GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) — Thousands of country music fans flocked to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for the first night of Morgan Wallen’s concert.
The event, expected to be the biggest concert in Gainesville in years, brought fans from all over North America.
Law enforcement officials called it Gainesville’s biggest event in decades.
The event featured appearances from Former Florida Gators Quarterback Tim Tebow, Florida Basketball Coach Todd Golden, and Florida Football Coach Jon Sumrall.
Officials said they have been planning around the concert for months. They closed University Avenue between 17th Street and Gale Lemerand Drive. The road will reopen at 1 a.m. before closing again for the second night’s show.
Law enforcement officers urged caution for those attending. They asked people to stay hydrated amid the heat and stay alert amid the crowds. Officials also asked anyone planning to drink to secure a ride to keep themselves and the roads safe.
Some attendees traveled from Canada for the show. Others came from closer to home to spend time with friends.
“Fun with our friends, forced family fun, right? We’re not actually related, but we still look at each other as family, so, forced family fun,” said Jone Brown, an attendee.
One Gainesville graduate student said it was his first concert ever.
“I’m here for the Morgan Wallen concert, because I’ve kind of just always wanted to go to a concert, this is my first time, so I’ve never been to a concert before and I really wanted to go to this one,” said Loren Nienajadlo, an attendee. “It’s in the swamp so I have to go to one.”
Wallen stepped on stage around 9:30 p.m. The concert may go well past midnight.
The second show starts at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Thousands of country music fans are pouring into Gainesville ahead of Morgan Wallen’s concerts at The Swamp Friday and Saturday nights.
Before he takes the stage, many fans packed the bars and restaurants near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for hours of pre-concert celebrations.
Country music fans from across Florida are gathering just steps away from the stadium ahead of Morgan Wallen’s first show at the Swamp. Bar owners in Midtown say they opened earlier than usual to handle the influx of customers expected before the concert.
With road closures, extra security, and thousands expected to attend, many fans say they wanted to get here early to enjoy the atmosphere before heading inside.
“Definitely bar hop before we go, get a little buzz going, dance with Morgan out on the stage, have a good time,” said Tavian Sorval, an attendee.
RELATED: Preparations made for Morgan Wallen concert at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the openers will perform starting at 5:30. Law enforcement officials say they’ve been preparing for months for what’s expected to be one of the biggest concert events Gainesville has seen in years.
Officers are encouraging people to stay hydrated, plan for heavy traffic, and be patient as crowds continue to build throughout the night.
For some, it’s not just Wallen they’re excited to see at the concert.
“Mostly Gavin Adcock to be fair, I love him so much, he’s just my number one person, and then Morgan Wallen,” said Melodie Wages, an attendee.
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