‘Welcome to A-TAY-L;’ Atlanta celebrates opening day of Taylor Swift concert

ATLANTA — Good news, Swifties, Taylor Swift is in the ATL!

Georgia’s Own Credit Union welcomed the pop queen with a massive “WELCOME TO A-TAY-L” message on its 450-foot-high sign Friday at midnight.

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Swift’s three Atlanta shows will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

On Wednesday, Swift fans took to the streets to wait in line for merchandise. Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach spoke to some of the most hard-core “swifties.”

“To be here in this crowd of people who also love Taylor Swift like I do too,” Abbie Essery said.

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Fans told Gehlbach that they waited hours to purchase a sweatshirt that was only available on the merch truck.

“I want the sweatshirt, and it’s been selling out on Thursday. So, I have to be here. I’m skipping class for this,” Becton said.

For $65, the long sleeve crewneck has the tour name on the front, with concert venues and a list of Swift’s albums on the back.

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“This was definitely worth the 6-hour wait in the cold and rain, but I love it,” Becton said. “I can’t wait to wear it. I’m going to sleep in it tonight.”

Friday night in downtown Atlanta will be packed. State Farm Arena hosts the Hawks playoff game Thursday night, moving the Janet Jackson concert to Friday, the same night as Taylor Swift.

Tens of thousands are expected for both shows but should be no ‘bad blood’ between them.

The message will be displayed throughout the opening day of Swift’s show until 11:59 p.m.

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