Tampa Turns Purple as BTS Launches Sold-Out North American "ARIRANG" Tour

BTS has officially commenced their "BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN NORTH AMERICA" with three sold-out performances at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The shows on April 25, 26, and 28 mark the group's first full-ensemble U.S. performance in approximately four years.

Key Facts

• The tour features all seven members: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.
• The North American leg includes 31 performances across 12 cities, including New York, Mexico City, and El Paso.
• Rapid ticket sales led to additional show dates in Tampa, Stanford, and Las Vegas.
• Tampa officials illuminated Old City Hall and major bridges in purple to welcome the group and fans.
• Tampa International Airport displayed welcome messages, while local road closures accommodated merchandise booths and high foot traffic.
• Analysts estimate the Tampa performances will generate a local economic impact between $800 million and $900 million.
• FOX 13 Tampa Bay aired special programming, "K-Pop: The Seoul Reach," regarding the group's global influence and cultural impact in Florida.

Key Terms

• ARIRANG: The title of BTS’s 2026 North American world tour.
• Raymond James Stadium: The kickoff venue for the tour in Tampa, Florida.
• Economic Impact: The financial benefit to a local economy from visitor spending and commerce related to an event.

Key Quote

"BTS's US concert is the first in about four years since 'BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE' held in Las Vegas in April 2022." — 스타뉴스

Next

• BTS will perform at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso on May 2-3.
• The group is the first Korean artist to headline Sun Bowl Stadium.
• Subsequent tour stops include Stanford and Las Vegas.