CHICAGO (WLS) – The first of three sold-out concerts begins Friday night and by early Friday morning fans were already lining up at Soldier Field.
“Since about two o’clock in the morning. Why? Because we wanted to be first,” said Shona and Lorna Garcia.
Big crowds are expected throughout the weekend for one of the most anticipated music events of 2023. About 55,000 people are expected each evening.
Lynn decides to stay a bit incognito on Friday night because, she said, her father doesn’t know she got a ticket last night.
“I’m wearing a ‘red’ outfit that she actually wore to her concert,” Lynn said. “Papa I love you. Please do not kill me. That was a graduation gift.”
Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ at Soldier Field: What you need to know before you go
A mother-daughter duo from Arizona have shared a close bond with Taylor Swift and her inspirational music for years.
“I was with her because of her reputation, so it’s really a special part of life for me,” said Nicole and Karley Sweer.
The excitement surrounding the shows only started on Thursday, when even more Swifties queued up to shop for merchandise ahead of the weekend. Most of these are modeled after a coveted crew neck that fans say is only sold at their concerts.
“That’s because a lot of it won’t be available online and I feel like that blue crew neck that everyone is crazy about,” said Angelica Tenuta and Emily Kriska, who live in Kenosha.
ABC7 spoke to people who had been camping out since 2am and didn’t even have tickets.
“I haven’t gotten any tickets yet, which is actually very sad. If I don’t get tickets I’m going to get some merch because tickets are really expensive right now, so I think I’ll just get merch instead,” said Miroslav Uzelac, who lives in Skokie. “I love Taylor Swift. laughs I think I’m a little too obsessed with her.”
You’re hoping for some T-Swift luck to snag some.
“I only need two tickets. So if anyone has additional tickets please let me know,” said Kedzie O’Malley, who lives in Orland Park.
If you’re lucky enough to have tickets, there are shuttle buses from Millennium Park Garage. Passengers can also be dropped off at the 18th Drive U-turn just west of DuSable Lakeshore Drive.
Pickup is on Columbus Drive between Balbo and Roosevelt. Parking tickets are already sold out.
“We’re going to have nosebleeds, but it’s fine wherever we are. Its worth it. It’s so worth it,” said Aubrey Tabler and Jslyn Peck, who are from Mishawaka.
The parking lots were opened to concert-goers from 2 p.m. The gates opened at 4:30 p.m
“I’m so excited to scream all the songs. And all the chants, we learned all the chants,” said Lucianna Cardamone and Brooklynn Jack, who live in Norridge.
The merch tents opened around noon.
The Friday and Saturday concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. with openers Owenn and Girl in Red. Taylor is expected to continue at 8 a.m.
The Sunday show begins simultaneously with openers MUNA and Gracie Abrams. Swift will take the stage at around 8 p.m. and perform a three-hour set.