What to Know About BTS's Chicago Shows Next Week
BTS brings the ARIRANG World Tour to Chicago next week for two highly anticipated shows at Soldier Field. ARMY will take over the city on August 27 and 28, and Illinois is officially getting in on the celebration: Gov. JB Pritzker has declared both dates "BTS Day" across the state.
With BTS returning to Chicago for the first time since their 2019 Soldier Field shows, the city's ARMY community is preparing for two massive nights. Here's everything to know before heading to Soldier Field for BTS in Chicago.
BTS Day Is Coming to Illinois
Chicago is going all-in for BTS. Gov. JB Pritzker has declared August 27 and 28 "BTS Day" in Illinois, coinciding with BTS' two shows at Soldier Field. The proclamation follows an effort from Chicago BTS ARMY and the HANA Center to officially recognize the group's return to the city.
The celebration extends beyond Soldier Field, with ARMY gatherings and events planned throughout Chicago. Fan activities are scheduled around Downtown and Chinatown, including gatherings at Buckingham Fountain on both concert days.
The celebration will also light up the Chicago skyline. Willis Tower is scheduled to glow purple from 8:30 PM to 11 PM on August 27 and 28, giving ARMY a citywide backdrop for BTS' return to Chicago.
Where and When Is BTS Performing in Chicago?
BTS will perform at Soldier Field on Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28. Both shows begin at 8:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Soldier Field is located at 1410 Special Olympics Drive in Chicago's South Loop.
- Thursday, August 27: 8:00 PM
- Friday, August 28: 8:00 PM
- Doors: 6:00 PM
- Parking lots: 4:00 PM
- Venue: Soldier Field
- Address: 1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
The ARIRANG World Tour features a 360-degree, in-the-round stage, putting the audience around the performance rather than positioning the stage at one end of the stadium. Soldier Field notes that the design allows for increased capacity while giving the show an immersive setup.
When Should You Arrive at Soldier Field?
For BTS, arriving early is a good idea. Soldier Field's parking lots open at 4:00 PM and stadium doors open at 6:00 PM, giving ARMY plenty of time to get to the Museum Campus, go through security, visit merchandise stands, and find their seats before the 8:00 PM show.
If you have floor tickets, take note of your entrance: all fans with floor tickets must enter through Gate 0, the main south entrance.
Fans should also download their mobile tickets before leaving for the stadium. Soldier Field specifically recommends downloading tickets in advance to avoid potential connectivity issues at the gate.
BTS Merchandise at Soldier Field
ARMY can get a head start on concert merchandise before either show. Soldier Field will offer early merchandise on Wednesday, August 26 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Waldron Deck and Stadium Green on the southeast side of the building.
There is also a useful bonus for early shoppers: free parking is available at the Waldron Deck on August 26 for fans purchasing early merchandise.
On August 27 and 28, Soldier Field's exterior merchandise locations will open at 10:00 AM, several hours before the stadium doors open.
Soldier Field Bag Policy for BTS
Soldier Field is enforcing its NFL Clear Bag Policy for the BTS concerts, with one especially important restriction: backpacks are not permitted, whether they are clear or non-clear.
Approved bags include:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12"
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
- Small non-clear bags no larger than 4.5" x 6.5", with or without a handle or strap
Medical bags and kits are permitted but will be searched at the gate. Other prohibited items include luggage, computer bags, coolers, umbrellas, selfie sticks, professional cameras, video cameras, and aerosol cans, among other items.
Soldier Field also says that guests may be searched and will undergo magnetometer screening upon entry. Traveling light is the easiest way to avoid delays at the stadium.
What Can You Bring Into the BTS Show?
Fans can bring non-professional still cameras for personal use, including disposable and Polaroid cameras and cameras with lenses shorter than 6 inches. Tripods, monopods, GoPros, selfie sticks, camera bags and professional DSLR cameras are not permitted.
Small signs measuring 11" x 4" are permitted. Political signage is not allowed.
Soldier Field is also a cashless venue, so plan to use a credit or debit card for purchases inside the stadium.
How to Get to Soldier Field
There are several public transportation options for getting to Soldier Field. The venue is accessible via the CTA #146 and #130 buses, the CTA L Station at Roosevelt, and the 18th Street Metra Station.
For fans using rideshare, Soldier Field lists the drop-off location as the 18th Street turnaround, exiting west off the DuSable Lake Shore Drive ramp. Post-event rideshare pickup is at the intersection of S. Columbus Drive and E. Balbo Drive.
If you're driving, Soldier Field says its parking lots open at 4:00 PM for the BTS shows. Event-day parking can be purchased in advance through Soldier Field's parking service.
What Is the BTS ARIRANG Setlist?
The ARIRANG World Tour setlist has remained fairly consistent throughout the 2026 tour, although the encore has included rotating surprise songs. Chicago fans can expect a mix of new ARIRANG material and some of BTS' biggest hits.
The current setlist structure includes:
Act 1
- "Hooligan"
- "Aliens"
- "Run BTS"
- "they don't know 'bout us"
- "Like Animals"
- "FAKE LOVE"
- "SWIM"
- "Merry Go Round"
Act 2
- "2.0"
- "NORMAL"
- "Not Today"
- "MIC Drop"
- "FYA"
- "Fire"
- "Body to Body"
- "IDOL"
Encore
- "Come Over"
- "Butter"
- "Dynamite"
- Rotating surprise song
- Rotating surprise song
- "Please"
- "Into the Sun"
The exact Chicago setlist may vary, particularly during the rotating portion of the encore.
Will BTS Have an Opening Act?
BTS' ARIRANG shows have been structured around the group rather than a traditional supporting opener. The concert itself is divided into multiple sections with visual and video elements connecting portions of the performance, keeping the focus on BTS throughout the show.
BTS Is Returning to Soldier Field
Chicago is familiar territory for BTS. The group previously performed two sold-out shows at Soldier Field in May 2019 during the Love Yourself: Speak Yourself tour, making this return especially significant for Chicago ARMY.
The ARIRANG World Tour marks BTS' first headline performances as a group since the 2021-2022 Permission to Dance on Stage tour. The 2026-2027 stadium tour spans 34 regions and 79 shows and features the group's first performances in several cities.
How to Find Last-Minute BTS Tickets in Chicago
BTS' Chicago shows at Soldier Field are sold out through the primary market, but resale tickets are still available for fans who want to be there. Shop BTS Chicago tickets here at Event Tickets Center and find available seats for August 27 and 28.
When shopping for tickets to a high-demand show like BTS, use a secondary marketplace with ticket protections rather than purchasing directly from strangers through social media or other unofficial channels. Event Tickets Center purchases are covered by a 100% Buyer Guarantee, fraud protection, and customer support.
With BTS Day taking over Illinois, fan events happening across Chicago, and two nights at Soldier Field, ARMY is about to make Chicago one of the biggest stops on the ARIRANG World Tour.