MCG operators know all too well some Taylor Swift fans without tickets will ignore warnings not to gather outside the stadium during her sold-out concerts but insist there will be no bad blood.
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They say they're ready for it and will review logistical arrangements after the first concert to see if any changes need to be made.
The venue has asked fans without tickets not to congregate in the blank space at Yarra Park to listen to her music, in a phenomenon known as "Taylor-gating".
Melbourne Cricket Club general chief executive Stuart Fox said it's for security reasons as the area is needed for people to make their way in and out of the stadium, in addition to being part of emergency management plans.
"That's why we're discouraging people to come down and congregate in big numbers in the park so I hope people respect that there is a very good reason behind it," Mr Fox told reporters on Thursday.
"Huge crowds, trying to make sure it's a safe environment for everyone."
Venue and event services manager Josh Eltringham said there would be limited infrastructure around the stadium as the park will be used for accessible parking and merchandise marquees.
"I hope some do (listen to the warning), of course some people won't and we'll be prepared for that."
When asked whether the park would be fenced off if large crowds gather on the first night he said the venue would "debrief after the first one and see where we land".
People will not be moved on but are expected to abide by rules including no consumption of alcohol in the park, he said.
Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp recommended fans find other ways to celebrate the concerts in the city, with a Swift impersonator performing in Federation Square and other venues hosting Swift-themed parties.
"There is going to be Taylor Swift fever, we know, and traders around the city at different venues are really stepping up to provide that party atmosphere," Ms Capp told ABC Radio.
Fans without tickets who try to congregate outside the MCG would be guided back to the city or to Richmond, she said.
"From our perspective there are plenty of ways for people to get into the vibe and enjoy the fact that one of the biggest acts in the world is going to be in Melbourne," she said.
Malvern East mother Emmy Choi is taking her 13-year-old daughter to one of the Melbourne concerts and is worried crowds outside the MCG could make it hard to enter and exit.
"It is a concern for me, I am worried about the safety of my daughter, because she's quite young," Ms Choi told AAP.
They plan to arrive at the stadium early as her daughter has never been to the MCG or a concert before.
"It will be quite overwhelming," she said.
Lucky fans with tickets who line up early have been warned they may need to begin again as anyone queuing before 2.30pm on the day of the concert will be sent away from the stadium.
The Australian Eras Tour kicks off on February 16 at the MCG.
Australian Associated Press
