Chicago prepares a special welcome for BTS

BTS returns to Chicago on August 27 and 28, for the first time since 2019. Two shows await them at Soldier Field, but the city is preparing for their arrival outside the stadium too. Illinois has officially declared both dates BTS Days, and the Willis Tower will be lit purple during the concerts.

The idea for BTS Days came from the local ARMY community. Chicago BTS Army and the HANA Center launched the initiative, and Illinois governor J. B. Pritzker then signed the official proclamation.

Alongside BTS's musical achievements, it also mentions their messages about mental health and self-love, their humanitarian work, and the many volunteer efforts and donations ARMY has organized around the world over the years.

The Willis Tower will add even more purple to the occasion. One of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks will be lit purple from 8:30 to 11 PM on August 27 and 28, right during BTS's performances at Soldier Field. The effort is called "Borahae Purple," also organized by Chicago BTS Army and the HANA Center.

ARMY will be gathering around the city too. Events are planned in Downtown and Chinatown, and meetups at Buckingham Fountain will run on both concert days, from 10 AM to noon on August 27 and 11 AM to 1 PM on August 28.

BTS knows Soldier Field well. They played two LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF tour shows there on May 11 and 12, 2019, drawing more than 88,000 fans. They were also the first K-pop act to headline a solo concert at that stadium.

Chicago is also remembered for something less pleasant: rain and cold.

When they later talked about tour moments that stuck with them, Suga brought up the rain at Soldier Field specifically. J-hope remembered how hard it poured, and Jungkook remembered how cold it was. On the second night, the temperature dropped to around 7°C, and more than 44,000 fans still showed up.

In Break the Silence, we could see Jimin and V checking in during the show on whether ARMY in the stands was doing okay in that weather.

This time the forecast looks a lot better so far. Summer temperatures are expected, though the chance of rain hasn't completely disappeared. There are still a few days until the concerts, so the forecast could still change, but for now it doesn't look like a repeat of the cold, rainy Chicago of 2019.

Soldier Field will also look different this time from how BTS remembers it. The ARIRANG tour comes with a massive 360° stage and an audience surrounding it on all sides.

What Chicago has in store this time, we'll find out on August 27.