BTS World Tour: Concert Going Guide Part 1

Hi ARMY! Congratulations to everyone who got tickets. Now let’s gear up and start preparing for the big day. We’re about to see BTS.

What's covered in this post?

• How To Avoid Ticket Scams?
• Concert Day Checklist
• Handing Out Freebies
• Concert Etiquette
• VIP Sound Check Entry
• Buying Merch
• Light Sticks
• Sample Concert Day Schedule
• Downloadable Concert Expense Tracker
• Where to shop for your concert freebies at a whole sale price?

💟 A little reminder if going to the concert was never an option for you - Not going to the concert does not make your love for BTS smaller. You don’t have to “prove” your love with a seat number. You also don't have to be there to be part of the story.

How To Avoid Ticket Scams?

• Red Flags! ❌
  • price below face value
  • asking for a 50% DP to “reserve”
  • no mutual connection w/ you
  • won’t accept protected payment methods e.g. paypal goods & services
  • refuses to video call during transaction
  • an ARMY fan account w/ history is not a guarantee - they could have just stolen that account
  • they don’t small talk about BTS
  • if the seller is rushing you to buy
• How to buy directly from another ARMY?
  • Entertain sellers who have a mutual connection w/ you, referred by someone you trust
  • ask for a video recording of the ticket inside the app, double check the name, date, seat and if transfer button is enabled
  • schedule a video call to exchange tickets
  • pay via paypal or venmo goods and services
• If you are the seller
  • do not transfer tickets until fully paid
• If buying from 3rd Party sites, make sure the ticket is already w/ the site
  • Stub hub - filter instant download
  • Seat Geek - on hand ticket
  • Best to wait for when Ticketmaster allow verified resale, 1-2 weeks before the show

Concert Day Checklist

• Ticket ready in the TM/SeatGeek app
• Wallet (ID, cards, cash)
• Transportation plan (pre-book Uber/Lyft)
• Fully charged phone + portable charger
• Comfortable shoes + weather appropriate outfit
• Lightstick checked (fresh batteries)
• Concert earplugs (loop brand)
• Advil, cough drops, necessary meds
• Reusable bag for merch/freebies
• Mask (if feeling unwell or just in case)
• Band-aid for minor injuries / your feet
• Eat well and stay hydrated
• Review venue rules for bag size, parking, signs etc (will be covered on my next guide!)
• Fan / hat / umbrella - but you cant’s bring inside
• Lightstick hand / body strap - will allow you to move freely

Handing Out Freebies

• Make eye contact then ask kindly: “Would you like some freebies?”
• Lines (merch, entry, etc.) are great spots to share
• Bring a small pouch for your goodies or bring them back to your car before entering
• Don’t hoard — some creators have limited quantities
• Leave no trace — no wrappers on the ground
• Follow or tag creators if they share their handle
• Introverted or shy? It’s okay to wait for someone to offer a freebie first, then exchange.
• Save a few freebies for your seat mates
• Share the love beyond the stadium. Mail a few of your favorite freebies to friends who couldn’t make it.

Concert Etiquette

• Don’t hold lightsticks, phones, or signs above your head
• Be mindful of screaming into others’ videos
• Record a few clips, then enjoy the moment
• Respect personal space — no pushing or leaning
• Stay present, not just behind your screen
• Don’t throw objects on stage (yes even flowers / fake money)
• Save some confetti for friends
• Know where the nearest exit is in case of emergency

VIP Sound Check Entry

• Original ticket holder will get an email from VIP Nation 3–5 days before the concert with entry time and VIP door location.
• VIP entry typically closes around 5pm for an 8pm concert. Familiarize yourself with the VIP entrance location in advance.
• Collect your VIP gifts at check-in — this is part of the entry process.
• You’ll be directed to your assigned seat. Closer to sound check, ushers may ask you to move forward toward the stage.
• I cannot confirm the current VIP soundcheck check-in requirements for transferred tickets right now. In the past, a copy of the original purchaser’s ID was sufficient. TM now mentions that the original buyer needs to call and designate an alternate pickup person in advance, but VIP Nation has not confirmed this. I will share more info once I get my VIP notice for the Tampa concert.

Buying Merch

• In the past, each venue started selling merch outside one day before the concert
• On concert days, there will typically be an outdoor booth for non-ticket holders and an indoor booth inside the venue.
• Lightsticks will be available along with other official merchandise.
• Weverse will announce the exact time and location of outdoor merch booths 5–7 days before the concert.
• For guaranteed merch, buy as soon as the outdoor booths open.
• Merch lines far from the entrance have shorter lines, keep walking
• Check social media (fb groups / discord gc) for nearby fan-organized events where you can hang out and shop fan merch in between buying official merch and the concert

Light Sticks

• The old light stick (ver 3 and SE) will only work/sync up to the the Vegas Concerts
• Only the new ver 4 will work at the Busan concert, and all concerts moving forward
• Your light stick will automatically sync once concert starts, just turn it on. (Weverse will announce in advance if ever pairing is needed via the app).

Sample Concert Day Schedule

(Stadium Show – assuming 8:00 PM start non-VIP)

• Morning – Take It Slow
  • 8:30 AM – Wake up, hydrate. eat a solid breakfast.
  • 9:30 AM – Final outfit check, charge phone + portable charger, pack essentials (ID, ticket, batteries, earplugs)
  • 10:30 AM – Head out if doing early outdoor merch
• Early Merch / Fan Time
  • 11:30 AM – Arrive at stadium area, check merch line, buy must-have items first
  • 1:00 PM – Lunch nearby, take photos while makeup is still fresh
• Pre-Concert Window
  • 2:30 PM – Fan events / freebie trading, meet friends
  • 5:00 PM – Head toward venue, locate correct gate
• Entry
  • 6:30 PM – General doors open, merch, bathroom, snack / drink, find your seat, test your lightstick
• Showtime
  • 8:00 PM - film your must have songs then live in the moment.
  • 10:00 - 10:30 - show ends, head to pre-planned exit
• After the show
  • Late night food or find a fan organized after party
  • Cough drops, soothe your throat after all the screaming
  • Watch BTS Live (if last show in this city)

Downloadable Concert Expense Tracker

Click on the photo to download the google sheets template.

Where to shop for your concert freebies at a whole sale price?