How Vancouver is preparing for Taylor Swift shows

Ticketless Taylor Swift Fans Advised Against Taylgate Party in Vancouver

Ticketless Taylor Swift fans hoping for a “Taylgate” party in Vancouver are out of luck. The gatherings outside venues have become a hallmark of Swift’s Eras Tour, but officials in Vancouver are actively discouraging fans without tickets to avoid the BC Place stadium district for the three shows on Dec. 6, 7, and 8.

Chris May, general manager of BC Place, confirmed that areas around the stadium will be strictly limited to ticket holders for Swift’s shows, which mark the end of her record-breaking tour. “Please, if you do not have tickets, there is no reason to Taylgate,” May said, emphasizing the focus on keeping ticket holders and guests safe.

When the Eras Tour stopped in Toronto this month, an unofficial Taylgate party was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre near the Rogers Centre concert venue. However, there are no such plans in Vancouver. Overnight camping outside the stadium will be banned, roads around the stadium will be closed on show days, and a fence will be erected around the stadium perimeter.

Swiftie Emma Reekie, who has tickets to the Dec. 6 show, expressed disappointment at the decision to restrict outside gatherings. She wanted to Taylgate the next two nights to enjoy the tour’s final stop. Despite the warnings, Reekie believes fans will still gather outside the stadium to catch snippets of Swift’s performance.

With 160,000 fans holding tickets for the shows, and up to 40% being international travelers, Vancouver police are planning a significant presence in the area. They aim to ensure a safe and memorable experience for concertgoers. The department is drawing on experiences from other cities to develop safety plans for dealing with large crowds.

Traffic disruptions are expected, so concert attendees are encouraged to use public transportation. TransLink will provide shuttle services between the stadium and Waterfront station, extend SkyTrain services, and run a midnight West Coast Express train on Dec. 7. Stadium bathrooms will also be modified to accommodate the expected high percentage of female concertgoers.

Fans are advised to redownload their tickets for the most up-to-date information. Despite no specific safety threats, authorities continue to monitor and ensure public safety is a top priority.

Overall, Vancouver is gearing up for a weekend filled with excitement as Taylor Swift concludes her Eras Tour in the city. Fans are urged to follow guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience at the BC Place stadium district.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Nov. 28, 2024.