Illinois Governor Declares August 27 & 28 ‘BTS Days’

Illinois is officially getting ready for a BTS takeover. Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed August 27 and 28, 2026 as “BTS Days” in Illinois in celebration of the K-pop superstars’ two sold-out concerts at Chicago’s Soldier Field.

BTS will perform at the historic stadium on Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28 as part of their massive ARIRANG World Tour. Both shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

In the proclamation, Pritzker praised BTS for “transcending international borders” and using their platform to champion social causes including mental-health awareness, self-love and global philanthropy. The document also recognizes the charitable efforts of BTS’ worldwide fanbase, collectively known as ARMY, including grassroots community service and charitable giving.

The proclamation specifically highlights BTS’ $1 million donation to Live Nation’s Crew Nation initiative in 2020. The contribution helped support live music crews impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and was among the largest artist donations to the fund.

Pritzker also pointed to the anticipated economic impact of BTS’ Chicago concerts, noting that thousands of visitors and residents are expected to gather in the city for the shows.

The upcoming concerts mark BTS’ return to Soldier Field for the first time since 2019, when the group played a pair of sold-out shows on May 11 and 12 as part of the Love Yourself: Speak Yourself World Tour. More than 100,000 fans attended the two-night Chicago run.

Chicago is also getting into the spirit of the occasion. Willis Tower is set to light up purple during the BTS concert dates, adding another prominent local tribute to the group and its devoted ARMY.