Times Insider provides an in-depth look into our organization and the process behind our journalistic endeavors. In February, upon hearing of Beyoncé’s upcoming “Renaissance” album world tour, New Yorkers immediately began strategizing their journeys to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Options were debated, from Ubers and party buses to car pools and chartered vans. However, many opted for a more accessible mode of transportation: New Jersey Transit.
With the knowledge that fans would dress to impress, we proposed the idea to our Styles editor and devoted Beyoncé fan, Louis Lucero II, to document the BeyHive – the fans – in their glamorous and bedazzled ensembles as they made their way to the show via platforms and crowded trains.
On a hot and humid Saturday last month, we met at Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan for Beyoncé’s first of two shows at MetLife. At first glance, everything appeared typical – travelers hurried through the station, lugging their suitcases behind them.
But as we approached the New Jersey Transit waiting area, signs of the BeyHive started to emerge. Outside a newsstand, a woman sported a football jersey with the embroidered title of Beyoncé’s song “Thique” on the back. The sequin density inside the station continued to grow.
We found a prime spot under the departures board, traditionally the place where travelers await their platform announcement, and began people-watching. We looked for anyone donning a cowboy hat, as Beyoncé had worn a sparkly version in promotional images for her album, believing that fans would follow suit.
From a distance, we spotted several cowboy hats and followed them to Track 14, where we engaged in conversations with brightly dressed concertgoers. Most fans eagerly shared what Beyoncé’s music meant to them or discussed the time and effort invested in their stylish looks.
Imani Tudor, a 28-year-old photo editor from Brooklyn, revealed that she had dyed her eyebrows red that morning. Witnessing other fans don futuristic, avant-garde outfits inspired by Beyoncé’s latest album filled Tudor with joy. “I’ve been listening to this in my room alone for the past year,” she shared.
We arrived at MetLife Stadium approximately 30 minutes later, and Ms. Tudor and other ecstatic fans poured out of the car. Afterward, we hopped on an empty train back to the city, only to board another crowded train heading back to New Jersey.
During each ride, Amir, our photographer, captured unique shots through train windows, across platforms, and up escalators, seeking interesting contrast and individuals. The reflective silver surface of the vestibule at the end of each car made for compelling backdrops, flawlessly matching many passengers’ shiny accessories.
We also sought out individuals who weren’t attending the show, like Jair Fonseca, coincidentally wearing a cowboy hat that day. Like many other accidental passengers on the “Beyoncé Express”, Mr. Fonseca shared a mix of bewilderment and awe at his surroundings, despite not being a concert-goer.
We made the trip from New Jersey to New York six times that Saturday, taking a short break for doughnuts after our fifth journey. At one point, a sympathetic station attendant swiped us through the turnstile for free, mistaking us for lost tourists. We clarified that we were journalists, not lost visitors. While Beyoncé graced the stage at MetLife that night, we rode the F train back to our respective apartments, sifting through our notes and images.
The next day, Amir captured more stylish concert-goers heading to Beyoncé’s second show. Throughout the day, we exchanged text messages, attempting to recall the encounters with the couple who stopped for Häagen-Dazs despite being late or the woman with a “Yoncé” lip tattoo.
Our goal was to highlight these details, showcasing the passion and creativity displayed even in the most banal settings. It’s one thing to describe the BeyHive as a fervent community, but it’s another to publish an image of a woman with different Beyoncé images adorning each fingernail.
When the article finally went live, we felt that all the trips were worthwhile, despite an unconventional route to MetLife Stadium. However, perhaps next time, we’ll opt for Uber.
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