Preparations for the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are underway at Madison Square Garden in New York City, according to reports.
The event coincides with a major heatwave and the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Authorities closed surrounding streets to vehicular traffic on Thursday morning while keeping pedestrian paths open.
Workers erected a white tent on the 31st Street side of the arena as delivery trucks arrived with food supplies, including chicken wings, ground beef, and baked goods.
Staff at the scene remained tight-lipped about the event. "We don't know anything!"
one staffer stated.
Local resident Jill Barlow noted changes at the main entrance, where Knicks championship decorations had been removed.
"I think the biggest tell yet is that there's no Knicks championship decorations in the main entrance of the Garden any more," Barlow said.
A smaller rehearsal dinner is planned at the Infosys Theater inside the arena.
The main ceremony, with an estimated 1,000 guests, is scheduled for Friday at 5:30 p. m.
, followed by an evening reception.
Author Malcolm Mackenzie compared the event to "Beatlemania, Pride and Lady Di marrying Charles combined."
He added, "She's a massive goofball for an over-the-top moment and loves a big hoopla."
Security measures around Manhattan's 33rd Street include police guards, parked ambulances, and mechanical spikes.
The Associated Press confirmed the wedding via a law enforcement official, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani's office confirmed a permit for a large-scale event.
Preparations began earlier in the week with unmarked trucks delivering a 40-inch mirrorball, tree structures with twinkle lights, and food.
Reports suggest potential performances by Tim McGraw and Stevie Nicks, with guests signing non-disclosure agreements and phones banned.
Swift previously discussed planning a large event on The Graham Norton Show, saying, "I know it's going to be fun to plan, because I think the only stressful weddings are the ones where you have a small amount [of guests]."
She added, "I'm not gonna do that."
The event requires over 130 police officers for crowd management.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, "The NYPD will of course have a detail in place, but I'm not going to go into more specifics at this time."
To address potential criticism over resource use, Swift and Kelce announced a $26 million donation to charities across the United States.
Observers await details after the ceremony.
Mackenzie remarked, "We will be desperate to see the dress, see how she wore her hair and if she goes with a signature red lip."
He added, "I didn't think I cared, but now I'm thinking about it and I'm excited. This is how she gets you."
