When Tyler Brooks’ credit card company called about unusual activity and spending, he had to tell the truth. No, his credit card wasn’t stolen. He spent $500 to purchase 50 tickets for his family and friends to see the third installment of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.”
Brooks was just one of about 2,100 people who arrived at Regal Butler Plaza Cinema 14, 3101 SW 35th Blvd., to pick up their tickets to the premiere of the hit vampire-themed movie from midnight to 3 a.m. Wednesday.
Those who arrived to purchase tickets at the box office were out of luck.
“I bought my tickets the day after advance tickets were available,” said Lizzi Condo, who was sporting a handmade black T-shirt reading, “Bite me, it’s my birthday.”
Condo celebrated her 20th birthday in Theater 11 with about 500 other die-hard fans who were eager to find out which mythical hero would win the heroine’s heart in the final battle of werewolf versus vampire.
“Being labeled as a die-hard fan sounds a little intense,” Condo said. “Although … I am here on my birthday.”
On an excitement scale from one to 10, Stephanie Gruber, 22, was at a 10.
She purchased her tickets more than a month ago in anticipation of catching the midnight showing.
Gruber, who is 26 weeks pregnant, hopes to share her love of Twilight with her future daughter.
“I definitely want her to watch Twilight when she’s old enough,” Gruber said.
In addition to merchandise vendors and a local radio DJ, two LifeSouth blood donation buses were parked outside the theater, one for “Team Edward,” the other for “Team Jacob,” allowing people to donate blood in exchange for tickets with VIP seating and a T-shirt.
Clay Gibbons, LifeSouth community development coordinator, said “Twilight: New Moon” last year brought 78 donors.
“This year our goal is 78 again,” Gibbons said. “If we get 79 – now wouldn’t that be something.”
Ada Martinez had trouble deciding which team to donate blood to.
“I’m team threesome,” Martinez said. “Forget Bella, I want both.”
