Block-aholics flock to open inspection

An estimated 20,000 fans attended The Block‘s Open for Inspection yesterday, and more will do it all again today.

Counting a Friday night media preview, it will be three days of visitors traipsing through the Glasshouse building in High St. Prahran.

Diehard fans began queuing from 6am on Friday morning, set for a 24 hour wait before they could see the homes and meet the stars. They were rugged up with sleeping bags and doonas, seated on chairs just outside the entrance.

Fan Rachael Dekahunty and her son Jamie travelled from Gippsland, leaving home at 3am Friday. They have been the first in line each year for the past three years. This year, Scott Cam gave Jamie the honour of officially cutting the ribbon to declare The Block open.

5 apartments had protective covers on their stairwells ready for the army of onlookers who would be snooping into their homes.

Stonnington Council had blocked off local traffic yesterday, with food and entertainment to keep the crowds happy.

Many wore pink in support of National Breast Cancer Foundation.

For Blockheads Shannon and Simon, Darren and Deanne, Karstan and Maxine, Michael and Carlene, Chris and Jenna, it’s a manic but rewarding weekend, posing for hundreds of photos, signing autographs and getting a taste of fame from TV’s most popular show.

While this is the earliest an Open Inspection has been held before the finish line, there are still several weeks to go. The all-important auction is set for October 11 with the finale tipped for October 12.

Today’s Open for Inspection takes place from 10am – 2pm in High Street, Prahran.

Live from @TheBlock9 Glasshouse Open For Inspection! #theblock pic.twitter.com/9I2ioZPUQP

— #SEPTIMBERLAKE (@FoxFM) September 20, 2014