Traffic warning around Rod Laver Arena ahead of Olivia Rodrigo’s first Australian show in Melbourne

Georgie Kearney and Lucy Mae Beers
7NEWS
Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo has been spotted in Melbourne ahead of her first concert tonight at Rod Laver arena.

An urgent warning has been issued to fans heading to Olivia Rodrigo’s Melbourne concerts and also to those who will be in the vicinity of the stadium over the next few days.

On Wednesday, the Department of Transport warned of potential traffic gridlock in the area outside Rod Laver Arena over the four nights the Grammy winner will perform.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Olivia Rodrigo fever hits Melbourne

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Drivers have been urged to avoid the area on Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Monday nights.

Those heading to the concert should also prepare for crowded trains, trams and buses and check the public transport apps for the best options.

Dedicated Olivia Rodrigo fans camp outside of Rod Laver Arena.
Dedicated Olivia Rodrigo fans camp outside of Rod Laver Arena. Credit: Sunrise
Olivia Rodrigo fans ahead of Rodrigo’s first performance in Melbourne.
Olivia Rodrigo fans ahead of Rodrigo’s first performance in Melbourne. Credit: Sunrise

On Wednesday morning, Sunrise reporter Andrew McCormack met some of the dedicated fans outside the venue and told the show about 200 fans were waiting.

Some fans, both local and interstate, had been camping around the arena for days to get as close as they could.

Video showed tents perched in the aisles around the arena in makeshift campsites.

The display of fan devotion comes a few days after Rodrigo was spotted on the streets of Collingwood in Melbourne ahead of her concerts.

Olivia Rodrigo performs.
Olivia Rodrigo performs. Credit: Samir Hussein/Getty Images for LIVE Nation
One fan was lucky to spot her in Collingwood.

“Oh my gosh! Just make stuff every day, keep going until you have good quality,” the US star told Camiolo.

The singer kept it casual in a New York Yankees baseball cap, grey coat, white sweater and black jeans, paired with black Converses.

Fans gushed over the video.

“The most genuine person I ever know, so humble and down to earth,” one fan said.

Another wrote: “You’re so lucky!”

“Oh my GOD, she’s out here somewhere,” another fan added.

Olivia Rodrigo met fan and aspiring singer Bianca Camiolo on the streets of Collingwood.
Olivia Rodrigo met fan and aspiring singer Bianca Camiolo on the streets of Collingwood. Credit: 7NEWS and TikTok / @biancacamiolo

Rodrigo will perform at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Monday before taking to the stage at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on October 17, 18, 21 and 22.

The tour is set to be Rodrigo’s first-ever run of shows down under, with New Zealand singer Benee, best known for her hit Supalonely, set to join the star as the opening act in Australia.

Rodrigo first became known for starring in Disney’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, but shot to fame following the 2021 release of her debut single Driver’s Licence, which topped the US Billboard Hot 100.

She released her first album, SOUR, later that year and was named Entertainer of the Year by TIME Magazine. Her second album, GUTS, followed in 2023, again topping the charts in the US, Australia and around the globe.

Originally published on 7NEWS

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