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Original article: Gobierno no autorizó concierto de BTS en el Estadio Nacional por impacto del escenario 360° en el césped y el «extenso plazo» de instalación

The Ministry of Sports has denied the use of the National Stadium for the highly anticipated concerts by the South Korean group BTS, scheduled for October 14, 16, and 17, 2026, with over 200,000 tickets already sold.

According to various national media reports, government officials cited concerns over the impact of a 360° stage on the hybrid grass of the sports venue as the primary reason for their decision, in addition to the lengthy setup time required for the event.

«This is a decision made first on technical grounds. It is understood that the National Sports Institute (IND) has issued a report indicating that erecting a stage of this nature would mean the venue would be closed for an extended period. Moreover, there could be disturbances and damage to the field, which is expensive to restore,» stated Interior Minister and government spokesperson Claudio Alvarado during a press briefing.

Furthermore, the IND’s report emphasizes the «delicate absorption and regeneration capacity» of the National Stadium’s playing surface when faced with heavy structures, such as the one BTS plans to use, which could disrupt other scheduled events, like the Teletón and a match for the Chilean National Team.

Alvarado mentioned, «Alternative locations within the vicinity of the National Stadium have been offered, and we are evaluating and discussing this situation,» underscoring that the intention is not to cancel the concert but to relocate it.

There has been criticism from Congress regarding the government’s decision. Liberal Party Deputy Alejandro Bernales announced that «as a member of the Culture Commission, we will demand that the concert date for BTS at the National Stadium be respected.»

«The refusal to host this event negatively impacts our economy and Chile’s image as a host of major events,» the legislator added, questioning the government’s «contradictory» stance.

«The government laments job losses and weak economic performance, but its response is to cancel the BTS concert, an event that creates thousands of jobs, boosts commerce, promotes tourism, and fills hotels. How is that logic understood?» Bernales asked.

In a similar vein, Deputy Ignacio Achurra (Frente Amplio), also a member of the Culture Commission, commented that the situation «is not a trade-off between sports and artistic-cultural activities; it’s a matter of scheduling and government order.»

«It is outrageous that people traveling from outside Chile to attend the show learn just months before the event that it may not happen because the government failed to create a reasonable schedule accommodating both sports and the arts,» the legislator criticized.

«We will officially request the Ministry of Sports to explain this timeline that is leading to the suspension disaster of BTS concerts for thousands of fans,» Achurra added.

We will continue to keep you informed.

La entrada Government Denies BTS Concert at National Stadium Due to Impact on Field and Lengthy Setup Time se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.