Tampa Gets Ready For BTS Concerts With Traffic Advisories, K-Pop Fan Events

TAMPA, FL — Tampa is getting ready for K-pop band BTS to take the stage this weekend. The city is the band’s first U.S. stop on a new world tour.

BTS will perform on three nights in Tampa, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, at Raymond James Stadium. The tour is in support of their latest album, “Arirang,” which includes the single “Swim.”

Not only should Tampa drivers prepare for delays near the venue on the nights that they’re performing, but they should also expect heavy traffic in the days leading up to the concerts, as well, according to a traffic advisory from the city.

The band’s merchandise tent will be set up in advance of the concert series and is big enough to shut down an entire road near the stadium.

Tampa Bay Boulevard will be closed in front of the stadium starting Wednesday at 6 a.m. as crews set up the massive merch tent. Fans can start visiting the tent daily on Thursday ahead of the concerts, the news release said.

The road will be closed through Tuesday and will reopen April 29 at 6 p.m.

Despite the traffic woes, city leaders are excited for BTS to visit Tampa on its tour.

Mayor Jane Castor said Tampa’s bridges and Old City Hall will be illuminated purple to welcome the band and its fanbase, dubbed the BTS Army. Purple is the official color of BTS fans.

“All [three] shows … will be DYNAMITE, and they couldn’t have picked a better city for the first North American stop on their world tour,” Castor wrote in her post.

Local fans and businesses are also celebrating the band’s arrival in Tampa.

Soundbloom K-pop Tampa, the city’s first K-pop store, is teaming up with Saigon Night Market to host a K-pop fan festival celebrating BTS called Tampa Purples You on Friday through Sunday, 1 to 9 p.m., at Perry Harvey Sr. Park. There will be photocard trading, a K-pop deco station, scrapbooking activities, merch and vendors, raffles, and more.

The U.S. BTS Army in Tampa will host a Cupsleeve event on Friday, noon to 5 p.m., at Quickly Boba Cafe in Temple Terrace. The $15 cupsleeve pack includes a cupsleeve, photocard holder keychain, two photocards, a picket, a small banner and a magnet.

An Army Pre-Party takes place Friday, 8 p.m., at Tampa Karaoke VIP Bar and Lounge in Tampa. The event will feature world-class DJs, live K-pop dance performances and exclusive giveaways, including BTS trading cards and light sticks.

Tampa Bangtan Besties also partnered with the Tampa International Airport to welcome concertgoers visiting Tampa from around the world for the upcoming BTS shows.