BTS and its devoted fan base have been formally honored by El Paso County for their cultural impact and the outpouring of local community support ahead of the group's two sold‑out concerts at the Sun Bowl Stadium.
At a commissioners court meeting on Monday, county leaders passed resolutions granting BTS the "Estimado Amigo" Award, El Paso County's highest honor, and declaring May 2 and 3 as "BTS Weekend in El Paso County."
Officials said the award for RM, Jin, Suga, j‑hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook recognizes the band's global cultural influence, positive messages in their music, and the way their Borderland tour stop has raised El Paso's profile on the world stage, according to KFoxTV.
BTS' Win in El Paso County
The weekend declaration coincides with the BTS WORLD TOUR "ARIRANG" shows scheduled for May 2 and 3 at the Sun Bowl, which are drawing fans from across the United States and from nearby Ciudad Juárez.
Commissioners also approved a separate resolution recognizing the "El Paso, TX Official BTS ARMY GROUP," a local fan organization credited with uniting supporters across the region.
County documents note the group's efforts to organize fan events, coordinate visiting ARMYs, and promote charitable activities linked to BTS's messages of self‑love and social awareness.
One highlighted project is the successful fundraising drive to light the iconic Franklin Mountains Star purple for seven nights, from Apr. 28 through May 4, as a welcome to the band, CBS4 Local reported.
Local tourism officials say the BTS concerts are expected to deliver a major economic boost. Visit El Paso Executive Director Brooke Underwood told commissioners the shows could generate about $75 million in regional economic impact, citing hotel bookings, restaurant traffic and visitor spending tied to the back‑to‑back stadium dates.
Promoters had worked for nearly a year to secure BTS after Coldplay's successful two‑day visit to the Sun Bowl, viewing the K‑pop group as a chance to further showcase El Paso as a global entertainment destination.
The celebration at the courthouse also featured cultural performances, including Mariachi Corazones de San Jose, a youth mariachi ensemble, and a spirited cheer from Paydirt Pete and the University of Texas at El Paso cheer squad in honor of BTS and their fans.
County Judge Ricardo A. Samaniego said the resolutions reflect both admiration for BTS and pride in a local community that mobilized to welcome them, describing El Paso as "rich in humanity" and eager to show its kindness to visiting fans, as per KTEP.
