El Paso County, Texas, presented an El Paso honor to BTS on Monday for the group’s impact on local tourism. The Commissioners Court approved a resolution awarding all seven members the Estimado Amigo distinction. Additionally, the county proclaimed May 2 through 3 as El Paso BTS Weekend. These dates coincide with the group’s upcoming concerts at Sun Bowl Stadium.
The group elevates community pride across the region. Furthermore, BTS spotlights El Paso as a major concert destination. The county highlighted the group’s music for promoting social messages and public values. Brooke Underwood is an executive director at Visit El Paso. She estimated that the two concerts could generate roughly 75 million dollars in economic impact.
Local fan engagement has amplified the group’s presence in the city. BTS’s fandom, known as Army, organized a fundraising campaign. They illuminated the landmark Star on the Mountain in purple for seven days. The lighting runs from April 28 to May 4. Previously, fans lit the same landmark in red and white back in January. That marked the group’s scheduled visit at that time.
BTS kicked off the North American leg of its Arirang world tour on Saturday. The group performed at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Following three shows in Tampa, BTS will travel to El Paso. The group will become the first Korean act to hold a standalone concert at Sun Bowl Stadium.
The county’s resolution reflects growing recognition of K pop’s economic power. Major concert tours now drive substantial revenue for host cities. BTS has consistently demonstrated this ability across multiple tours. Future tour stops could receive official proclamations and special awards. The group’s influence extends beyond music into local economies.
