TAMPA, Fla. — BTS opened its North American tour in Tampa with a sold-out crowd of about 60,000 fans Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium, the first of three performances expected to draw roughly 180,000 people.
The three-night run, matched only by Taylor Swift at the venue, marks a major return for the South Korean group following a years-long hiatus from touring.
Fans filled the stadium hours before showtime, many arriving early to buy merchandise and exchange fan-made gifts known as “freebies.” The crowd’s energy quickly turned into a roar once the show began, with constant cheering and synchronized light displays from Bluetooth-enabled light sticks.
A planned 2020 performance in Florida was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and group members later paused activities to complete South Korea’s mandatory military service.
“It’s huge. We can’t imagine we are in the same city. It’s really cool,” said Janeau Brom who was attending opening night.
Others traveled long distances, including fans from Miami, drawn by what they described as a shared connection through the group’s music.
“It’s a common love. We are all here for the same thing,” said Trinity Gonzales, who came with her sister Amy.
Some fans said the group helped them connect more deeply with Korean culture or feel represented.
“My parents are Korean immigrants," said Mary Kim. "I didn’t really know what Korea was about, and then when I found out about BTS, that’s when I was reconnected,”
“I grew up in a primarily white community … so when I discovered BTS, they made my life more positive,” said Emily Zhang.
With limited U.S. stops on the tour, many fans spent thousands of dollars on tickets, travel and merchandise. Still, attendees said the experience was worth the cost.
BTS is scheduled to return to Raymond James Stadium for additional performances Sunday and Tuesday, completing one of the largest concert events in Tampa’s history.
