EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014Thousands of BTS fans packed El Paso\u2019s Sun Bowl for day one of the K-pop superstars\u2019 shows, turning the area into a sea of concertgoers and long lines that stretched for more than four hours.<\/p>\n
Fans arrived early in the morning to secure their spot, with some saying they had been waiting since 3 a.m.<\/p>\n
BTS El Paso<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so excited to be here. We\u2019ve been waiting years for them to come back as a whole group, and right now I\u2019m on top of the moon. Everyone is so happy,\u201d one fan said.<\/p>\n
Another added, \u201cHonestly, I know people have been here since 3 AM waiting for March, and honestly, it\u2019s just so exciting to finally be here.\u201d<\/p>\n
The early rush created heavy foot traffic around the venue as fans braced for long waits by lining up hours ahead of time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really happy. I told my mom we have to get in line now because it’s going to be crazy in a few hours,\u201d a fan said at noon. <\/p>\n
Another said, \u201cSo excited we\u2019ve been awake since 7 just getting ready, to appear and be in line on time.\u201d<\/p>\n
For many, getting to El Paso was part of the experience, with some traveling for hours to see the group.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo excited we drove in yesterday over 8 hours, just to be here,\u201d one fan said.<\/p>\n
RELATED:<\/strong> BTS merch lines stretch at Don Haskins Center ahead of Sun Bowl concert<\/a><\/p>\n But getting to the venue was not easy for everyone.<\/p>\n Fans described road closures and detours that left some circling for parking, and heavy traffic was expected around Kern and Mesa.<\/p>\n Designated rideshare locations were set up.<\/p>\n \u201cParking was horrible today. We kept getting directed one way, but all the roads were closed off. So we ended up circling for like 30 minutes before we just parked somewhere,\u201d one fan said.<\/p>\n Another said, \u201cWe’re from here, so we kinda know the back roads and residential areas instead of sticking to Mesa, which was going to be jam-packed.\u201d<\/p>\n Some fans said planning ahead helped, and a few even caught a surprise glimpse of the group before the show.<\/p>\n \u201cWe planned ahead, going early. The weather is great. We just saw the boys arrive. I’m so excited,\u201d one fan said.<\/p>\n Another described seeing the members pass by, \u201cThey stopped traffic and four dark vehicles rolled through, and all the BTS members were in it in their cute little pre-concert uniforms, and so we got to see them. And I got to video them from 4 feet away as they drove through.\u201d<\/p>\n With large crowds expected this weekend, organizers took extra steps to keep fans safe and comfortable, including volunteers handing out free water across the venue.<\/p>\n Ambulances were also on standby.<\/p>\n \u201cHonestly, everything has been pretty fire, I was able to fill up my water and get ice!\u201d a fan said.<\/p>\n Despite the long lines and traffic, fans said the atmosphere was worth it, with many calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. <\/p>\n \u201cThis has been waiting for 13 years for me. So definitely a long time coming. But we were super excited,\u201d one fan said.<\/p>\n Another added, \u201cIt’s just honestly so exciting, I mean, the performances they give are just out of this world.\u201d<\/p>\n Fans heading out tomorrow were reminded to follow the clear bag policy and plan ahead.<\/p>\n RELATED: <\/strong>Guide: UTEP issues Sun Bowl BTS fan guide outlines parking, ticketing, general information<\/a><\/p>\n