"Please let the fans come in too" — The players themselves asked for it! KT makes a sudden decision to open two Korean Series practice games on the 28th and 30th free of charge [Suwon On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The players of KT Wiz, who are preparing for their third Korean Series (KS), made a special request to the club. They wanted to sharpen their competitive edge amid fan cheers rather than playing practice games without spectators. The club accepted the players' suggestion and decided to open the practice game on the 28th free of charge.

A KT club official told reporters on-site at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 27th, "The practice game against the U-23 national baseball team on the 28th will be held with free admission for spectators limited to infield seats."

KT, led by Manager Lee Kang-cheol (60), will play practice games against the South Korean national team, which is participating in the 2026 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-23 Baseball World Cup, at Suwon KT Wiz Park at 6 p.m. on the 28th and 30th. Initially, only the final practice game on the 30th was scheduled to allow spectator entry in preparation for the Korean Series. However, plans changed after the players directly requested that fans be allowed to attend.

According to a KT club official, during the practice game against Military Command that day, the players conveyed their opinion that "it would be great if fans could come." The club reviewed this positively and decided to open the following day's game to fans.

Suwon KT Wiz Park was unusually quiet on that day. With autumn deepening and the weather turning chilly, and with no spectators present, it appeared difficult for the players to focus 100%. In fact, KT took the field in a live game for the first time in 15 days after securing their direct berth to the Korean Series. It is crucial for them not only to adjust to the opposing pitcher's pitches but also to regain the tension felt in an actual game environment. It is interpreted that playing while receiving fan support is also a necessary preparation process ahead of the Korean Series.

However, the content of that day's game was a pass. KT swept Military Command with a 7-0 victory, hitting nine singles and extra-base hits. Starting pitcher Daniel Davis (30) dominated the mound by allowing no hits in five innings while recording one walk, one hit batter, and 10 strikeouts for a scoreless outing. On the offensive side, Sam Hilliard (32) performed brilliantly with three hits in three at-bats and three RBIs, including a lead-off, game-winning two-run home run.

Although the result was good, there was a significant difference from the atmosphere of an actual Korean Series. Currently, the postseason is being held daily amid intense fan enthusiasm. Fan interest has continued from the LG Twins-Doosan Bears wild card playoff series to the KIA Tigers-LG wild card playoff series, and then to the KIA-Samsung Lions playoff series.

KIA and Samsung, who will be KT's opponents in the Korean Series, are clubs that have been part of professional baseball since its inception in 1982 and boast a solid fan base. This year, they also demonstrated strong crowd-drawing power. Samsung attracted 1,717,050 spectators across 73 home games in the regular season, ranking first among the 10th clubs. An average of 23,521 fans visited Daegu Samsung Lions Park per game, with a record 59 sellouts. KIA also drew 1,299,388 spectators across 73 home games. With an average attendance of 17,800 and 38 sellouts, they heated up Gwangju Kia Champions Field.

KT, the youngest club entering its 12th year in the KBO League first division, was no slouch either. KT, which joined the first division stage in 2015, attracted 1,022,972 spectators across 71 home games this regular season, opening the era of one million fans for the first time since its founding. An average of 14,408 fans visited Suwon KT Wiz Park per game, with the 18,700-seat capacity sold out on 29 occasions. Following their first integrated championship in 2021, they also secured a regular season title for the first time in five years this year with a record of 90 wins, 5 draws, and 49 losses (winning percentage .647), demonstrating growth in both performance and popularity.

Now, only six days remain until the start of the Korean Series. For KT, it is a time when they must readjust not only to their players' performance but also to the unique atmosphere of the postseason.

The practice game on the 28th can be viewed for free without separate tickets or reservations. Spectator entry begins at 5 p.m., and fans can freely take seats in operating areas such as central and outfield ticket booths and Wiz Terrace within Wiz Park. The Ladies' Zone, Haifa Eve Zone, Exciting Seats, Designated Cheering Seats, and Wheelchair Seats will also be open.

However, no separate cheering squads or events will be operated, and there will be no Haifa Eve event in the event of a victory. Advance parking reservations will not be available either. Game schedules or operating methods may change depending on weather conditions.

KT will play another practice game against the U-23 national team on the 30th before taking the field for Game 1 of the Korean Series in Suwon on November 2.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original