BTS will perform back-to-back shows Saturday and Sunday, with an additional show taking place on Tuesday, April 28.
TAMPA, Fla. — An entire Tampa roadway is being shut down this week to host a merchandise stand for K-pop band BTS.
“Just how big is the K-Pop band BTS? Big enough to shut down an entire road – for their merchandise,” the city of Tampa wrote blatantly.
In addition to heavy traffic in the city expected for this weekend’s BTS shows, as well as other local events, leaders announced Tampa Bay Boulevard will close starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday.
The following day, thousands of fans are expected to start visiting the area daily to shop for merchandise.
Tampa Bay Boulevard will reopen at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29.
“Drivers should prepare for delays in the area,” Tampa officials said in a news release.
BTS tour in Tampa
BTS will perform back-to-back shows Saturday and Sunday, with an additional show taking place on Tuesday, April 28. Officials expect 60,000 fans in attendance each night.
The band is returning after a nearly four-year hiatus, with Tampa as their first U.S. date of the tour following shows in South Korea and Tokyo.
There will be some additional events taking place on Friday as well, such as the K-Pop Asian Night Market at Perry Harvey Park.
BTS takes center stage at 8 p.m. each night of the concert.
Navigate Tampa traffic ahead of the BTS concerts
City officials say using alternative transportation options can help make moving around easier. Options include using the free TECO Line Streetcar, the DASH service, HART buses, scooters and bikes.
They add that garages in downtown Tampa offer free covered bicycle parking and the Benchmark International Arena offers free bike valet for event attendees.
You can learn more about parking options here, and you can stay up to date regarding road closures that can impact your commute on the City of Tampa’s website.