Dayton Smith, Staff Writer • November 4, 2024
Pop music sensation Taylor Swift has been on a world tour for over a year, and she is bringing her Eras Tour to Indianapolis, Indiana for three shows on November 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 2024. Organizers expect that the massive shows will draw over 200,000 attendees to Lucas Oil Stadium. Along with bringing an influx of visitors, Swift’s tour has impacted the economies of cities she performs in. To prepare for the weekend of her performances, Indianapolis has shifted into a paradise for Swift’s devoted fanbase.
Many downtown Indianapolis businesses have been preparing for the weekend of Swift’s concerts for months. Over 80% of concert ticket holders will come from outside Indianapolis, and as a result, hotels around the area are difficult to find. Many events planners are organizing various events throughout Indianapolis to enhance the atmosphere that Swift’s performances will bring. Organizers have scattered live performances, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and photo opportunities throughout the downtown area to welcome the coming wave of Swifties.
Controversially, the Indianapolis show is not allowing fans to tailgate outside of the stadium during Swift’s performances. At many Eras Tour shows, fans without tickets could still party outside and enjoy the music. However, in a statement released on October 29, a spokesperson for Lucas Oil Stadium stated, “For safety purposes, there will not be listening or tailgating outside the stadium for those guests without concert tickets.”
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) has been working hard to ensure all of Swift’s fans descending on Indianapolis have the best possible experience. When interviewed by FOX 59, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey stated that “officers will be on foot, on bikes, on horses, on cars, on ATVs, so we’ll be all around.” In addition to enhanced police presence, highway construction teams have altered their schedules around the Swift concerts. The Indiana Department of Transportation planned to close the I-65 highway towards downtown Indianapolis for construction. Responding to the public dismay from Swift fans, the construction team moved the construction further backwards to avoid clutter from the mass of people.
The three shows in Indianapolis will be the final United States shows of the Eras Tour, which has grossed over over $1 billion in ticket sales alone, and has become a cultural phenomenon. Cities that host Swift’s concerts see a massive increase in economic gain, and Swift herself donates to multiple charities in every city she visits on the tour. If you plan on attending any of the Indianapolis Eras Tour shows, stay safe and have a great time!
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