TORONTO - Pop superstar Taylor Swift is set to kick off the first of six shows in Toronto tonight.
The singer brings her record-breaking tour for a ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø leg that hits Rogers Centre over 10 days.
The visit has sparked myriad side events including several fan-focused parties and tourism promotions.
It also has the city bracing for possible traffic snarl as downtown workers and concertgoers hit the streets at around the same time.
Here's the latest:
OUT-OF-TOWNERS
Among the tourists coming into the city were Lina and My Jae from upstate New York.
Wearing "Midnights"-themed tinsel tops and sashes made to look like giant friendship bracelets, the jubilant fans said they were hoping to see "mama and papa Swift."
Swift's boyfriend, football player Travis Kelce, is often seen at her shows but it's not yet known if he will come to Toronto.
The sisters spent about $1,800 each for their floor tickets — but they say the price is worth it.
"You know what, money comes back but Taylor Swift Eras Tour doesn't," said My Jae.
"Memories will be made and they'll be worth it," Lina Jae added.
GRINNING IN GLITTER
Meagan Morin, 27, of Ottawa, booked an Airbnb in July but only got tickets nine days ago.
Morin, who is a singer, spent $600, buying them at face value off of Ticketmaster.
And if Morin hadn't managed to get tickets during the late release for the otherwise sold-out show?
"I would have sat out here and begged," said Morin, adorned in glitter and wearing denim overalls hand-embroidered with the names of Swift's albums.
"It feels like such a big family here right now, I'm so excited."
THRILLED FANS
Fans have congregated outside the Rogers Centre with hours to go before the concerts.
Swift’s discography is blasting from the loudspeakers, and concertgoers are singing along.
Friends Savannah Williams and Karenza Federinko of Niagara Falls, Ont., were among those to secure tickets during the presale, thanks to one of their 30 verified accounts.
They said they snagged a great deal in section 103 behind the stage, and spent just $60 to $75 each.
"I love 'Tortured Poets Department,'" said the 21-year-old Williams, who wore a T-shirt that said, "But Daddy I love Him," a reference to one of the songs on Swift's most recent album.
Federinko, 23, said her favourite Swift music was from her earlier albums, "Speak Now" and "Fearless."
Swift's three-and-a-half hour show spans the different "Eras" of her singing career. _
TAYLGATE OPENS DOORS
Toronto’s unofficial Taylor Swift-adjacent party Taylgate has opened its doors for fans.
The event at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre is just down the street from the concert venue.
Inside, there’s a beading station for fans to make their own friendship bracelets, as well as numerous setups for photo opportunities.
They include a giant pair of hands making the shape of a heart, a big blue guitar and a large metal snake meant to represent Swift’s “reputation†era.
Taylgate is billing itself as a concert pre-party, a waiting place for parents of ticketholders and an alternative event for those who didn’t get tickets.
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MAYOR'S BRACELETS
Toronto's mayor is getting in the Taylor Swift spirit today, by showing off an arm adorned with friendship bracelets at a city council meeting.
Olivia Chow says she was at a Swift-themed bracelet-making event at a Toronto Public Library branch last night and she ended up with eight, including one with the words "bike lane."
Chow says it was a joyful time making and exchanging bracelets, and seeing people connect through music.
She says welcome to all the Swifties in town and to the pop star herself.
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TAYLOR TRAFFIC
Parts of downtown Toronto will be closed to cars today in anticipation of Taylor Swift concertgoers.
Some roadways near Rogers Centre are restricted to local traffic or closed altogether for an expected influx of people attending tonight's concert or side events.
Dozens of buses and streetcars have been added to routes around the stadium.
The GO Transit system, which connects the Greater Toronto Area, added extra trips and extended hours in some regions.
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LABOUR STRIFE
Skyrocketing hotel prices during Taylor Swift's concerts have spurred labour action by a group of hotel service workers in Toronto.
They say they will hold a rally today outside the Fairmont Royal York to demand salary increases as they seek a new contract with the hotel.
The union arm Unite Here Local 75 represents 8,000 hospitality workers in the Greater Toronto Area.
Some hotel rooms and short-term rentals in Toronto are priced up to 10 times more than other weekends, with some advertised for as much as $2,000 per night.
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EARLY ARRIVALS
Fans decked out in Taylor Swift's concert merchandise were among the morning commuters Thursday morning at Union Station.
A handful of Swifties in T-shirts emblazoned with dates for the Eras Tour munched on croissants at the transit hub, a few minutes' walk from the concert venue, Rogers Centre.
In the heart of the financial district a few blocks over, one young woman in Swift-esque heart-shaped glasses hit a Starbucks alongside the weekday office rush.
--With files from Nicole Thompson, Rianna Lim and Allison Jones
This report by ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø was first published Nov. 14, 2024.
