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BTS at Soldier Field: how to score last-minute tickets and everything else you need to know about the Chicago shows

ARMY unite!

Written by
Mark Peikert
BTS (방탄소년단)
Photograph: BTS (방탄소년단) / Facebook | BTS
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Chicago, get ready to Borahae. BTS is finally back, and the K-pop superstars are taking over Chicago's Soldier Field for two massive shows this week: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook will perform on Thursday, August 27, and Friday, August 28, as part of the group’s ARIRANG World Tour.

And if you haven't secured your ticket yet, don't panic. There are still ways to get into Soldier Field for what is shaping up to be one of the biggest concerts of the summer.

Here’s everything you need to know about seeing BTS in Chicago, from last-minute tickets and showtimes to the setlist, transportation and what you can actually bring inside Soldier Field.

When is BTS playing Soldier Field?

BTS will perform at Soldier Field (1410 Special Olympics Drive) on Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28. Both concerts begin at 8pm, with doors opening at 6pm. Parking lots open at 4pm.

Are BTS tickets for Soldier Field sold out?

The Chicago shows sold out through the primary market, so you're gonna have to go the resale route. That said, tickets are popping up on secondary marketplaces like SeatGeek, StubHub and Vivid Seats, among others, so there is hope for last-minute ARMY. 

How can I get last-minute BTS tickets for Soldier Field?

Speaking of, your best bet is to check verified resale inventory on major ticketing platforms. The good news is that this is a major stadium, so there are a lot of seats to begin with. Just be sure to stick with reputable ticket marketplaces—and their buyer protections.

What time does BTS come on at Soldier Field?

BTS's Soldier Field concerts are scheduled to begin at 8pm, with doors opening at 6pm. 

Unlike a traditional concert with a major opening act, the ARIRANG shows are built primarily around BTS, with the performance divided into multiple sections and connected by elaborate visuals and video elements.

If you want time to buy merch, get through security and find your seat without sprinting through Soldier Field, plan to get there on the earlier side.

What is BTS's setlist for Soldier Field?

The ARIRANG World Tour features a mix of songs from the group's new material and some of BTS' biggest hits. This has been the core of the show however.

Act 1
"Hooligan"
"Aliens"
"달려라 방탄" (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"
"불타오르네" (Fire)
"Body to Body"
"Idol"

Encore
"Come Over"
"Butter"
"Dynamite"
Surprise song 1
Surprise song 2
"Please"
"Into the Sun"

What can I bring to Soldier Field?

This is one area where you definitely don't want to wing it. Soldier Field is enforcing its clear-bag policy for the BTS concerts, and backpacks are not permitted—even clear ones.

Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches are allowed, as are 1-gallon clear freezer bags and small non-clear bags no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches. Medical bags are permitted but will be searched.

You can bring a non-professional camera for personal use, including a disposable or Polaroid camera. Cameras with lenses longer than 6 inches, tripods, selfie sticks and professional camera equipment are prohibited.

And don't forget: Soldier Field is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card.

How do I get to Soldier Field?

Public transportation is your friend here. Take the CTA #146 and #130 buses, the Roosevelt L station or the Metra's 18th Street Station.

For the BTS concerts, the South Shore Line is also adding stops at Metra's 18th Street Station, which connects directly to Soldier Field via a pedestrian walkway. 

If you're driving, Soldier Field parking lots open at 4pm. Rideshare drop-off is at the 18th Street turnaround, while post-show rideshare pickup is at South Columbus Drive and East Balbo Drive.

Is Chicago doing anything special for BTS?

Oh, absolutely. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has officially declared August 27 and 28 “BTS Day” in the state (yes, it's two days, but Illinois doesn't care). And Chicago is getting a little purple makeover when Willis Tower will glow purple from 8:30pm to 11pm on both concert nights, plus fan gatherings planned around the city, including events at Buckingham Fountain and in Chinatown. 

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