BTS to perform 3 sold out shows at Stanford Stadium this weekend: What to know

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- One of the world's biggest pop tours is making its way to the Bay Area, as South Korean boy band BTS prepares to perform a series of shows at Stanford Stadium this weekend.

The performances mark the group's only Northern California stop on its comeback tour and its first return to the Bay Area in eight years.

BTS is scheduled to play three nights - Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday - drawing large crowds expected to exceed recent major concerts at the venue.

Preparations are already underway at Stanford Stadium, where officials are planning for significant attendance.

A previous sold-out Coldplay concert brought in about 50,000 people each night, but this series is expected to be even larger.

The tour marks BTS' long-awaited return to the stage following the members' completion of mandatory military service in South Korea.

At San Francisco International Airport, signs welcoming fans have already been set up as visitors begin arriving for the shows.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the show!

Where and when are they performing?

While many shows are largely sold out, some tickets remain available, with some starting as low as $157 on the resale market.

The concerts are expected to draw tens of thousands of fans from across the region and beyond, marking one of the biggest live music events in the Bay Area this year.

BTS performs for three nights at Stanford Stadium as part of their BTS WORLD TOUR "ARIRANG" -- currently the band's largest world tour to date.

Tour dates at Stanford Stadium are:
Saturday, May 16
Sunday, May 17
Tuesday, May 19

Doors will open at 7 p.m.

Stanford Stadium is located at 625 Nelson Rd, Stanford, California.

Can I get merch if I don't have a ticket?

For fans unable to attend the concerts, several BTS-themed events are scheduled around the region. Among them is a pop-up event at Max's Cakes in Hayward, offering themed merchandise tied to the performances.

Weather Forecast

Expect sunny skies through the weekend with mild highs but gusty winds in the afternoon.

What you can and cannot bring into Stanford Stadium

For the BTS concert at Stanford Stadium, you must use clear bags ( 12" x 6" x 12" maximum) or small clutches ( 4.5" x 6.5" x 2").

Prohibited items include large bags, backpacks, alcohol, drones, noisemakers, and professional cameras.

Light sticks are permitted, but merchandise backpacks sold at the venue are not.

Here is a comprehensive list of things you cannot bring:

• Backpacks/Bags: Backpacks, sling bags, and cross-bags (even if sold at merchandise stands).


• Professional Equipment: Cameras with detachable lenses or lenses longer than 6 inches, tripods, selfie sticks.


• Prohibited Items: Alcohol, illegal drugs, glass containers, aerosol cans (sunscreen/hairspray), fireworks, and laser pointers.


• Signs/Noisemakers: Banners, large signs, flags, and artificial noisemakers.


• Miscellaneous: Drones, bicycles, scooter, or strollers.

Important Tips

• Bag Check: There will be bag-check locations near Gate 10, at Sunken Diamond, and at Cobb Track and Angell Field for non-compliant items.


• Security Screening: Expect metal detectors and security screenings at all entrances.


• Cashless Venue: All food and drink sales are credit card only.


• No Smoking: Stanford Stadium is a smoke-free facility

Can I tailgate at Stanford before or during the concert?

Yes, you can tailgate for the BTS Arirang World Tour at Stanford Stadium (May 2026), but only in designated parking lots and with a pre-purchased parking pass. Tailgating is allowed in the space directly behind your vehicle, provided you do not block driving paths or walkways.

• When: Tailgating is allowed on show days during the hours the campus is open.


• Parking Requirement: Prepaid parking passes are required for all lots and must be bought by 12 AM PT on the day of the show at gostanford.com/btsparking.


• Lot Opening Times: General lots open at 1:30 PM, while VIP/early merchandise parking (Galvez, IM South, Roth) opens at 8 AM.


• No Re-entry: Once you enter the parking lot, you cannot leave and re-enter.


• Rules: Overnight parking/camping is prohibited.

What to know about parking, drop-offs at Stanford Stadium

Streets will be closed ahead of the concerts, and attendees must obtain pre-paid parking passes.

What to know about traffic and transportation to Stanford Stadium

Ride-hailing users are advised to plan for a roughly 20-minute walk.

Take BART to Millbrae and transfer to the Southbound Caltrain. Disembark at Palo Alto Transit Center and walk about 20 minutes to the stadium.

Caltrain is running special K-pop-themed trains for the final show, featuring music, decorations and prize -- as well as adding extra rides to help people get home after the concerts between drop-off and pick-up locations and the stadium.