BTS ARMY braves long lines for merch before band's big Bay Area comeback this weekend

STANFORD, Calif. (KGO) -- On Saturday, one of the biggest music groups in the world performs the first of three nights at Stanford. The ARMY was out in full force, not the literal U.S. Army, but the BTS ARMY.

Excitement has been building in the Bay Area for the return of BTS.

There was a long line outside Oakland Arena the first time the K-pop band performed in the Bay Area back in 2018.

Lines were long, once again, for fans on Friday who were trying to get their hands on limited-edition merchandise.

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"Especially with K-pop, like, we know that, like, a lot of people -- we're all really crazy and want the merch. Whatever's going on, we want to be really early," one fan said, who had been in line since 2 a.m.

And 2 a.m was actually late to the game. We talked with those who waited up all night for things to open up.

"We drove yesterday morning from L.A. Came straight here. Checked everything out. got something to eat. And came back," said Marta Lopez from Los Angeles.

Marta and Mario Lopez had been in line since 6 p.m. on Thursday.

"We planned this. We were here last Sunday. We scoped everything out. We saw the tents. So, we knew exactly where things were. We did some research," said Mario Lopez.

And they brought money to spend, including hotel and travel expenses. The two expect to spend around $4,000 for the whole concert experience.

"I think we are going to be about $1,500," Mario Lopez said about how much they were going to spend on merchandise.

The band attracts people of all ages from 7 to 70, like fan Digna.

"With the group I have, it's fun, because I'm bonding with them. Plus, the merchandise -- but I want to go back because I forgot my light," Digna said.

She said this the first time she'd ever waited in line for band merch.

"About 600 bucks. I had never done that in my whole life. My husband is gonna kill me," Digna said

Three loops around the track made up the line. Hundreds were hoping to at least get something but were also trying to enjoy the experience.

"Everyone is BTS ARMY. A couple of freebies being passed out. And these are just fans making stuff at home and passing out to everybody who is here in line," said Kristy Balancio from Union City.

That doesn't mean these fans aren't competitive. Most were line for one thing that they can only get here -- which may run out.

"I want the jersey. The city jersey," said Mia Hui from San Jose.

The jerseys are specific to each location. And fans can get their favorite band member's name on the back.

ANSER HASSAN: "Who do you like?"

MIA HUI: "I like RM...Honestly, his message. And he is so caring to the fans. He is so relatable. He likes the outdoors. I do too. And he is overall such a good experience."

Many said even waiting in that long line was a fun experience.

"Being surrounded by other fans who get it and are crazy and are here, willing to wait like long hours, I think makes it like almost like a bonding experience," another fan said.

For those without tickets, there is a pre-concert party at Cityline Sunnyvale on Saturday.