Maryland Governor Wes Moore officially welcomed BTS to Baltimore today as the group prepares for two sold-out performances at M&T Bank Stadium. The governor marked the occasion with a video message featuring the group's hit song Butter, where he praised the band for their work in bridging cultural and language gaps globally. He specifically addressed the BTS ARMY, encouraging fans to show their support during the upcoming stadium dates.
The Baltimore shows represent the latest stop on the group's current world tour supporting their 10th studio album Arirang. Following their time in Maryland, the group travels to Arlington for performances at AT&T Stadium before completing the North American leg of their tour in Chicago and Inglewood. The tour schedule continues through South America, Asia, and Australia into early 2027.
This high-profile welcome follows recent headlines regarding the group's decision to bypass the 69th Grammy Awards. All seven members stated they will not submit their work for consideration, citing a desire for music to be appreciated without regional or linguistic divisions. While the move sparked industry discussion about the Recording Academy's new Asian Pop Music Performance category, the group's management confirmed this is not a broad boycott. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. addressed the choice, stating that the new category aims to highlight diverse artistry rather than create divisions.
Fans in the Baltimore area should prepare for significant traffic near M&T Bank Stadium during the two-day event. Governor Moore's public endorsement highlights the economic and cultural impact of the group's arrival as they continue their multi-continental tour.