Hey! Hallie here!
The ‘Permission to Dance’ concert is just a few weeks away and more and more ARMYs are starting to realize that this is actually happening. It’s just starting to hit me and I’m still not sure I’ll be able to fully convince myself that it’s happening until the concert starts. Either way, this realization is leading to a lot more research. We can theorize about guest performers and what each day of the concert will be like, but I’m thinking more about practical research. Such as venue rules, parking, concert etiquette, and even concert outfits. I’ve seen a lot of advice and important information floating around, so I figured I’d make my own compilation of this information for people who, like me, have no idea what’s going on. I also want to address some misconceptions about the concert that are stressing some ARMYs out right now. So let’s get into this!
ARMY Bombs:
For anyone who doesn’t know, almost every K-Pop group has a light stick. Light sticks aren’t uncommon at concerts in general, but K-Pop groups have official light sticks with unique designs specific to each group. BTS’s light sticks are called ARMY Bombs. As the name suggests, they have a round appearance and a round attachment at the top of the stick that make them appear similar to a bomb. While this might seem like a bit of a…violent choice for BTS, it was very much in line with their “Bulletproof Boy Scouts” identity when they first debuted. Either way, the design is cute and you’ll probably want one for this concert. They light up in various patterns throughout each performance and provide you the only means of becoming part of the “purple ocean”. These light sticks aren’t free. They sell them at the concert venue if you so wish, but be warned that concert merchandise lines will be extremely long. If you want to avoid that, you’ll need to buy a light stick immediately. If you wait any longer than now, you will not be able to order a light stick on time for the concert. Also, my recommendation is you buy only off of Weverse. Not only is Weverse shipping fairly quick, but doing so will ensure that you don’t accidentally buy a fake ARMY bomb. As for making sure that your ARMY bomb syncs up to the concert on the day of the event, there are two things you can do. If past concerts are any indication, there should be a station at the concert that will be solely for providing batteries for ARMY Bombs and syncing them up to the concert. The other thing you can do is download the free app ‘BTS Official Light Stick’. This app should sync your ARMY Bomb up to the concert once the event occurs. Be sure to get your ARMY Bomb!
Bags:
I thought this was well established, but I have still seen a few people recommending accessorizing concert outfits with cute colored backpacks or regular bags. These types of bags WILL NOT be allowed in the venue. If you intend to carry around a good number of items, you MUST purchase a clear bag before the day of the concert. The specificities of these bags are up on the SoFi Stadium website. Essentially they have to be a clear material and they can’t exceed 12″x 6″x 12″. If you look on Amazon alone, you’ll find plenty of companies selling clear bags with the express purpose of meeting these specific requirements. It won’t be hard to find one, just be sure to grab one.
COVID Policy:
Many fans know this by now, but I feel like I should reiterate it. Unless you’re under twelve years old, you have to be fully vaccinated, or at least have had a negative COVID test done within the last 72 hours before the concert, to be able to get into the venue. Also note that you must be fully vaccinated, not partially. Which includes the two weeks of quarantine before the last vaccination shot takes effect. All of that also means you need to bring proof of your vaccination or your negative test. Be sure to bring your vaccination card, a photo I.D. for those eighteen years or older to prove your identity, and a mask to wear for the event. Masks are required at this venue.
Parking:
I’ve seen more and more people confess to what I did while purchasing tickets for this concert. We all skipped right over the page for reserving parking, didn’t we? Unless you want to walk several miles to the venue, you will have to reserve your parking at one of the parking lots around SoFi Stadium. To do this, go to the website ParkWhiz. There’s also an app if you would rather download that. This website is specifically mentioned by SoFi Stadium as the website they work with to sell parking reservations. Parking is a bit pricy, but if you want any spot at all, and you want to make sure you don’t get scammed, get a reservation from ParkWhiz.
Concert Outfits:
Yes, everyone wants to look awesome at this concert. But keep a few things in mind. This concert is in late November, early December. This concert will also be at night. Make sure to dress warmly. Also, don’t wear something that’s going to be extremely uncomfortable for the entire duration of the concert. Most of us will probably be standing and dancing the whole time. You can still look cute, but wear clothing and shoes that will be comfortable to move in.
Fan Chants:
I’ve seen too many ARMYs stressing out on every single social media I own about fan chants. Some are stressed about memorizing the chants. Some are stressed about abandoning the chant in favor of singing along. And some are afraid they’ll be judged by other ARMYs if they don’t go along with the chants. And to be honest, I don’t really blame them for being concerned. Infuriatingly, a good chunk of ARMYs have claimed that those who don’t learn fan chants are “disappointments” that will ruin the concert experience for the members. Others have even gone so far as to threaten other ARMYs. If you don’t have the time to remember the fan chants or if you’re concerned you’ll forget them, please know that you aren’t a disappointment and you won’t be letting down the members. As long as you are fully demonstrating your support for them while they’re performing, they’ll appreciate you. Whether that means you’re participating in the fan chants, singing along, or just scream crying (You know who you are). Don’t let other ARMYs ruin the fun of this experience for you.
That’s all the major helpful information I’ve gathered so far. If you have any other questions, SoFi Stadium has a pretty detailed page of instructions that will likely answer some of those questions. If you find no help there, seek out other ARMYs! Plenty have been putting in research so they can inform other ARMYs of what they’ve found. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re a bit lost. And don’t stress out too much! We’re all going to the concert to enjoy our time together with BTS. This is an amazing, happy experience! Don’t let anything bring that down for you!
Don’t do anything fun until I get back!
Hallie
Oreos & Peanut Butter 