'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour': Inside the magic and chaos of the film's L.A. premiere

Nicole Kidman, step aside… Taylor Swift is queen of AMC.

Swift mania landed in Los Angeles on Wednesday with the world premiere of the singer's movie Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. The lead-up to the film, which is headed for a record global opening for a concert movie, was unlike anything I've seen before — and I'm used to covering big events like the Oscars or a Marvel premiere.

The melee should come as no surprise as Swift is currently the biggest star in the world. (Just ask Travis Kelce.) It was buzzed about all week that the 12-time Grammy-winning singer would make an appearance at the premiere — and she did just that. (Hence the Secret Service-level security on hand with an assist from the Los Angeles Police Department.) Although the venue was leaked earlier in the day — AMC Theatres at the Grove outdoor mall near the La Brea Tar Pits and L.A.'s Miracle Mile — guests didn't officially get word of the premiere location until five hours before the screening. The suspense was worth it.

Let me take you inside the magic and chaos of the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour premiere.

Wednesday, Oct. 11

11:59 p.m.

Guess which two powerful women support each other? It was whispered about during the whole premiere, but no one had proof. Now, we can confirm it's true: the power of Swift and Beyoncé collide.

8:18 p.m.

Swift makes her way into the theater to thank everyone who has made this concert film the record-breaking release that it is. As she enters each of the 14 auditoriums, well, people are just losing their mind. She is thanking all who've made this the cinematic milestone all that it is.

7:50 p.m.

Taylor is here! Stepping out in a blue, quilted floral Oscar de la Renta gown, she thanked fans for coming to see the film. The color choice is no accident, as it matches the palette of 1989 (Taylor's Version), which will be released on Oct. 27.

7:28 p.m.

Everyone is being told to make their way into the theater for the last time. Is Taylor coming?!

7:21 p.m.

I’m in theater one of 14, so holding out hope we get a Taylor pop-in appearance. But in the meantime, I couldn’t be luckier to get to know the Swifties around me who came from Mexico, Spain and Canada. As we anxiously wait for the screening to start, we're jamming to the Taylor Swift tunes being played inside.

6:55 p.m.

Most guests have made their way inside where themed drinks and movie snacks are available — customized with Taylor Swift accents, of course.

6:43 p.m.

I'm told by fans on the carpet that Swift graciously interacted with practically every fan she could, from taking selfies to accepting friendship bracelets.

6:15 p.m.

Swift’s squad may not be in attendance but it sure looks like that’s on purpose. The acclaimed singer is giving the spotlight to her dancers and those involved with the historic tour, posing for photos with them on the red carpet. They also have VIP-style access.

6:00 p.m.

One hour before the screening officially starts, everything is running smoothly… for mosts guests. Several tickets have been lost and there is a line of people waiting to confirm their invite at check in. Luckily, there is a master list of invitees so everyone should get in.

5:44 p.m.

Finally make it to the first check point and I’m greeted by serious, but very nice security. My ID and ticket match so I am ushered onto drop-off. I asked how everything is going so far and they smiled. (Because honestly, it was very smooth for a high-profile event.) “You’re press! You’re good but you won’t get us to talk to you tonight. Here to do our job.”

5:30 p.m.

For anyone hoping this is Swift and Kelce's red carpet debut, sorry to disappoint you. (For starters, the Kansas City Chiefs have a football game tomorrow against division rival Denver Broncos.) It appears the "Midnights" singer arrived with her mom, Andrea, as her date. Here we go!

4:52 p.m.

SHE'S COMING! Swift confirms her attendance — barring major security concerns, sources tell Yahoo Entertainment — via X (formerly known as Twitter). The 33-year-old shows off her premiere look while announcing that "due to unprecedented demand," Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour will now have early access screenings starting on Thursday. Originally, the movie wasn't set to show until 8 p.m. local time on Friday. "Getting in the car now..." Swift teases.

4:50 p.m.

Still en route as it's madness approaching the site. Some of the 2,200 plus invited guests, many of which are Swift's most loyal fans, are giving an inside look at the event and getting me pretty excited. There is a massive red carpet, but no press line, as there's nothing traditional about this premiere.

1:32 p.m.

It's on! An email reveals the secret location of the premiere is indeed the Grove, a 600,000-square-foot outdoor mall near central L.A. We're told there is only one entrance and self-parking and ride share are both options. (For anyone wondering, self-parking is free and valet $30.)

"PLEASE NOTE: ALL SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS AT THE GROVE ARE CLOSED FOR THE EVENT," the note states. "We will be serving Movie Theatre Snacks. You should plan to eat prior to arrival."

1:05 p.m.

A spokesperson for the LAPD confirms police will be on hand for tonight's event. "Yes, they have requested our assistance," a spokesperson tells Yahoo; however, the officer declines to comment on how many police will be dispatched or any other specifics.

We've already been alerted there will be road closures approaching the Grove and near the Fairfax District late afternoon and into the night. Authorities aren't stressed about handling the event.

"As everyone in Los Angeles knows, we have a history of ensuring large-scale entertainment events occur without incident," a LAPD source tells Deadline. "This will be no different."

6:45 a.m.

Although it has been speculated Swift's premiere will take place at the Grove, Deadline is first to report the news. "Employees at various Grove restaurants and stores told Deadline that they received an email Monday that the venue would be closed Wednesday for undisclosed reasons," the outlet shares.

Why the Grove? Well, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is being released by AMC, which boasts 14 screens at the theater on property.

Saturday, Oct. 8

After waiting a few days to see if I really made the guest list, the invite finally lands in my inbox. Details are scarce. The event is listed as being in "Los Angeles, California" from 7 to 10:30 p.m. As for the where? That's a mystery. "Location will be sent on Wednesday, October 11 at 2 p.m."