BTS Suffer Low Ticket Sales In United States Tour Stop Linked To ICE Activity
BTS recently announced their massive 2026 world tour, which currently includes 81 stops, with more dates expected to be added.
While many shows around the world sold out quickly during pre-sales, some stops in the United States are drawing attention for the opposite reason. These stops have large amounts of unsold seats during pre-sale.
One date in particular has raised eyebrows among fans: BTS’s concert at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, scheduled for May 2. Compared to other U.S. stops, ticket sales for this show appear slower, leading fans online to question why demand seems lower in this specific city.
According to American fans, the issue is not a lack of interest in BTS, but concerns about location, accessibility, and safety. El Paso’s geographic position and local circumstances have become central to the conversation.
The most common explanation raised by fans is the city’s association with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity due to its location near the U.S.–Mexico border.
el paso is far as hell from texas itself, it’s a border town so a lot of ICE activity and the airport is hella small
— dream⁷🏒 IS SEEING BTS (@jacaerys_) January 24, 2026
my friends and I decided where to go if we didnt get the mexico city tickets and many of us agreed that we had bad experiences, the situation right with ICE scare us. We choose tampa as a backup cause disney is near and more tourist friendly even if texas is near to us.
— 🎀Mimi 🪽✨️ WILL SEE JIMIN (@PurpleAldhafera) January 24, 2026
probably multiple reasons, it’s far from other Texas cities, on the border, as well as the recent news regarding an ice facility there. I think if Mexico City sells out then people will go through Juarez and to El Paso tho.
— len (@epicyno) January 24, 2026
also crying about a venue not selling out during presale is such a non issue.. y'all so obsessed with breaking records and trying to flex like get a grip.. and el paso being right by the border and the way ice is moving lately, i don't expect ppl to run to texas rn https://t.co/RoUtvvO8YJ
— rina⁷ is seeing bts! (@koobisnack) January 23, 2026
Fans also pointed out that El Paso is less convenient to reach compared to other tour cities, especially for international fans or those traveling from other U.S. states. The city’s smaller airport and limited direct flights may be adding to the hesitation.
Ticketmaster Triggers Outrage With BTS World Tour Ticket Prices
Despite the slower pre-sale performance, many fans remain optimistic. Some believe ticket sales will increase once general sales open, especially as prices fluctuate and travel plans become clearer.
