Baseball Game Days Boost Local Business Sales by 90%: Chicken Shops and Convenience Stores Soar

The Booming Popularity of Korean Baseball and Its Economic Ripple Effect

The 2025 KBO season has seen record-breaking attendance, with all opening day games sold out and over 500 million spectators cumulatively this year. This surge in fan presence has translated into significant economic benefits for businesses around stadiums across South Korea, confirming baseball's status as a major cultural and economic force.

Local Business Sales Spike by 90% on Game Days

According to KB Kookmin Card's analysis of credit and debit card transactions around nine baseball stadiums between March 22 and May 31, 2025, sales on game days rose by an average of 90% compared to non-game days. Fast food outlets specializing in chicken saw a 166% increase, convenience stores 122%, pubs and restaurants 76%, and coffee and beverage shops 76%. Bakery sales also jumped by 62%.

Top Series Driving Sales Growth

Among the various matchups, the Doosan Bears vs. Kia Tigers 'Dangun Match' led with a 42% sales increase, followed by the Samsung Lions vs. Lotte Giants 'Classic Series' with 33%, the SSG Landers vs. Lotte Giants 'Harbor Series' at 7%, the LG Twins vs. Doosan Bears 'Jamsil Derby' at 4%, and the LG Twins vs. Lotte Giants 'El-Lot-La Classico' at 0.1%.

Year-on-Year Growth in Stadium Area Sales

Expanding the analysis to previous years shows a steady rise in sales linked to baseball games: 13% increase in 2023, 25% in 2024, and 31% in 2025 compared to 2022. Convenience stores, bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, and fast food outlets all experienced notable growth, highlighting the growing economic footprint of baseball events.

Cultural and Marketing Insights Behind the Surge

The rise in young and female fans, particularly women in their 20s who now make up 54% of ticket buyers, has energized the KBO League. This demographic shift has boosted not only attendance but also spending on food, beverages, and merchandise. Companies have leveraged this trend through innovative marketing, such as delivery apps providing pick-up services at stadiums, exclusive team merchandise collaborations, and baseball-themed products in convenience stores.

Fan and Community Reactions

Online communities such as Naver and Tistory blogs reflect overwhelmingly positive responses to the baseball boom, with fans praising the vibrant atmosphere, synchronized cheering culture, and the availability of diverse food and drink options. Some comments highlight the joy of combining social outings with sports, while others appreciate the convenience brought by app-based ordering services during games.

The Broader Economic Impact

The economic ripple effect extends beyond immediate sales. For instance, Kia Champions Field in Gwangju generated an estimated direct economic impact of around 200 billion won in 2025, with total effects surpassing 400 billion won when including indirect benefits. This demonstrates how baseball games stimulate regional economies through increased transportation, hospitality, and retail activity.

Conclusion: Baseball as a Cultural and Economic Catalyst

Korean professional baseball has evolved into more than just a sport; it is a cultural phenomenon that significantly boosts local economies. The synergy between passionate fans, innovative marketing, and community engagement continues to drive growth, making baseball game days a boon for surrounding businesses and a vibrant part of Korean social life.