BTS fans flock to Stanford ahead of sold-out Bay Area shows
Fans flock to Stanford ahead of sold-out BTS shows this weekend
BTS, the widely-popular Korean pop band, will perform three sold-out shows at Stanford this weekend.
PALO ALTO, Calif. - One of the world’s biggest bands is taking over the Peninsula this weekend as K-pop superstars BTS prepare for a sold-out, three-night run at Stanford Stadium.
The concerts mark the group’s first Bay Area performances since 2018 after members completed their mandatory military service.
Fans wait hours for merchandise
What we know:
Although the shows do not begin until Saturday, fans, collectively known as the BTS Army. were already crowding the Stanford campus on Friday, many waiting for hours in the heat to buy official merchandise.
By Friday afternoon, lines wrapped around the campus track and stretched toward the merchandise tents. Some fans reported waiting more than six hours, while others camped out overnight for a chance to buy exclusive items.
"Well, first I was like, ‘What the heck?’ But yes, you get merch!" said Renee Butcher, who traveled from Spokane, Washington.
Among the most sought-after items were member jerseys, which fans said have been selling out at tour stops across the country.
"We got in line just to get these, because they were the first to sell out," said Ruby San Juan of San Francisco.
Giving back
Two women we spoke with said they attended BTS's concert eight years ago at Oakland Coliseum. They're part of the fan club and plan on attending all three Stanford shows. But this time they said they wanted to do something special for the band and for fans all over the country and beyond.
"When they come back, we have to go all out for them. [I] want to make sure they know they're loved in the Bay Area," said Lucia Victorino of the BTS Army. They're showing their love for the band by raising $7,500 in one month to pay for the band members' images to be part of a mobile billboard.
A truck with one of these images will drive around Stanford Stadium before each concert.
Part of the Army culture is to make memorabilia and give them away to other fans.
Jun Shao founded 82ALLNIGHT, a nonprofit collective to promote Korean culture through music events. He says BTS plays an important role in bridging cultural diversity.
"Not everyone needs to be Korean to understand the value of showing up every day, representing your culture, your background, your roots and being proud of that and not being afraid to show it," says Shao.
He recently held a flash mob at Oakland's Jack London Square and a BTS-themed cruise.
"There's shared joy in hosting these events and celebrating together. I feel really proud and thankful that this is part of my life and I can now share that and connect with other people," Shao says.
He plans on attending the concert on Tuesday.
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Oracle Arena was filled with 12,000 fans who attended a sold out K-pop concert with BTS, a Korean Boy band. Many fans say they paid a lot for their tickets.
Fans travel across the country
What they're saying:
Fans from across the United States traveled to the Bay Area for the concerts, with some heading straight from the airport to the merchandise lines.
"This was the closest location that I could get," said Caitlin Brown, who also traveled from Spokane.
Elizabeth Chestnut flew in from Orlando, Florida, saying one of the best parts of the experience was meeting fellow fans from around the world.
"It’s just nice to get to know people from literally everywhere," she said.
Many concertgoers said they plan to attend all three shows.
"I don’t think it’s hype. It’s a passion," said fan Nelai Flores.
Natasha Valiente goes from city to city to hold dance parties before each of BTS's concert series during its current tour. She says her parties are a way to bring communities of all colors, ages and backgrounds together – the people who make up the South Korean boy band's fan base.
As a Filipina American, and in agreement with other fans, she says there's great pride that BTS is representation for Asians.
"Visibility is important, especially being first generation. It's like we were taught to assimilate," says Valiente. "It's a reminder that our roots are important. Your roots are valuable. They can offer things to the world. Your culture can be beneficial to other people."
Traffic expected around stadium
Why you should care:
The massive crowds are expected to continue throughout the weekend, with local authorities warning drivers to expect heavy traffic and delays around Stanford Stadium on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.
Here is the schedule:
- Parking lots open: 1:30 p.m.
- Stadium gates open: 4:30 p.m.
- Showtime: 7 p.m.
Merchandise tents will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on concert days. Organizers said limited additional merchandise stock will be released each day.
After waiting years for BTS to return to touring, many fans said the long lines are worth it.
"We’ve been waiting for four years, and now they’re here," said Imee Ducut of San Francisco. "It’s exciting." concert.