BTS will kick off their first show in Tampa, opening the North αмєяι¢αn leg, at 8 p.m. on the 25th (local time). Weeks before the concert, fans and even local authorities had already been busy preparing to welcome the K-pop superstars to the city. Tampa International Airport was decorated in BTS’s signature purple, featuring iconic slogans such as “We Purple You.”

Not stopping there, the Tampa Riverwalk and Old City Hall were also lit up in purple, creating a rare festival-like atmosphere. The mayor of Tampa even confidently declared on Instagram that the city wanted to prove to the world that there is no better place than Tampa to serve as the first stop of BTS’s North αмєяι¢αn leg.

Notably, on the 22nd, Tampa authorities also decided to close Tampa Bay Boulevard solely to set up booths selling BTS concert merchandise. The concerts will be held at Raymond James Stadium on April 25, 26, and 28, meaning the road closure will be in effect from 6 a.m. on April 22 to 6 p.m. on April 29—demonstrating the city’s enthusiastic welcome for the arrival of the seven BTS superstars.

Meanwhile, on the 23rd, all seven BTS members were spotted arriving in Tampa to prepare for the concert. They were seen enjoying a rare moment of relaxation together at a restaurant near the beach at sunset before diving into intense rehearsals.

The group also began rehearsing at Raymond James Stadium—and it was through this that a “ѕнσ¢кing” detail was revealed!

Specifically, some local fans managed to capture part of the rehearsal from outside the stadium. Although they couldn’t see the entire stage, what they witnessed was enough to leave the global ARMY community on edge: a mαѕѕive fireworks display lighting up the Tampa sky.

Fireworks are not entirely new to BTS concerts—this element previously appeared at their Goyang concert. However, the scale in Tampa this time has been described as a “major upgrade.” The display lasted around two minutes, featuring multiple types of fireworks launched continuously, creating such dense lighting effects that smoke and light blanketed the entire sky. In particular, the dominant fiery red tones further amplified the sense of grandeur and powerful.

And this was only a rehearsal—so just how explosive will the official concert version be? Clearly, the fireworks at Raymond James Stadium this time mark a performance never seen before in BTS’s world tour history, both in scale and visual experience.

Another notable detail is that BTS previously stirred buzz online when BTS Performance Director Googi shared photos of dozens of suitcases in various colors and sizes that the members brought with them to Tampa. Looking at this mountain of luggage, fans quickly understood that it signaled extremely elaborate preparations for stage outfits. From dazzling costumes and intricate props to advanced visual effects, everything points to a spectacular mega-concert about to unfold.

However, these details are hardly surprising when considering BTS’s immense appeal in Tampa. Initially, the tour stop was scheduled for just two nights, but tickets for both shows sold out almost instantly, prompting BigHit Music to announce an additional third night to meet overwhelming fan demand.

Meanwhile, Tampa authorities estimate that BTS’s concerts will bring a mαѕѕive economic impact to the city, projected at between $800 million and $900 million. Many downtown hotels have been fully booked for months, with prices skyrocketing to as high as $1,500 per night. Restaurants and bars have quickly rolled out special menus for fans, while кσяєαn food and beauty stores have reported sales increases of 300% to 500%.

On social media, fans can hardly contain their excitement as the first show in Tampa draws closer, expressing:

- They are just rehearsing the fireworks? Woah! No limited BUDGET. In BTS we trust

- The rehearsal fireworks are this crazy they blew everything they packed or what?

- Rehearsal fireworks already this insane?? tampa finna be straight chaos tomorrow

- Wow, impressive. Now, see why the USA is so hungry for getting some groups like BTS or is the only one to jump our economy and GDP up in the next qtr

- Cant believe there's also rehearsal for the fireworks, and it's already this mαѕѕive! 

- They test the firework??? Wow budget is unlimited I guess? Lol

- This is rehearsal and the sky's already going nuclear?? tampa show tomorrow is gonna be unhinged

- This fireworks display (fireworks). It's the rehearsal for TAMPA, apparently! It's HUGE!

- I'm screwed.... You say you burst out like this during rehearsal????? What kind of power is this!!!!!

- Wait www, rehearsal!? Isn't that going way overboard!? www Tampa is amazing... www

- Oh my gosh, the US is going off with a mαѕѕive explosion even for rehearsal purposes I'm so excited, but why am I in кσяєα