San Juan announces comprehensive plan for Bad Bunny residency

“This residency is not just a world-class musical event,” San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo said in announcing the municipality’s plan for the much-anticipated Bad Bunny concert series, “it is also a historic opportunity to transform culture into economic development and entertainment into employment. We are planning with vision and executing with purpose.”

By The Star Staff

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo announced on Wednesday the launch of a special plan by the Municipality of San Juan that focuses on security, emergency management, cleanliness and beautification, economic development, and cultural and sporting events coinciding with Bad Bunny’s residency at the Puerto Rico Coliseum in Hato Rey. The event will feature 30 performances from July 11 to Sept. 14, serving as an unprecedented catalyst for San Juan’s international promotion through the “De Aquí Pa’l Mundo” initiative.

“San Juan is ready to welcome the world with the best of what we have to offer,” Romero Lugo said. “This residency is not just a world-class musical event; it is also a historic opportunity to transform culture into economic development and entertainment into employment. We are planning with vision and executing with purpose.”

Security and emergency management

The security plan includes the deployment of more than125 municipal police officers stationed at the Coliseum,at Placita de Santurce, in Río Piedras, and in Old San Juan. The city will be enhanced with motorcycle, canine and traffic patrols, artificial intelligence surveillance, and license plate readers. For emergencies, ambulances, rapid response units, and fire trucks will be available from Friday to Sunday, between 4 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Cultural, sports, and recreational activities

As part of the “De Aquí Pa’l Mundo” initiative, the municipality has organized a series of public events at iconic venues:

* Wellness at the Beach (Aug. 3) – Yoga, meditation, and an organic market at El Escambrón.

* Urban Run: Vía Libre (Aug. 9 and Sept. 13) – An urban run with live music from Old San Juan to Plaza Colón.

* Water Relays at the Lagoon (Aug. 16) – Recreational competitions in Condado Lagoon.

* Bunny Games (Aug. 30) – Family games, challenge zones, and dancing at Luis Muñoz Marín Park.

* Arena Viva San Juan (Sept. 6) – A beach festival featuring art competitions and workshops at El Escambrón.

Starting this Friday, interested individuals can visit sanjuan.pr to register for the recreational and cultural activities planned for a historic summer, the mayor said.

Additionally, the municipality has organized a heartfelt initiative: young musicians will perform at Urban Train stations to welcome residency attendees with instrumental renditions of Puerto Rican music and Bad Bunny’s songs. The students, from public schools and youth music training programs, will not only showcase their talents to thousands of people but also will participate in an effort to raise awareness and dignify the role of youth in San Juan’s cultural scene.

“Every young performer at these stations is not just a musician; they are ambassadors for our city and a testament to the potential we unlock when we invest in our people,” Romero Lugo said.

The initiative is further complemented by an immersive work and artistic program, coordinated by the municipality’s Workforce Development Department, involving some 200 young people ages 14 to 21. Through practical experiences, public interaction and institutional support, the youths will develop transferable skills that enhance their employability and strengthen their sense of belonging to the Capital City.

Economic impact and promotion of local business

According to a study by Advantage Business Consulting, the residency is expected to generate a total economic impact of $377 million, of which $302 million will remain in San Juan. The event is projected to create more than 3,600 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, alongside 40,000 hotel stays and a more than 170% increase in short-term rentals, contributing over $25 million in media value for the city.

In June and July, the municipality conducted meetings with merchants, private sector associations, and tourism leaders to align efforts and maximize the collective impact of the residency experience.

Party zones and collaboration with merchants

The Municipality of San Juan has designated three main party zones:

* Trocadero, in front of the Coliseum, featuring kiosks from six food businesses under the Prueba San Juan program.

* La Placita de Santurce, hosting the Placita Live event series and other collaborations.

* Río Piedras Urban Center, featuring artisan markets, bomba and plena classes, culinary workshops, and live music.

International reach

The Municipality of San Juan has approved the partial closure of roads for the Demo Run F1 event, a collaboration between Bad Bunny, Adidas Originals, and Mercedes-Benz, scheduled for Aug. 2 at the Dos Hermanos Bridge. The exhibition underscores San Juan’s position as a host city for global urban, technological, and cultural experiences.

“This residency and the accompanying initiatives solidify our city as the capital of the Caribbean and a global host of cultural and entertainment events,” the mayor said.

Strategic partnerships

In collaboration with MasterCard, cardholders will have access to free transportation between party zones, along with promotions and discounts at selected merchants. The visibility of the Capital City will also be enhanced at the airport and key tourist locations.