VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — "It's been a long time coming..."
It's the day Taylor Swift fans have been waiting for: "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" is in theaters now, nationwide! The almost three-hour concert film is already breaking records.
AMC Theatres announced worldwide ticket pre-sale had already exceeded $100 million. First-day sales alone topped $26 million, breaking box office records.
Across the country and here in Hampton Roads, theaters celebrated the release day with red carpets, photo booths, exclusive merchandise, and, of course, friendship bracelets. Some fans even skipped school for the premiere.
Many fans remember the struggle to get tickets to the live concert "All Too Well." Ticketmaster crashed with the overwhelming number of fans — and bots — who logged on. The debacle left numbers of fans without tickets, and not everyone could "Shake It Off."
While the movie theater isn't quite the same as the football stadium, singing and dancing are both encouraged. Some people who have already seen the film even said it's just as good, for a cheaper price and, for some, a better seat.
Several theaters across the region are showing the film, including AMC Lynnhaven 18, Regal MacArthur Center, Regal Greenbrier, AMC Hampton Towne Center 24, Williamsburg Cinema, and more.
Tickets are available for purchase at AMC Theatres, Regal Theater, Cinemark, and Fandango.
Friday was supposed to be the concert film's release date, but on Wednesday night, Swift dropped an "enchanting" announcement: some movie-goers would get to see the film a day early.
"Look what you genuinely made me do: due to unprecedented demand we’re opening up early access showings of The Eras Tour Concert Film on THURSDAY in America and Canada!! As in… TOMORROW," the superstar wrote.
Both casual and dedicated fans alike know she is the "Mastermind" of planning surprises and leaving "Easter eggs" ahead of each move.
Although the Eras Tour isn't slated to leave the Americas until 2024, when Swift will tour Europe, Japan, and Australia, she confirmed that the film version would show in theaters in 90 countries across the world, opening up viewings for international audiences.
The "Superstar's" live tour itself is estimated to gross $1.4 billion.