After two years of built anticipation, Canadian Swifties’ time has finally come. While some fans were able to secure tickets in the Ticketmaster’s ‘great war’, others weren’t ‘the lucky ones’.
“Everyone has been asking me the same thing, how excited are you? And I don’t even know how to answer the question because there aren’t words that’ll do it justice.” Shared Ashley Jackson, a Western student and Swiftie who managed to secure tickets.
Photo: Taylor Swift the Eras Tour, From taylorerastour Instagram
Taylor Swift has been actively touring for the past 20 months, the Eras tour’s opening night was in March of 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. The historic tour will come to a close on Canadian soil in Vancouver.
The ‘enchanted’ night consists of a setlist of 46 songs that feature costumes, lights, graphics and backup dancers. Two songs in the setlist each night are surprise songs, which Swift plays just from her piano and guitar.
“There are very few songs that she hasn’t played yet but she’s also done some repeats so I have no idea what our surprise song will be. I’m just ecstatic for the show really.” Shared Jackson.
The Rogers Center has released some of the regulations surrounding the shows and all you should ‘know before you go.’
Gates are set to open at 4:30 pm and the show will begin at 6:45 pm when opener Gracie Abrams takes the stage with her setlist of nine songs.
“It’s actually a win-win because as much as I love Taylor, I’m just as excited to see Gracie open up for her.” Added Jackson.
Other regulations outlined things like the mandatory use of clear bags, and the venue’s roof remaining shut for the show.
Photo: Taylor Swift at the Eras Tour, From taylorerastour Instagram
While fans who have managed to secure tickets are over the moon, dozens of fans are still looking for last-ditch efforts to secure tickets and have to face the reality that they may never see the Eras Tour.
“I am very upset, I have been a fan since I was 13. I used to listen to her in the car all the time growing up, but she’s just become so popular it’s impossible to get tickets,” said Lauren Merrell, Fanshawe student and swiftie who couldn’t get tickets.
Music publicist Eric Alper told CBC an estimated 30 million people signed up for the original ticketline to the Canadian shows, a demand of people that the six Toronto shows just cannot meet.
Bubble Taylor sign outside Rogers Center from taylorerastour Instagram
“It’s pretty heartbreaking to open TikTok and see some people who have been able to go to multiple shows and I haven’t been able to even get a ticket to one. It’s just so hard knowing that she’s right in Toronto.” Added Merrell.
Swift has created a film that shows the entire show, it premiered in theatres in October of 2023. So while some may not be able to enjoy the real deal, a concert from the couch may not be the worst option either.
Canadian swifties are welcoming Taylor with open arms and excitement. Toronto even renamed some streets to ‘Taylor Swift Way’ for the duration of her concerts, and the bubble letter bracelet hung outside the venue.
“Whether you like her or not, this is a very exciting time for a lot of people,” said Jackson.
