On practically any other day, the acres of pavement would have had more than enough room for anyone needing a parking spot. Not on this one.

Hundreds of vehicles pulling off Interstate 10 last Monday morning circled the giant lot. Television crews had come from hours away. Some people had even camped out overnight, aiming to be the first customers when the doors were unlocked and the gas pumps went online at 6 a.m.

This wasn’t just any gas station and convenience store. A Buc-ee’s was opening in Mississippi.

“We fell in love!” said Diane S. Carter, who was celebrating her 35th wedding anniversary but was referring to her and her husband’s passion for Buc-ee’s, so strong that they had driven nearly three hours and secured a hotel room in Biloxi to be there for the opening.