Bad Bunny residency at Coliseo de Puerto Rico blends music, local flavor
Bad Bunny’s highly anticipated musical residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico has officially begun, marking what organizers call a cultural milestone in the island’s entertainment landscape.
The “No me quiero ir de aquí” concert series by Benito Antonio Martínez-Ocasio — the artist’s given name — runs through Sept. 14 and includes 30 shows.
The residency is expected to generate about $377 million for Puerto Rico’s economy while offering fans a multisensory experience featuring live music, local cuisine, curated cocktails and expanded security measures.
ASM Global, which manages the coliseum, created an operations plan aimed at delivering a seamless experience for the thousands of attendees expected each night.
“Our commitment is to offer a safe, organized and memorable experience for all visitors,” said Jorge L. Pérez, regional general manager of Legends ASM Global. “We understand the emotion these events generate, and we’ve addressed every detail.”
The plan includes enhanced security protocols, electronic ticketing via Ticketera, and a system of designated zones and metal detectors. Minors under 16 must be accompanied by someone over 21, and only clear plastic or vinyl bags are allowed. Air horns, outside food and professional cameras are prohibited.
Beyond logistics, the event also showcases Puerto Rican culinary culture. A special menu, designed by Executive Chef Alexsandra Muñoz and Food and Beverage Director Fernando Moinelo, features locally sourced ingredients from island farmers and suppliers.
Menu items include the “Jíbaro Smashed” burger with sweet plantains, “Residente” tostones made from breadfruit and stewed meats, rice and pigeon pea croquettes, and fried staples like alcapurrias, pizza turnovers and cod fritters.
A selection of signature cocktails celebrates Puerto Rican flavors. The “Café con Ron” mixes Don Q Reserva 7 rum with cold brew coffee; “El Favorito de Mi Ex” combines Don Q Cristal with lavender and grapefruit soda. Other drinks include “Doble 6,” “Bad Johnnie,” and the nonalcoholic “Bad Johnnie Zero,” made with tropical juices.
Food and cocktail stations are placed throughout the venue for convenience before and during each show. Coconut-infused rum shots and other surprises are also part of the experience.
“Our goal is for visitors to experience the concert through all their senses — to hear, taste and feel Puerto Rico,” said Pérez. “This residency is a tribute to those who build our island from their farms, kitchens and bars.”
To ease access, ASM Global created a designated drop-off and pickup area for Uber, Lyft and taxi services near Muñoz Rivera Avenue. Private parking lots around the coliseum remain open, but shared or public transportation is encouraged to ease traffic.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the shows begin at 8 p.m. Attendees are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes early to pass through security. Updates will be posted to the venue’s website and social media channels.
