[Sports Seoul | Reporter Yoon Dong-eon] K-pop supergroup BTS received a special welcome from El Paso County, Texas.
On the 27th (local time), the El Paso County Commission presented BTS with the Estimado Amigo (Beloved Friend) award and passed a resolution designating May 2–3, the dates of their concerts, as El Paso BTS Weekend.
County officials said the decision reflected the band’s ability to boost local tourism and bring positive energy to the city. They also praised the social messages and public impact the group has conveyed through its music.
Brooke Underwood, director of the local tourism agency, told reporters she expects the two concerts to generate about ₩110.5 billion in economic impact (approximately $82.9 million).
El Paso’s ARMY fan community is also preparing a warm welcome: fans are fundraising to illuminate the city’s Star on the Mountain in purple to mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, BTS will become the first Korean artists to hold solo concerts at El Paso’s Sun Bowl Stadium on May 2 and 3. hellboy321@sportsseoul.com
