Dozens of Taylor Swift fans kicked off the holiday weekend waiting outside of Thompson-Boling Arena on the UT campus Friday hoping to meet the country superstar before her sold-out show that night.
"We have to meet her because we wrote her a song, and I know she would love it, and she would love us because we're just like her," said Courtney Hitchcock, a fan who drove from Chattanooga for the show.
Doors opened to the arena at 5:30pm, and thousands filed in to wait for the show to start. Tickets went on sale several months ago and sold out in just seven minutes. "It makes for a great Fourth of July weekend. One that I'll always remember," said Heather Carter.
While Swift's songs filled the arena, music also filled the air at Market Square. Hundreds spent their evening at First Friday enjoying the hot summer night. "We were hoping that she'd be entertained, our daughter. If she's happy, we're happy," said Tracie Del Larco. And as excitement of the July 4th holiday could be felt downtown, those who attended the country concert at UT said seeing and hearing Taylor Swift live was the perfect beginning to a long weekend.