BTS will hold a total of 31 performances across 12 cities in North αмєяι¢α, including El Paso, мєχι¢σ City, and New York. The concert series marks the group’s return to the United States after nearly four years since “BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE,” which was held in Las Vegas in April 2022. Amid high anticipation, tickets quickly sold out for all shows, with additional dates scheduled in Tampa, Stanford, and Las Vegas.

Tampa—the starting point of the North αмєяι¢αn tour—welcomed BTS’s first-ever visit as a full group by transforming the entire city into a festive atmosphere. From Tampa International Airport displaying numerous welcome messages, to the Old City Hall and downtown bridges being lit up in purple, and even the closure of a street to set up large-scale official merchandise zones to accommodate mαѕѕive crowds, the city fully embraced the event.

Meanwhile, one more show remains in Tampa on the 28th (local time) before BTS continues their North αмєяι¢αn tour at El Paso’s Sun Bowl Stadium on May 2 and 3. Even so, residents and local authorities in El Paso already appear fully prepared for the K-pop superstars’ first visit.

Most notably, on the 27th (local time), the El Paso County Commissioners Court decided to award BTS the “Estimado Amigo” award, even though the concert nights in the city has yet to officially begin. At the same time, local authorities also declared May 2 and 3 as “BTS El Paso Weekend” to honor the group’s contributions to tourism and to recognize the efforts of the local ARMY community.

“Estimado Amigo” is a title typically awarded to individuals or groups who have made positive contributions to the community or helped promote the local image. In BTS’s case, the honor reflects El Paso’s appreciation for the group—recognizing them as “valued friends” of the local community. Their global influence and the positive values they spread, particularly their mαѕѕive economic and tourism impact, have also been strongly acknowledged.

This decision by El Paso authorities is far from arbitrary. It is estimated that BTS’s two concerts in the city could generate up to $75 million in economic impact. The surge in tourism, accommodation demand, dining, and shopping is expected to provide a powerful boost to the local economy.

In fact, such expectations are well grounded. Timothy Calkins, a marketing professor at Northwestern University, previously told The Guardian, "Every city hosting the tour will see a mαѕѕive surge in tourist numbers, hotel occupancy rates, and overall economic activity. The impact could potentially surpαѕѕ even that of U.S. pop star Taylor Swift." Swift’s ‘Eras’ Tour was recorded as the highest-grossing tour in history. It is estimated to have triggered approximately $5 billion (about 7.347 trillion KRW) in direct consumer spending across the United States.

He added, “Concert-goers become tourists who revitalize local economies. These events do more than just draw people to a city; they act as a platform to promote that city to the entire world.” He further noted, “A BTS tour provides a brand-strengthening opportunity that would be difficult to achieve through traditional marketing.”

Meanwhile, local media in Tampa had also predicted that three concerts in the city could generate between $800 million and $900 million in economic impact. In Goyang, South кσяєα, three BTS concerts in early April were estimated to attract around 30,000 international visitors, generating domestic spending of up to 55.5 billion won across sectors such as aviation, accommodation, dining, and shopping. Card transactions in commercial areas near the venue surged by more than 800% compared to the previous week, while total spending increased by 231%.

Against this backdrop, El Paso’s early “red carpet” treatment and decision to grant BTS an honorary title—even before their performances—are entirely understandable. It also highlights a clear reality: BTS concerts are not merely musical events, but powerful "economic engines" capable of driving consumption and tourism in a short period of time. Fans have expressed pride in their idols’ remarkable influence, commenting:

- Initially, I thought El Paso is a small city bc I saw many videos titled "why BTS skip major cities for El Paso", turns out it's the 22nd most populous city in USA!

- I have no idea about El Paso, until BTS make it as one of their stop for the concert. Our guys move mountains and they deserve it

- What the trashy corrupt South кσяєαn media will never show you. кσяєαn should learn from them!!

- I hope certain city learn soмєтнing from this. The boys’ hard work deserves to be respected. Respect to the El Paso authorities for this move.

- This is truly historic! So proud of BTS & ARMY. And mind you, the very place that ought to celebrate such an impact is the one complaining the loudest. Irony at its finest, right?

- THIS IS CRAZY! BTS economic impact is more appreciated overseas than in their own country. кσяєα that scrutinizes the littlest things

- To all ARMYs heading to the El Paso BTS concert: enjoy your stay! Support local businesses, visit museums and landmarks, and make the most of the warm welcome the county is giving you

- They received a recognition in El Paso for a concert not happening yet, but they received complains in their home country for a free concert that have proven the huge economic impact

- This is amazing. Hope to see other countries to recognise them too. Thank you El Paso