BTS Kick Off Arirang In North America Tour

By Michael Angulia | Published: Apr 26, 2026 10:52 AM EDT

BTS kicked off their 'BTS World Tour 'Arirang' In North America' with the first of three sold-out shows at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Saturday night drawing approximately 190,000 fans.

full coverage communications shared these details: Fresh off the success of the album ARIRANG, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with its lead single "SWIM" also debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the show featured a setlist anchored by tracks from the album alongside their global hits. Performed on a 360-degree, in-the-round stage, the production placed the audience at the center of the experience, minimizing transitions and maintaining momentum throughout the show.

Deeply integrating Korean essence into its production, the show brought the themes of ARIRANG to life on stage. The production incorporated traditional motifs and sound elements across key moments of the set, reinforcing the album's narrative.

The emotional pinnacle of the night arrived during "Body to Body," as the hauntingly beautiful melody of the traditional folk song "Arirang" echoed throughout the stadium. In a powerful display of cultural unity, thousands of voices joined in unison to sing the refrain in Korean-a historic moment where a cornerstone of Korean identity resonated in the heart of Tampa. This seamless blend of heritage and contemporary pop reflected the album's core message of being rooted in Korea while connecting with audiences worldwide.

The celebration extended far beyond the stadium walls, as the city of Tampa transformed into a vibrant festival ground welcoming fans from around the world. Tampa International Airport greeted the visitors with a welcome sign and a balloon arch in BTS-inspired palette, honoring the arrival of the band.

In a city-wide tribute, the Old City Hall and iconic bridges were bathed in regal light, marking a historic welcome for the group's North American kickoff. As a defining force in global pop, BTS' presence extended across the city, amplifying the scale of the tour's opening and drawing attention from both local communities and traveling fans. The kickoff weekend underscored the global impact of the group's return, turning the tour's start into a shared cultural moment across the region.

The landmark North American leg of the tour features additional stops in Mexico City, Las Vegas, Toronto, Chicago, and more. It will conclude with four-night residency at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, spanning 12 regions and 31 shows in total.

'BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN NORTH AMERICA' Tour Dates:

April 25-26, April 28 - Tampa, USA
May 2-3 - El Paso, USA
May 7, May 9-10 - Mexico City, Mexico
May 16-17, May 19 - Stanford, USA
May 23-24, May 27-28 - Las Vegas, USA
Aug 1-2 - East Rutherford, USA
Aug 5-6 - Foxborough, USA
Aug 10-11 - Baltimore, USA
Aug 15-16 - Arlington, USA
Aug 22-23 - Toronto, Canada
Aug 27-28 - Chicago, USA
Sep 1-2, Sep 5-6 - Los Angeles, USA