Chilean government authorizes BTS concerts in Santiago, ending uncertainty

Weeks of uncertainty surrounding the K-Pop sensation BTS's October concerts in Chile have finally ended. The Chilean government has officially authorized the band to perform at the National Stadium in Santiago, much to the relief of tens of thousands of fans.

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The availability of the stadium, for October 14, 16 and 17, was approved after the organizing company incorporated a series of technical modifications aimed at safeguarding the sports infrastructure of the venue.

The initial roadblock stemmed from technical concerns regarding the use of the historic venue. Authorities were worried about the potential damage to the stadium's infrastructure, particularly the turf and athletic track, from the elaborate stage setup required for BTS's international tours. This included fears of damage from heavy machinery and the impact on the grass.

However, the organizing company has since introduced a series of technical modifications. These changes, backed by engineering studies, aim to minimize the impact on the stadium's facilities. Measures include avoiding the circulation of heavy machinery on the grass and utilizing the athletic track for stage assembly maneuvers. The company also proposed protection and ventilation methods for the turf.

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Avoid the circulation of heavy machinery on the grass and carry out production maneuvers using cranes from the athletic track are some of the changes detailed by the authority.

The approval comes after significant fan outcry. Thousands of BTS fans, known as 'ARMY,' had protested in the capital, demanding the concerts be held at the National Stadium. The demand was fueled by the fact that nearly 200,000 tickets sold out in April, despite the lack of official permits at the time. BTS, a globally acclaimed group, has not visited Chile in over a decade, making these concerts highly anticipated.

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BTS to the National Stadium