Pokémon to partner with South Korean football club FC Seoul for themed merchandise, mini-games with prizes, and Pokémon appearances at opening game

FC Seoul, the professional South Korean football club, has announced a new collaboration with Pokémon Korea, Inc. for their opening home game of the season. The collab is advertising four main features, including free souvenirs, activities and a special opening ceremony. Plus, FC Seoul Pokémon merch is scheduled to be sold beginning in May.

FC Seoul is one of the leading clubs in the K League 1, with their home opener scheduled for March 22nd. This is the game that will feature Pokémon theming and events for fans, especially for kids. The first main feature is a giant photo wall of Pikachu in an FC Seoul jersey where fans can take pictures, as well as a giant Pikachu balloon. Both will be installed in the North Plaza of the home opener stadium, Seoul World Cup Stadium, and taking photos is free to visitors. Pikachu will also occasionally make appearances for photos with fans among the decor between 11 AM and 1 PM on game day.

The second Pokémon-themed item is a Pikachu paper sun visor, free to fans on a first-come, first-serve basis when they visit the giant photo wall or make a purchase in the stadium. The paper visor again features Pikachu in an FC Seoul jersey playing with a soccer ball.

Third, fans of all ages are invited to participate in “mini-games” near the photo wall, the details of which have not yet been revealed. The first participants to complete the mini-game missions will receive Pokémon stickers, which are to be revealed on game day.

Finally, FC Seoul will be including fans in their opening ceremony, inviting kids to apply for a chance to walk out hand-in-hand with players. FC Seoul have run this specific event before, showing off their players walking and carrying young fans onto the field. While no specific age limit is stated, the promotion is referred to as “Escort Kids.” Fans who are invited to walk out will also receive an exclusive gift set. Applications for this event are open now until March 18th at 2 PM KST on FC Seoul’s website.

Aside from these four promotions at the opening home game, FC Seoul will also be selling FC Seoul x Pokémon uniforms, though details are sparse. Designs and prices haven’t been revealed, but the club will begin selling them in May of this year.

Tickets for FC Seoul home games can be purchased on their website and at Ticketlink. Pokémon is also currently working with Japan's professional baseball league for a similar but much more extensive collab.