KBO League 2025 Season Opener Sparks Local Economic Boom

The 2025 KBO League season kicked off on March 22, 2025, bringing excitement to fans across the nation as they gathered to witness the opening match between the KIA Tigers and NC Dinos at the Gwangju-Kia Champions Field. This year's opening day saw unprecedented buzz, with fans eagerly visiting nearby eateries and markets, driving significant local business.

At the heart of this bustling activity was the famous 'Cheongwadae' restaurant, treasured among KIA enthusiasts. A long queue formed outside as early as 11 AM, with over 50 dedicated fans waiting to enjoy a meal before the game. Jeong Chang-jo, a 49-year-old father from Seoul, shared, "The taxi driver suggested that, as a KIA fan, I must eat at Cheongwadae. I didn't expect such a long wait, but seeing my son excited makes it worthwhile."

Fans like Jang Yun-seo, 22, noted that the crowd was exceptionally larger compared to regular weekday games, reflecting the excitement of opening day. “I regularly come to watch home games, but the turnout today is at least double what I usually see,” she remarked. This enthusiasm translated to a boom in sales for local businesses as fans indulged in pre-game meals and refreshments.

Korean fried chicken restaurants did particularly well as orders surged, starting from as early as 10 AM. A local franchise owner remarked that on such game days, orders often exceed normal levels, occasionally hitting peaks due to KIA's success last year. “During the championship run, we sold about 100 chickens a day. I truly hope today’s game brings another win to keep the momentum going,” he said with a smile.

Seong Yun-seo, who operates a delivery restaurant near the stadium, noted a remarkable increase in sales, up by 30 to 40 percent due to the game's popularity. “As soon as we opened for business, delivery requests were streaming in, all thanks to the opening game,” she explained.

Moreover, nearby marts were also positively impacted, selling refreshments to spectators who opted to enjoy their meals on benches outside. Kim Hye-gyeong, a mart owner with a decade's experience, reported, “On game days, our sales for beverages and beers notably increase. It’s the perfect combination for enjoying baseball.” Fans unable to secure indoor seating filled the outside areas, creating a festive atmosphere across the vicinity.

Beyond the local economic boost, the KBO League's 2025 season is expected to continue its record-breaking trajectory. Building on an impressive performance from the trial matches earlier this year, KBO aims to attract over 10 million spectators again in the 2025 season. Broadcasting rights and streaming services such as KBS and Tving are ramping up their promotional efforts, creating a vibrant baseball culture.

KBS has announced it will regularly broadcast Saturday games at 2 PM, allowing fans to engage more with the league. They highlighted that opening day will include the significant face-off between the Lotte Giants and LG Twins at Jamsil Stadium, alongside the KIA vs. NC matchup.

As the excitement mounted, fans who could not secure tickets chose to watch from nearby cafes, such as ‘Inko Coffee,’ where large crowds formed in anticipation of the live games. Some fans gathered around large screens to ensure they didn't miss a second of the action, creating a lively viewing experience outside the main venue. “I arrived early because I couldn’t book tickets. Watching with other fans here still brings out the raw atmosphere of game day,” noted KIA supporter Lee Joo-yeon, 22.

The thrill among fans is palpable, with many hoping for a strong season from the KIA Tigers, who aim to build on their previous success. Longtime fan Jeong Mo, 55, expressed his anticipation: “My wife and daughter have tickets and are watching inside while I’m outside again. I might not be in the stadium but I still feel connected to the game.”

The 2025 season introduces new rules aiming to enhance the pace of play, including a pitch clock and adjustments to the automatic ball-strike zone. These initiatives are expected to make the games more exciting while maintaining the quality of professional baseball in Korea.

With all games scheduled to span over 6 months and an ambitious aim of fostering a stronger community of baseball fans, the KBO is set to kickstart what promises to be another unforgettable season.

In conclusion, as the community rallies around their teams, the KBO League’s opening day not only marks the beginning of baseball action in 2025 but also serves as a celebration of local culture and a testament to the passionate bond between fans and the sport.