Swiftie-mania is already running wild through New Orleans. Although Taylor Swift won't be taking the Superdome stage for another two days, her fans are already lining up outside the Superdome to buy some swag in advance of the concerts.
"Better to go on the first day than the day of," said Justine, a Swiftie is from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Justine says this is her first Taylor Swift concert experience. In fact, she says she lucked out in getting tickets to Friday's show.
"The other ones were sold out," Justine said. "This one was kind of closest to us."
Justine is making a vacation of her trip to the Crescent City and plans to take in all the city has to offer while here.
"Sightseeing, everything. We'll see what New Orleans has to offer," Justine said.
Some Swifties from the New Orleans area also were in the long lines ahead of the merchandise shop's 10 a.m opening. One of them, Sage Castillo, of Old Metairie, will be attending Friday night's concert.
"I bought (my tickets) from a private seller about six months ago and paid an enormous amount, an embarrassing amount," Castillo said, admitting that she paid $2,500 a ticket.
Even after shelling out that cash to attend the concert, Castillo says willing to support an artist like Swift whose influence goes beyond pop culture.
"The role model that she provides for all young kids and adults, frankly, for her giving back and everything. So we hope to get some new fans because we love her."
The Taylor Swift merchandise shop will be open from until 8 p.m. Wednesday and again from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday in Champions Square. The shop will move to the Smoothie King Center on Friday. It will be open there from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
