Tampa to shut entire roadway for BTS merch stands ahead of stadium shows

Just how big is South Korean boy band BTS? Big enough to shut down an entire Tampa roadway just to sell merchandise ahead of this weekend’s shows at Raymond James Stadium, city of Tampa officials announced Tuesday. 

Tampa Bay Boulevard will be closed in front of Raymond James Stadium from 6 a.m. Wednesday, April 22 to 6 p.m. the following Wednesday, April 29, the release says. The closure will allow crews to set up a massive BTS merchandise tent outside of the stadium ahead of the band’s world tour performances. 

BTS will be performing three nights at Raymond James Stadium, with back to back shows Saturday and Sunday followed by a third performance on Tuesday, April 28. Each show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and parking lots opening at 8:30 a.m.

Tampa officials estimated the concerts to draw more than 60,000 fans to the stadium each night and are urging motorists to plan for heavy traffic. 

Traffic signage will be posted around the area and extra security will be on site at the stadium, the release says. 

The Arirang World Tour is the fourth concert tour by the seven-member boy band and celebrates BTS' return to live performances after completing an 18-month mandatory military service. The tour began April 9 in Goyang, South Korea and spans more than 85 dates in 34 cities across 23 countries. 

The Tampa shows will be the first on the U.S. leg of the tour.