Players, cheerleaders and mascots to march in parade celebrating 9th title

Fan meeting, fireworks show and rides with players round out the day

Samsung Lions players celebrate after clinching their ninth Korean Series championship on Sunday. [Provided by Samsung]
Samsung Lions players celebrate after clinching their ninth Korean Series championship on Sunday. [Provided by Samsung]

A campaign pledge made by Samsung Lions catcher Kang Min-ho before the season is about to be fulfilled.

Everland, operated by Samsung C&T's resort division, announced Thursday that it will hold a special event — "Samsung Lions V9 Day, VAMOS! Everland" — on Tuesday, inviting 2,000 fans free of charge.

Kang made the pledge at the KBO Media Day in March, ahead of the professional baseball season opener, saying he would invite 1,000 fans for "a one-day date at Everland" if the Lions won the championship.

The Lions went on to claim their ninth title overall and first in 12 years, stoking anticipation among fans who had been eagerly awaiting the pledge's fulfillment.

Everland has decided to double the original commitment, expanding the guest list from 1,000 to 2,000. Fans who apply through the Everland mobile app by 4 p.m. Friday will be entered into a draw, with 1,000 winners each allowed to bring one guest, bringing the total to 2,000 free admissions.

Key players from the championship run will appear in person for a special parade, a fireworks show and a fan meeting. Fans will also have the chance to ride park attractions alongside the players.

The highlight is a special parade themed around the Lions' ninth championship title, called "March of the Blue Lions." Three large parade floats and open-top cars will follow a lead vehicle heralding the victory, with players, cheerleaders, the team mascot, Everland characters and dancers all taking part.

It marks the first time a domestic theme park has staged a Korean Series championship parade featuring professional baseball players as the main attraction.

After the parade, a special fan meeting will follow at Four Seasons Garden, where players, cheerleaders and the team mascot Bleo Family will gather with fans to share stories from the championship run.

A large LED screen will display congratulatory messages from fans to the players throughout the day. The Korean Series championship trophy will also be on display for commemorative photos.

Throughout the park, the Bleo Family mascots and Everland characters dressed in Lions uniforms will make surprise appearances, offering photo opportunities and gifts for fans.

The event will close with a fireworks display. Thousands of shells will light up the night sky amid special effects including lighting and lasers, with the Lions' fight song playing throughout.

To mark the championship, Everland is also running a discounted admission offer through the end of this month, with tickets available for 26,000 won ($19) via the Everland mobile app. Fans can join the "Samsung Lions V9 Club" for free on the app and purchase tickets at the discounted rate through the smart reservation link.

During the same period, children who visit wearing a Samsung Lions uniform can enter the park for 12,000 won, a nod to the team's first title in 12 years.

Special food items will also be available, including the "Kang Min-ho Nice Catch Meet Sandwich," named after the catcher, and the "Won Tae-in Pick Makchang Taco," named after pitcher Won Tae-in.


joze@heraldcorp.com