BTS Returns To El Paso As World Tour Frenzy Begins

The global sensation known as BTS is making a triumphant return to the stage, and fans in El Paso, Texas, are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most electrifying events of 2026. After a nearly four-year hiatus due to South Korea’s mandatory military service, the seven-member group—Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—announced on January 13, 2026, that they’re heading back on the road for their highly anticipated 'Arirang World Tour.' The tour is set to run from April 2026 through March 2027, covering stadiums and arenas across North America, Europe, and beyond, with a pair of back-to-back concerts scheduled at El Paso’s Sun Bowl Stadium on May 2 and 3.

For the BTS ARMY—the fiercely loyal and organized fan base of the group—this announcement was nothing short of a call to arms. The excitement quickly translated into action when presale tickets for the El Paso shows became available to ARMY members on Thursday, January 22. According to 93.1 KISS FM, thousands of fans joined the Ticketmaster queue, nervously watching as tickets disappeared in seconds. The station reported, “Parents of BTS ARMY fans, brace yourself for war because the moment we’ve been waiting for is officially here!”

But if you missed the presale, there’s still hope. The general admission ticket sale for BTS’s El Paso shows opens on Saturday, January 24, at 3 pm Mountain Standard Time. With demand expected to be sky-high, Ticketmaster issued a detailed survival guide for hopeful buyers. The advice? Update your payment information ahead of time, familiarize yourself with the Sun Bowl Stadium seating chart, and have backup plans for alternate sections. “You do not want to be typing in 16 digits while the timer is ticking,” Ticketmaster cautioned, underscoring the frantic pace of the ticketing process.

Fans were also reminded to sign in to their Ticketmaster accounts at least 30 minutes before the sale and to avoid using multiple devices on the same account, which could result in being flagged as a bot. The waiting room for the sale opens about 10–15 minutes before the official start time. “Once the clock hits zero and you’re in the queue, DO NOT REFRESH. The page will update on its own,” Ticketmaster advised. The limit is strict: four tickets per person, per show, and tickets aren’t officially yours until you see the “Thank You for Your Purchase” screen. The urgency is real—these tickets are expected to sell out within minutes, if not seconds.

For those who miss out on the general sale, the secondary market is already buzzing. As reported by the New York Post, tickets for all North American dates, including El Paso, are available on sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats. As of publication, prices for El Paso’s Sun Bowl Stadium shows started at $147 (including fees) on Vivid Seats and $174 on StubHub for the May 2 show, with the May 3 concert dipping as low as $128 on Vivid Seats. “Inventory to see BTS live in concert is available on all verified ticketing sites,” the New York Post noted, encouraging fans to shop around for the best deals as prices fluctuate with demand.

The El Paso concerts are just two stops on a sprawling tour that marks BTS’s official return to the global stage. The ‘Arirang World Tour’ is named after the group’s forthcoming sixth studio album, Arirang, which is set for release on March 20, 2026. While details about the album remain scarce, WeVerse reports the 14-track record “is packed with honest stories that BTS wants to share.” The anticipation is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the lead single and any hints about the tour’s setlist.

BTS’s last tour together was the 2022 ‘Permission To Dance Tour,’ which included a four-night residency at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. That run was nothing short of spectacular, featuring pyrotechnics, confetti cannons, and a high-energy setlist of 21 songs, including hits like “Butter,” “Fake Love,” “Blood Sweat & Tears,” “Life Goes On,” and “Dynamite.” According to Set List FM, the group wowed the crowd with a dynamic show, even traveling around the stadium to connect with fans in every corner. The Lariat described the concert as a sensory overload: “The concert featured pyrotechnics, thousands of streamers, confetti cannons, balloons, and BTS even traveled around the stadium.”

Since then, much has changed for the group. The four-year break was mandated by South Korea’s compulsory military service, with Jin enlisting in December 2022, followed by J-Hope, Suga, RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook over the subsequent months. During this period, several members pursued solo projects; Suga (as Agust D), J-Hope, and Jin each conducted North American arena tours and released new music. Fans are now speculating whether any of these solo tracks will make appearances during the upcoming world tour.

El Paso’s inclusion on the tour is a testament to the city’s growing reputation as a major destination for international acts. As 93.1 KISS FM pointed out, “El Paso just earned a seat at one of the biggest tables in American food,” and now, it seems, in music as well. The Sun Bowl Stadium, with its capacity to hold tens of thousands, is expected to be packed to the rafters with fans from across the region and beyond. Local media outlets have been abuzz with excitement, sharing survival checklists, fan reactions, and tips for navigating the high-stakes ticketing process.

For those planning to attend, preparation is key. Ticketmaster’s checklist emphasizes the importance of a stable internet connection, having your Ticketmaster account ready, and clearing your schedule for the duration of the sale. “Tell your boss, your mom, and your cat that you are unavailable for the next hour,” the guide jokes, capturing the all-consuming nature of BTS ticket day. And once you’re in the waiting room, patience and quick reflexes are your best allies.

BTS’s return is not just a musical event—it’s a cultural phenomenon. With the release of Arirang and a world tour spanning continents, the group is poised to reclaim its status as the reigning kings of K-pop. The tour’s massive scope, from Tampa and Las Vegas to London, Paris, and Munich, reflects the group’s unparalleled global reach. The El Paso shows, in particular, are shaping up to be a highlight, with local fans and out-of-towners alike scrambling for a coveted spot in the stadium.

As the countdown to ticket day ticks down, the excitement in El Paso is palpable. Whether you’re a die-hard ARMY member or a parent caught in the ticketing crossfire, one thing is certain: BTS’s return is set to be one of the defining musical moments of 2026, both for El Paso and for fans around the world.