Amanda Powell traveled a thousand miles from Little Rock, Arkansas, to New York City. Her goal was simple: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding. Alongside two friends, Powell wanted to celebrate Taylor’s big day. “Just to congratulate her,” she remarked.
Powell was not alone. Scores of Taylor Swift fans and curious passersby flocked to New York City on Thursday. They were drawn by what many called the wedding of the century. Kristen Donohue, visiting Madison Square Garden with a co-worker during lunch, described the couple as the “king and queen of America.”
A law enforcement official, privy to security plans, shared information with The Associated Press. The couple planned to wed at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. A smaller rehearsal dinner was set for Thursday night. Despite the buzz, neither Swift nor Kelce confirmed these details. A representative for Swift remained silent on inquiries, even on Thursday.
About 100 guests started arriving at Madison Square Garden by 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening. The sweltering heat persisted, yet attendees gathered for a “pre-party celebration.” This information came from a city permit acquired by The AP. Security was stringent. Black SUVs delivered guests through a tented path into the venue.
Fans visited midtown Manhattan to witness the buzz hours before arrivals. Crews unloaded covered equipment, erecting barricades near the arena’s perimeter. The events inside remained secretive.
Madison Square Garden, next to Penn Station, is usually bustling. On Thursday afternoon, the area experienced heightened activity and police presence. Rachel Latchford and Linda Solano, nurses from central Pennsylvania, were in New York for Broadway shows. Yet, they couldn’t resist checking out the scene. “We’re going to the wedding, baby,” Solano jested on FaceTime.
Larger crowds gathered as a tent was installed on 31st Street outside arena entrances. The walkway was covered with tarps, shielding guests. Pink curtains obscured any view inside by 5 p.m. Thursday, 31st Street closed off completely to pedestrians between 7th and 8th avenues. Some fans lingered near police barricades, hoping to glimpse activity.
Fans were eager for decor hints, floral arrangements, or other clues. Still, many were motivated by excitement for Swift herself. “She’s significant in everyone’s life,” said Alyssa Heinen, present outside the arena. For fans, seeing Swift happy with her newfound love was uplifting.
“When they started dating, it was exciting,” added Brittany McCusker, participating in a scouting mission with her colleague Donohue. “They can keep it private, which is admirable. But it’s disappointing not to see the event.”
Associated Press journalist Ted Shaffrey contributed to this article.
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