'Worth it for Taylor': Taylor Swift fans swarm merchandise trailers ahead of Soldier Field shows
CHICAGO - Fearless Taylor Swift fans flocked to Soldier Field in Chicago Thursday for the chance to purchase coveted merchandise ahead of this weekend's concerts.
Fans know ‘all too well’ that the sold-out Eras Tour will be taking the city by storm for three nights, with 55,000 fans expected at each show.
As crews put the finishing touches on Swift’s stage inside Soldier Field, fans swarmed trailers outside the stadium to secure concert goodies.
Super fans – also known as Swifties – are so exhilarated for the weekend, they weren't willing to risk missing out on the merchandise of their ‘wildest dreams.’
"The beige hoodie and the blue crewneck that everyone is going for," said Amanda Scornavacco.
Tickets to Taylor Swift’s concert were difficult to come by, so some fans are content with shirts, hoodies, tote bags and posters – even if they aren’t attending the show.
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The official merchandise trailer is located in the Waldron Drive underpass next to the Waldron parking deck, just south of the stadium.
It opened at 10 a.m. Thursday, but Soldier Field officials said the very first fan in line arrived at 1 a.m.
And Swifties are willing to spend!
"I spent $400 total, I got some stuff for friends as well. It’s worth it for Taylor. Always, always worth it," said Scornavacco.
So worth it – one mother-daughter duo flew in from Florida to attend Saturday’s show.
"She makes heart-wrenching songs, but she also makes songs you can dance to," said Mackenzie Hughey.
Due to the crowds, Mackenzie Hughey and her mom, Melissa, are already thinking about their game plan.
"We were able to get floor tickets and a VIP package so we get in at 3:30, so I think we’re planning to get here at like 3, just get here as early as possible to avoid the chaos," said Melissa Hughey.
Some of that chaos will be caused by fans who do not have tickets. Soldier Field even issued an advisory Thursday afternoon discouraging those fans from gathering outside of the stadium.
Still, some are going to great lengths – hoping it will pay off.
"Girl, I just flew in from North Carolina," said Noemi Perez. "I don’t have a ticket, so somebody get me a ticket, please!"
Meanwhile, April Mensik says her daughter just had surgery and wanted to snag merchandise early so they could avoid lines at the concert.
Mensik is so looking forward to what this tour will mean to her daughter – it brought her to tears.
"Just seeing my daughter’s face when she sees Taylor Swift, makes me want to cry," said Mensik.
Once the show starts, tailgating in the parking lots will not be allowed.
And for fans hoping to find a ticket outside the stadium, Soldier Field officials warn that all tickets are mobile. They say that if someone is trying to sell you a physical ticket, it's likely counterfeit.
Official merchandise will be back on sale outside Soldier Field beginning at noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with those trailers remaining open until after each show ends.
The concert is expected to wrap up around 11:15 p.m. each night.
From show times to bag policies, here's everything you need to know about Taylor Swift's weekend shows in the Windy City.