What appears to be thousands of fans are lining up at Rogers Stadium for their slice of BTS merchandise ahead of the mega-popular Korean boy group’s weekend concerts. The group is set to perform Saturday and Sunday as part of its ARIRANG tour, marking the band’s first performances in Toronto in 11 years. Both shows will begin at 8 p.m. Seen from CP24’s news chopper, fans line up in droves, hoping to get their hands on some of the band’s tour merchandise. An exact number of fans was not immediately available. Prices for tour-only merchandise, including jerseys, sweaters and tank tops, range from $85 to as high as $369. Ella, a member of the BTS “ARMY,” which is the name of the group’s fan base, spoke with CP24 about her experience waiting to get her hands on some merchandise. “It was so cool. I was here at, like, just before 6 a.m., and the line was down to Downsview Station.” “I was a little concerned at how long it was, but honestly, everyone in line just made it so much easier. The time passed by. Everyone was talking about their own past experiences if they went to other ARIRANG stops,” Ella said. The group’s performances at Rogers Stadium this weekend will mark its only Canadian stop. Toronto temporarily renames section of Yonge Street to BTS Boulevard In anticipation of the band’s arrival, the City of Toronto officially unveiled new BTS Boulevard street signs along a portion of Yonge Street, from North York Boulevard to Finch Avenue, during a news conference Friday morning. The official announcement came after city council passed a “dynamite” motion to rename the section of streets until Sept. 23. TTC to increase transit long Line 1 In a statement, the TTC said it will be adding additional subway service along parts of Line 1 to prepare for fans heading to the stadium. The TTC said that fans can get off at either Downsview Park, Sheppard West, or Wilson stations, as all three are within walking distance of the venue. Staff will also be present to assist concertgoers. Extra buses along the 84 and 984 Sheppard West routes will be added, and the TTC says the 101 Downsview Park bus will be extended to Sheppard West station from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. With files from CTV News Toronto’s Bryann Aguilar
