BTS fever has struck New Jersey as fans of the mega popular Korean boy band arrived at MetLife Stadium a full day before the sold-out concert weekend.
Fans say that they will typically camp out for days ahead of the concert in the hopes of getting an up-close view of the seven band members. But MetLife officials decided not to allow this and instead set up merchandise tents ahead of the concerts so that concertgoers can grab their favorite T-shirt ahead of the show.
Fans tell News 12 New Jersey that they have previously waited hours just to purchase merchandise, but they say that it is worth it.
“Their voices are like, very angelic and it’s amazing,” says Emily Vanderstigchel, who came all the way from California to attend the concert.
Fans said that they spent hundreds of dollars on tickets to the show. Concerts on Saturday and Sunday are sold out.
“Their message, their music – it speaks to everyone,” says Adrienne Povey, of Boston.
Even parents are getting in on the fun. News 12 crews spotted some mothers dancing to BTS playing on the radio.
“At first I was like, ‘Wow, who are these people?’ You don’t even know what they’re singing about. You can’t understand the words, but now I’m a fan,” says Robin Vanderstigchel.
“It makes me cry sometimes how much it impacts me. It’s amazing,” says Emily Vanderstigchel.
So many people are expected to attend the concerts that New Jersey Transit officials warned about potential delays and overcrowding.
Trains will operate from MetLife to Secaucus every 10 minutes until the crowds dissipate after the concerts. They will then run every 15 to 20 minutes as needed. The last train is scheduled to depart from the Meadowlands at 1 a.m. Buses will also provide limited service.