Crowds had already started forming Wednesday as fans lined up to buy merchandise, including $60 T-shirts, $30 tote bags and sweaters that ranged from $90 to $115. Some of those fans had long ago secured their tickets, while others were hoping for a last-minute miracle.

The Eras tour is expected to generate $282 million in economic impact for Toronto. Of that, $152 million will come from direct spending, with 93 per cent coming from non-residents.