Taylor Swift’s Toronto concerts cost $1.9M for security, police

Recap of Taylor Swift’s Sold-Out Toronto Concert Series

Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated six-show series in Toronto last month not only brought joy to her fans but also incurred a significant cost for the Toronto Police. The police revealed that the total expenses for policing the popstar’s performances, including her motorcade, amounted to approximately $1.9 million.

Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue of the Toronto Police compared the cost per concert to the security measures taken during a Toronto Raptors playoff game, emphasizing the scale of resources required to ensure the safety of concertgoers and fans.

Swifties from all over flocked to downtown Toronto in mid-November, dressed in sparkling outfits to witness the talented singer-songwriter in action. Amidst some initial skepticism, Taylor Swift was escorted by a police motorcade along the Gardiner Expressway en route to the Rogers Centre.

The police officers diligently patrolled the venue, distributing friendship bracelets to fans in the downtown area, and established a command center to efficiently manage crowds and promptly respond to any service calls during the concerts.

Deputy Chief Pogue commended the visible and vigilant police presence surrounding the Rogers Centre and the adjacent areas, highlighting the positive feedback received on social media regarding the professionalism and dedication of the officers.

The primary focus of the security planning was to ensure the safety of the 282,000 concert attendees and the numerous visitors who had come to Toronto to experience the Eras Tour firsthand. The deployment strategy was meticulously designed to address the potential risks associated with large crowds.

Prior to the Toronto concerts, three shows scheduled in Vienna had to be canceled due to a thwarted terror plot, underscoring the importance of robust security measures in such events.

Deputy Chief Pogue reminisced about the vibrant atmosphere that enveloped the city during Taylor Swift’s performances, expressing admiration for the enthusiasm displayed by women and girls in attendance. She saw this as an opportunity for recruitment, particularly encouraging women to consider career opportunities within the Toronto Police Service.

“In line with this objective, I invited 25 female members to engage with Swift fans and discuss the various career paths available for women within the Toronto Police Service,” Pogue added.