Okay, so picture this… you are stuffed into a concourse with 70,000 other Swifties, four hours have passed and you’re losing hope…and then, out of the corner of you eye you see a light flicker followed by the roar of a mob of fans. The stadium jumbo screen reads, “ALL CLEAR. You may now return to your designated seating area.” Next, chaos breaks loose…
I have always been a fan of Taylor Swift, but never considered myself a “Swiftie” or fit in with the unwavering dedication many of her fans exhibit, but when the opportunity arose for me to attend one of her iconic shows during the Eras Tour, I couldn’t say no. My boyfriend bravely agreed to go to the concert with me. Our tickets were for the third night of her Nashville, TN stop. As the days inched closer, I realized this has become a bucket list item for me. Like I said, I have alway been a fan, but never thought I would be one to face The Great War of Ticketmaster for TS tickets. Until now. I realized this is not an event I will be okay missing.
With re-sale tickets in hand and the Eras Tour Setlist Spotify playlist downloaded I was in full Swiftie mode preparing for the concert. I had been checking the weather several times a day, everyday for the two weeks leading up to the show and performing nightly rain dances to the gods to avoid the show getting cancelled by storms. The night before, I check the weather, again, and it looks like we might just be in the clear with a 30% chance of stormed between 5-9pm. PHEW!!
The morning of the concert, Matt and I wake up early to get ready for our four hour drive to Nashville, TN. We packed our bags, prepared road snacks, and made a big breakfast.
We arrived to Nashville around 11:30 am. We were able to check in to our hotel early. We stayed at Springhill Suites Metro Center. We got ready and scooted over to Nissan Stadium around 1:30pm. We went straight to a line for one of the merch tents which didn’t look too long. We waited about 45 minutes in line and ended up with a cute black Eras Tour tee shirt. Of course, I wanted one of the location only items, but it just wasn’t worth spending the day in a merch line for a sweatshirt. PRO TIP – I should have listened when people said just order your mech online, because they didn’t have many sizes onsite and I was too excited and just purchased as sweatshirt that is too big… So yes, I recommend ordering your merch online.
After we got our shirts, we walked around the outside of the stadium people watching and getting our bearings. This was the BEST people watching I have experienced. Incredible. Taylor fans, you really know how to represent. Shortly before the openers were about to take the stage is when the lightening delay began. We were herded and packed into the covered areas. It was fun to meet the people around us and chat. Two girls we met lived in the town right next to ours! PRO TIP – This was when a lot of the friendship bracelets were getting passed around. Matt and I received some, but we didn’t have any to give out. I recommend making some to give out! I loved seeing everyone’s unique designs.
Once the lightening and rain lightened up, we were finally able to take our seats. This was around 10:00pm! The openers did not perform due to the delay. It was lightly sprinkling when the show started but once Taylor took the stage, not a single person in the stadium noticed or cared that it was raining. It was such an amazing show and I kinda the love that it was in the rain. It added to the experience. Like singing and dancing in the rain with Taylor Swift and 70,000 fans who love her….come on…I have no words….
I literally danced and sang to every song the entire show. Some of my favorite moments were when she sang “Nothing New” with Phoebe Bridgers and “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” with Arron Dessner on guitar. Her surprise songs were “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” and “Mine” – I LOVED THEM. OMG and “Vigilante Shit” was phenomenal to watch.
The show ended up lasting almost 4 hours and we left around 2:00am. It actually wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be leaving the stadium -people were moving. I did not realize, however, the scooters stop working at 10:30 pm. And of course, there were no ubers or lyfts available….so we walked, for about an hour. I thought I was going to die because my legs and feet hurt so bad and I was exhausted. Luckily we flagged down a pedicab who saved us and took us the rest of the way. The pedicab only turned out to be $40 which was well worth it. PRO TIP – the pedicabs were right outside of the stadium and there was several of them. Whatever they cost, they are well worth it and I would recommend as a good form of transportation after the show.
It has taken my mind, body, and soul about a week to recover from the show. It was an incredible experience. If you are on the fence about buying expensive resale tickets, I would definitely recommend, if you have the means. For me it was likely a once in a lifetime show and I loved every minute of it. Thanks Tay! <3
