KIA Tigers Take Their First Step Toward V13: A Complete Guide to the Star-Studded Events at the 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, carrying the hopes for a 13th championship, is literally the starting line for the KIA Tigers as they go all in for a 'second, blazing hot' run.
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 sources within the organization, preparations are in the final stages to invite some of the biggest '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 plate for the ceremonial first pitch and swing, respectively. This marks the long-awaited Champions Field debut for the duo, which was unfortunately rained out last year. On the 4th, former short track speed skating gold medalist Kim Arang will step up for the ceremonial first pitch, promising to bring her signature bright energy. Then, for the finale on the 5th, actor Kim Eui-sung, a self-proclaimed original fan of over 40 years, will take the spotlight. Having described the experience as 'like a dream,' he's sure to create unforgettable memories for the fans in attendance.
V13urn Again: A Full Lineup of Events Charged with Winning Spirit
Inside and outside the stadium will be filled with the energy of '13' and victory. Compiling information from local sources, everything is set, starting with a cheer song medley by the 25-member marching band 'Crown' followed by a celebratory performance from the talented band 'Touched.' A particularly special highlight will be the team's entrance, which will be an ultra-premium parade featuring 13 KIA EV line vehicles driving around the field. This scene perfectly embodies the team's unwavering commitment to victory, aligning with this season's catchphrase and theme.
And that's not all. Flags featuring the 12 previous championship emblems and street banners will be installed throughout the stadium, further elevating the festive atmosphere. There will also be an event where fan-submitted photos from the stadium on social media will be featured as digital board title images. After the game, regardless of the outcome, there will be a post-game fan celebration with the players. Following the game on the 3rd, singer Lee Boram will join in to amp up the excitement even more.
Capturing the Moment: The 2026 KIA Tigers Right Now
Of course, the true thrill of baseball comes from the action on the field. The KIA Tigers, led by manager Lee Bum-ho, are in the thick of a tight competition early in the season. Looking at their performance so far, the lineup is showing its characteristic explosive offense with a team batting average over .300, but they face the challenge of needing to refine their team ERA on the mound. However, any baseball fan knows that Champions Field itself is both a wild card and a source of power. The journey toward V13 has only just begun.
Another Layer of Fun at the Ballpark: Meet Resy & Friends
Meanwhile, fans visiting Champions Field this year have a new 'must-have' item. It's the 'Resy & Friends' merchandise collaboration with the KBO. The Resy & Friends x KBO League's Strongest Resy Plush Doll Keyring series, featuring the victory fairy 'Resy' and the cheerleader 'Bibi,' which gained massive popularity in Season 1 last year, returns with even more variety. The lineup of over 110 items, from plush dolls to keyrings and crossbody bags, offers a 'shopping experience' in itself. Along with the special design tickets limited to the opening series, grabbing the Resy & Friends x KBO League's Strongest Resy 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 (A Second, Blazing Hot Run)
- Special Events: A-list ceremonial first pitch & swing lineup, team EV9 parade, post-game fan celebration, limited edition Resy & Friends merchandise sales
Tickets are available starting March 27th at 11 AM, seven days before the 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.