Taylor Swift fans swarm Soldier Field for 1st Eras Tour performance in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The first of three sold-out Taylor Swift concerts was held at Soldier Field Friday night, part of a three-show stop on her Eras Tour.

"Since like two in the morning. Why? Because we wanted to be first," said Shona and Lorna Garcia, who lined up in the wee early morning hours.

Big crowds are expected all weekend long for one of the most-anticipated musical events of 2023. About 55,000 people are expected to attend each night.

Lynn is choosing to be a bit incognito on Friday night because, she said, her dad doesn't know she scored a ticket last night.

"I'm wearing a 'Red' outfit that she actually wore in her concert," Lynn said. "Dad, I love you. Please don't kill me. This was a graduation present."

Taylor Swift 'Eras Tour' at Soldier Field: What you need to know before you go

One mother-daughter duo from Arizona has been bonding over Taylor Swift and her inspirational music for years.

"I was with her for reputation so it's really, to me, it's special part of life," said Nicole and Karley Sweer. "I've loved Taylor Swift for as long as I can remember, and this is like, the first musical artist I kind of loved."

The concrete walls of the football stadium were no match for the sound of excitement in the air, especially at the very moment Swift took the stage.

"I'm just so excited to be around everyone else. This has just been years in the making," said Kristina Johnson.

In fact, it's been nearly five years since Swift toured.

The excitement surrounding the shows really began on Thursday, as even more Swifties were lined up to buy merchandise ahead of this weekend. Most are after a coveted crewneck fans say are only sold at her concerts.

"It's because a lot of it is not going to be online and I feel like the blue crewneck everybody's going crazy for," said Angelica Tenuta and Emily Kriska, who live in Kenosha.

ABC7 spoke with people who had been camped out since 2 a.m. and don't even have tickets.

"I did not get tickets yet, it's actually very sad. If I can't get tickets, I'm going to get merch, because the tickets, right now, are really expensive, so I'm like, I'll just get merch instead," said Miroslav Uzelac, who lives in Skokie. "I love Taylor Swift. Laughs. I think I have a bit too much of her obsession with her."

They're hoping for some T-Swift luck to snag some.

"I just need two tickets. So, if someone has extra tickets, let me know, please," said Kedzie O'Malley, who lives in Orland Park.

If you're lucky enough to have tickets, there will be shuttle buses from the Millennium Park Garage. People can also get dropped off at the 18th Drive turn-around, just west of DuSable Lakeshore Drive.

Pick-ups will be along Columbus Drive between Balbo and Roosevelt. Parking passes are already sold out.

"We are going to be in the nosebleeds, but it's OK, wherever we are. It's worth it. It is it's so worth it," said Aubrey Tabler and Jslyn Peck, who are from Mishawaka.

The parking lots opened up at 2 p.m. to concertgoers. Gates opened at 4:30 p.m.

"I'm so excited to scream all the songs. And all the chants, we learned all of the chants," said Lucianna Cardamone and Brooklynn Jack, who live in Norridge. "We finally got tickets last-minute, so we're excited."

The merch tents opened at noon.

The Friday and Saturday concerts start at 6:30 p.m. with openers Owenn and Girl in Red. Taylor is expected to go on at 8.

The Sunday show starts at the same time with openers MUNA and Gracie Abrams. Swift will come on stage around 8 p.m. and play a three-hour set.