BTS members receive customized NFL footballs featuring their names and Chicago concert dates as special tour keepsakes

BTS’ Chicago concerts may be over, but the group’s two-day stop at Soldier Field has left behind an unexpected keepsake. During the soundcheck for their second concert on August 28, all seven BTS members reportedly bought customized NFL footballs in Chicago. Photos of the footballs have now drawn attention online, with each ball appearing to carry the member’s name alongside a special BTS world tour reference.BTS members receive customized NFL footballs during Chicago concertThe personalized footballs stood out as an unusual souvenir from BTS’ Chicago visit. Rather than picking up standard merchandise, the members got NFL-style footballs customized with their individual names.Images shared online show the red-and-white football design, with the words “BTS: WORLD TOUR” printed prominently on the white section. The balls also feature the dates “AUGUST 27 & 28, 2026,” matching the two dates of BTS’ Chicago concerts.The original post that brought attention to the footballs stated:“It seems all BTS members received a custom NFL football in Chicago, with their name and "BTS: WORLD TOUR (ARIRANG?) / August 27 & 28,2026" printed on it🏈”The footballs were bought during the soundcheck for the second Chicago concert on August 28, giving the items a direct connection to the group’s final day at the venue. The timing also makes the keepsakes particularly memorable, as the members were preparing for the second of their two performances when they picked them up.One of the photos shows a member holding one of the customized footballs inside the stadium. Another offers a closer look at the design, making the printed wording and concert dates easier to spot.Fans were quick to focus on the small details, including the individual names on the footballs and the Chicago-themed setting. A fan account highlighted the personalized nature of the gift while sharing its own reaction to the photos:“Hobi holding a customized "j-hope" NFL Football, must be from Chicago Bears? And everything else is of course curated for my man! The Black and Red theme of his shirt, scarf, the Chicago Bull cap, paired with his Chrome Hearts pants, looking so COOL and handsome as always 😍”While the images give fans a clear look at the footballs, the biggest appeal lies in their connection to BTS’ Chicago concerts. The dates printed on the balls turn what could have been a simple sports souvenir into a keepsake tied specifically to the group’s August 27 and 28 performances.Soldier Field: Chicago's historic stadiumSoldier Field is one of Chicago’s best-known sporting venues, with a history stretching back more than a century. The multi-purpose stadium opened in 1924 and has hosted football, soccer, concerts and major international sporting events.The venue has been the home of the Chicago Bears of the NFL since 1971. It also became the home of Chicago Fire FC in 2020. With a football capacity of 62,500, Soldier Field is the second-smallest stadium in the NFL.Its history extends far beyond professional football. Soldier Field has hosted matches during the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, along with multiple CONCACAF Gold Cup championships. It also staged the inaugural World Games of the Special Olympics in 1968 and hosted the event again in 1970.The stadium underwent a major interior reconstruction in 2002 and 2003, bringing modern facilities to the historic venue. Despite those changes, Soldier Field remains a landmark part of Chicago’s sporting and cultural landscape.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.