Taylor Swiftfans wereready for it.
Decked out in sparkly outfits, cowboy hats and friendship bracelets, thousands of people began queuing up outside Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara around noon Friday, July 28, for the first of two concerts by the pop superstar at the home ofthe 49ers.
Swift’s only Bay Area stop on herEras Tour, the performances are slated to start at 6:30 p.m. each night, with opening acts Gracie Abrams and Haim. But her devoted fans, known as Swifties, said they wanted to get to the stadium early to avoid an anticipated crush of traffic, despite thesweltering heat.
Britney Patiu arrived from Modesto with her friends four hours before the gates opened to get to the front of the line. She was among those who burst into cheers once the clock struck 4:30 p.m. and the entrance to the stadium opened.
“It’s exhilarating,” the 23-year-old said. “All this wait was worth it.”
A sense of community prevailed, with Swifties sharing stories and exchangingfriendship bracelets, a practice inspired by the lyrics of her song “You’re on Your Own Kid” from her latest album “Midnights” that has become an integral part of the concert experience.
San Jose resident Allison Pan went the extra mile. Looking glamorous in a hot pink sequin dress, modeled after Swift’s outfit in her “ME!” music video, the 15-year-old was carrying an entire binder-ring full of ribbon-tied friendship bracelets with Swift’s lyrics on them. For her, the concert was about more than just entertainment. She said Swift’s music carried her through challenging times.
“I wanted to interact with other fans because I heard how nice they are,” the 15-year-old said, as she traded friendship bracelets with the fellow Swifties who walked past her.
Chiara Volpi, who wore a purple dress in honor of Swift’s “Speak Now” look, agreed. Lounging on the grass outside the venue with her friends, she said she loves how the artist’s concerts bring people together.
“It just feels like family,” the 16-year-old from San Francisco said. “At some concerts you feel scared, a little daunted, but people here are so nice. It feels like we all have bonded over this one artist. It’s an amazing feeling.”
The anticipation escalated as several in the crowd speculated — and wished — what surprise songs Swift might perform tonight or Saturday, July 29, an Eras Tour tradition that makes her shows unique for each stop. The list ranged from the beloved “Cornelia Street” from her 2019 album, “Lover,” to the nostalgic “New Romantics” from her 2014 release “1989,” and everything in between.
Meanwhile, Santa Clara police, who tweeted Friday morning that the department will be temporarily named Swiftie Clara along with the city for the weekend, directed cars around the parking lot Friday afternoon to keep the area clear, in line with the city’s previously announced tailgating ban.
As of Friday, there was still confusion as to whether fans without tickets would be allowed to gather around the stadium since earlier in the week Santa Clara Council Member Kathy Watanabeencouraged Swifties to congregatein the parking lots and surrounding streets before and during the shows.
“We’re talking about public streets. You cannot control people not being able to come and stand on a public street,” Watanabe said. “They’re welcome to come.”
Chronicle staff writer Aidin Vaziri contributed to this report.
Reach Laya Neelakandan: Laya.Neelakandan@sfchronicle.com