EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Fans lined up early at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, some traveling in from out of town and spending hundreds, as demand surged for BTS merchandise ahead of upcoming shows.

One fan said, “I flew in. I got up at three in the morning, caught a 6 AM flight, and landed here at 9:30.” Another said, “I’ve been waiting here for about three hours.”

Lines stretched as fans said they traveled across the state and planned for months, with many saving money specifically for the chance to see BTS again.

“I’ve been saving up for this. I was waiting for the day they would go on tour again,” one fan said.

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Several fans described how much they planned to spend on merchandise, with amounts ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. “I’m at about 4,000,” one fan said. Others said, “Like $800,” “Around $1,500,” and “I think close to $2,000, but it’s worth it.”

Organizers limited daily sales because of the high demand, leading some fans to plan to return on multiple days and arrive even earlier.

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“Pretty sad because people wait for this concert and we waited for the return for a very long time, and they’re out here,” one fan said. Another added, “I’m going to be here tomorrow, but this time I think I’m going to line up with everybody else at 4 a.m.”

The influx of fans has also affected lodging in the area. “All the hotels are sold out, and we’ve been standing in the rain to get $700 worth of merchandise to have and be ready for tomorrow and Saturday,” one fan said. Another said, “I’m super excited.”

For many, the trip was about more than buying merchandise, with fans gathering to sing, dance, and meet others who made the trip to El Paso. “So worth it, I’ve been looking for forces for a very, very long time,” one fan said.

Another said, “I think it’s so cool that people are coming to El Paso for BTS. I think it’s such a great opportunity for the city, and I can’t wait to meet so many people and make new friends.”

Merchandise booths close tonight at 6 p.m. and will reopen from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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