150,000 Fans Gather for BTS Concert in Mexico; Nearby Roads Temporarily Closed

About 35,000 Fans Gather Around the Stadium

Big Hit Music announced on May 12 that BTS drew a total audience of 150,000 in Mexico City.

BTS held the 'BTS World Tour Arirang in Mexico City' at Estadio GNP Seguros on the 7th and from the 9th to the 10th (local time). This was their first full-group concert in Mexico in 10 years and 6 months since July 2015, and all three shows were sold out.

The seven members received enthusiastic responses with performances that highlighted local culture. During the 'Aliens' performance, dancers appeared wearing masks from Lucha Libre, Mexico's traditional professional wrestling. V made headlines when he ate a local snack called banderilla during the performance of 'IDOL.' The members thanked fans in Spanish and said, "We will definitely return to Mexico."

The excitement extended outside the venue as well. Local authorities estimated that about 35,000 fans gathered around the stadium on the second and third days of the concert. Due to the large crowd, some nearby roads were restricted. The Los Angeles Times reported the news of the invitation from the Mexican presidential office, noting, "It is unusual for a boy band to rise to the center of international diplomacy."

The Mexico City Chamber of Commerce projected that the concerts would generate an economic impact of approximately $107.5 million (about 155.7 billion won) from ticket sales and tourism-related spending. The lodging sector alone is expected to account for about $17 million (about 2.46 billion won), while spending in food, beverages, and service sectors is estimated at about $2.18 million (about 320 million won).

BTS will continue their tour at Stanford Stadium in the United States on the 16th, 17th, and 19th. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) plans to operate special bus routes to accommodate concertgoers during the event period.