BTS held their 'BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN MEXICO CITY' at the Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City on the 7th and from the 9th to the 10th (local time), meeting approximately 150,000 fans. This marked their first full-group solo concert in Mexico in about 10 years and 10 months since 2015, with all three shows selling out immediately upon ticket release.
The performance was overwhelming from the very start. The stadium was filled with chants and sing-alongs of the group's name, while a massive crowd of fans who couldn't secure tickets gathered outside the venue. Local authorities estimated that more than 35,000 fans congregated around the stadium during the second and third days of the concert alone. As the crowd spilled onto surrounding roads, some sections were temporarily closed.
The members could not hide their awe at the explosive local response. During the show, SUGA said, "I know there are many ARMYs outside right now," and promised, "If there is a bigger venue in Mexico, let's definitely meet there next time," sending the crowd into a frenzy of cheers.
In particular, this concert received a huge response from local fans by naturally incorporating Mexican culture throughout the show. Dancers wearing traditional Lucha Libre masks appeared during the 'Aliens' performance, and V made waves on social media after being seen enjoying the local snack, Banderilla, during the 'IDOL' stage.
'Airplane pt.2' was also a highlight of the concert. When the song, which includes the lyrics "We goin' from Mexico City," was performed as an impromptu selection, the entire stadium was covered in a massive sing-along. The cheers reached a fever pitch the moment the city's name was mentioned, and the members couldn't stop smiling.
Mexico's hospitality toward BTS began even before the concert. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum officially invited BTS to the Presidential Palace just before the show, and more than 50,000 fans gathered at the Plaza. The scene was filled with massive cheers, tears, and a collective sing-along of "Arirang."
Local media also highlighted the "BTS phenomenon." The Los Angeles Times covered the official presidential invitation and the fandom's fervor that swept the entire city, noting, "It is rare for a boy band to become a matter of international diplomacy." The outlet reported that over 1 million people attempted to purchase tickets, and even those who could not enter gathered around the venue.
Meanwhile, BTS will continue their North American tour at Stanford Stadium in the U.S. on the 16th – 17th and the 19th. Local city infrastructure is also adjusting to the BTS concert, with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) announcing that it will operate special bus routes ahead of the performance.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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