Being part of the international BTS Army has been a transformative experience that goes beyond just being a fan. It’s about embracing diversity, learning from different cultures, and celebrating music that unites us in love and kindness. This fandom, which stretches across continents, is a testament to the power of small acts of kindness that build lifelong friendships and strengthen community bonds.

However, when we convene to celebrate this unity at significant events such as concerts, we face logistical challenges that dampen our spirit. Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, a venue that hosts numerous fans coming from all corners of the globe, currently enforces a restrictive bag policy. They only allow small bags no larger than a 4×6 clutch, compared to other venues in the US where a 12×6×12 clear bag is the standard for most stadiums/arenas. For a fandom as large and diverse as ours, this policy presents significant difficulties.

Fans often travel using public transport and arrive at these events hours before the show, burdened with necessities including personal items, medications, weather prevention items, gifts for fellow fans in the 100's, fandom light sticks , phones, wallets and large space-demanding merchandise. The current policy poses a real challenge in managing these essentials effectively. It can make attending these joyous events cumbersome and problematic when the focus should be on enjoyment and community.

To truly accommodate the scale and needs of the BTS Army, we urge the management of Raymond James Stadium to reconsider and expand their bag policy to align with other major venues. Adopting a 12×6×12 clear bag policy will vastly improve the concert experience, ensuring that fans remain focused on celebrating the music and community.

This policy change is not just a matter of convenience; it’s about respecting and valuing the diverse, international community that makes events like these successful and vibrant. Please join us in calling for a change that upholds the spirit of connection and community we cherish in the BTS Army. Sign the petition to make our voices heard!