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Indy is preparing for Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. What we know

Indy is preparing for Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. What we know

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Indianapolis will be screaming Taylor Swift’s name in less than a month — and city officials want you to know they’re prepared.

Swifties are about to have this “big ol’ city” all to themselves, and downtown organizations are rolling out the welcome mat to welcome the more than 200,000 people in town for Swift’s shows on November 1st, 2nd and 3rd at Lucas Oil Stadium to entertain.

With more than 80% of ticket holders coming from out of town, downtown and area hotels are virtually sold out for the final American stop of Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour.

Hundreds if not thousands more people are expected to come downtown without tickets, either in hopes of snagging last-minute tickets or simply to enjoy the cultural phenomenon of Swift Stadium concerts.

While there’s no word yet on whether Indianapolis will rename itself or hand over the keys to the city to Swift or even issue a proclamation about the concert like Beech Grove did, tourism officials say they have plenty of activities for Swifties to keep safe to meet and enjoy a unique Indy weekend.

Lucas Oil Stadium, Downtown Indy Inc., Visit Indy and Indianapolis police officers have been working on safety measures and an optimal visitor experience for nearly a year. Here’s what we know so far about the ongoing preparations for the weekend.

Is Indianapolis giving it its all on the Eras Tour?

Yes.

Indianapolis officials, who regularly host some of the largest conventions in the country, are confident they can host the last hurray of the Eras Tour in the United States like no other city.

Once fans land at Indianapolis International Airport or head downtown, they enter Swiftie heaven with a long list of special programming, décor and pop-up items.

“We believe no other city on the tour creates such a high level of sense of place and atmosphere,” said Chris Gahl, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Visit Indy.

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Just days before Swift arrives in the Circle City, Indianapolis will welcome 70,000 young guests to the FFA convention, where Swift herself once gave an intimate performance in 2008.

What Taylor Swift-related events will be happening downtown?

Downtown Indy Inc. will host more than 40 events and pop-up activities outside Lucas Oil Stadium over the weekend, said Taylor Schaffer, president of the nonprofit that promotes Indianapolis’ central neighborhood.

Events include a sing-along cruise along the canal, Taylor Swift trivia at downtown breweries and friendship bracelet making at Monument Circle.

More specific details will be announced later this month, including plans for merchandise sales, road closures and congestion outside Lucas Oil Stadium.

IndyStar has compiled a running list of Taylor encoded events for you to view. Visit Indy encourages fans to visit their website for the best tips for the weekend, including tools for navigating Indianapolis.

Didn’t receive tickets for the Eras Tour? Here are some other Taylor Swift-themed events to check out

What should visitors, fans and non-concert goers know in advance?

Even ticket holders who are familiar with Indianapolis should allow extra time to get to and from Lucas Oil Stadium because they want to enjoy a “well-maintained” downtown. Officials encourage concertgoers to have an extended parking or drop-off plan, Gahl said.

Those without tickets will find more than enough to fill their time as they wander around looking for a last minute ticket or just want to take part in the historic weekend.

“We have intentionally created programs, events and festival-like offerings for those who do not have a ticket,” Gahl said in an email. “We want our residents to also come downtown to get involved and not miss out on the activity.”

What you should know: Your guide to Taylor Swift in Indianapolis for Eras Tour shows

Alysa Guffey takes over operations for IndyStar. Do you have a business story or tip? Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X: @AlysaGuffeyNews.