ with the players. 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. Led by manager Beom-ho Lee, the KIA Tigers are locked in a fierce battle in the early-season standings. Looking at their performance so far, the batting lineup showcases their trademark powerful offense with a team batting average above .300. However, they face the challenge of refining their pitching staff's ERA. But as any baseball fan knows, Champions Field itself is a force to be reckoned with—a dynamic variable. The journey towards V13 has only just begun.
Another Source of Fun at the Ballpark: Meet Lecce & Friends
Meanwhile, fans visiting Champions Field this year have another ‘must-have’ item. It’s the ‘Lecce & Friends’ merchandise, created in collaboration with the KBO. The Lecce & Friends x KBO Strongest Lecce Plush Doll Keyring series is back, featuring more diverse versions of the popular victory fairy ‘Lecce’ and cheerleader ‘Bibi’ from last year’s successful first season. 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, grabbing the Lecce & Friends x KBO Strongest Lecce Plush Doll Keyring KIA Tigers edition is another highlight not to be missed this season.
- Schedule: April 3 (Fri) – April 5 (Sun), 2026
- Venue: Gwangju-KIA Champions Field
- Opponent: NC Dinos
- Theme: V13urn AGAIN (Once More, With Fire)
- Special Events: Star-studded ceremonial first pitch & batting lineup, players' EV9 parade, post-game cheering session, limited edition Lecce & Friends merchandise sale
Tickets go on sale 7 days before each game, starting March 27th at 11:00 AM via the official club app and Ticketlink. You could be the one holding the special design ticket that commemorates this opening series.