Thousands of ticketless fans expected to flock to Melbourne’s Taylor Swift shows
More than 30,000 diehard fans who missed out on Taylor Swift tickets are tipped to flock to the MCG to hear snippets of the popstar’s sold-out shows from outside the stadium.
Victoria
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Tens of thousands of diehard Taylor Swift fans who missed out on securing tickets to the popstar’s three Melbourne shows are tipped to head to the MCG to take in the concert from afar.
The trend took off after Swifties turned up to the singer’s US concerts, singing and dancing outside packed stadiums.
Now, Aussie fans – young and old – are vowing to do the same.
Bethany Hayes, 25, and her friend missed out on tickets but plan to travel to the city for the first show on February 16.
Ms Hayes said soaking in the atmosphere was the “next best thing”.
“We’re planning to have a little picnic in the gardens near the MCG and at least listen to part of the concert,” she said.
“I think it will be a nice way to spend the night and just feel like in all those hours of trying to get tickets, we got a little something back.”
Nicole Rantall said she will take her two daughters, Harriet, 10, and Charlotte, 12, to the stadium on at least one of the nights.
“It was extremely difficult to get tickets and unfortunately, we missed out,” she said.
“We tried on every single sale day including obstructed view sales and are constantly checking resale platforms.
“Both my daughters love Taylor and would really like to be a part of the Taylor Swift moment.
“It is the same with many of their friends who also couldn’t get tickets, they just want to be in some way part of this exciting moment when Taylor comes to Melbourne.”
Yana Fergus, aged in her late 30s, was gifted a ticket but struggled for months to actually purchase one.
During this time, she created a Facebook group, Eras Taylor-Gate Melbourne, to unite Swifities who missed out.
The group has more than 2500 members with the majority planning to hang outside the venue.
“We are flying in from WA and have a different era outfit for each night to sit outside the concert,” one woman said.
“In or out, the atmosphere will be charged and amazing.”
Another woman said she was travelling to the stadium on all three nights.
“Can’t wait to spend my weekend outside the MCG,” she said.
“I didn’t get tickets but I’m desperate to hear anything, even if its just the crowd cheering.”
Ms Fergus said a rumoured 30,000 fans who missed out on tickets are expected to flock to the precinct across all three shows.
“Fans planning to gather outside the MCG is a tradition inspired by similar events in the US during the Eras tour,” she said.
“With the impossibility of getting tickets for the tour in other countries, this outdoor gathering allows fans to connect, enjoy the night, and feel a part of the experience.
“While the exact number of attendees is uncertain, but the prospect of thousands singing and dancing outside seems plausible.”
Ms Fergus urged Melbourne Cricket Club and promoters Frontier Touring to create a live activation area for ticketless fans.
“Fans have spoken about establishing a space equipped with screens for concert viewing but some have expressed concerns of fairness to those who’ve paid to attend the concert,” she said.
“My suggestion would be showcasing the Eras tour movie in a controlled setting near the MCG, offering a chance for fans who missed out on tickets to still enjoy the experience.”
Ms Fergus said she was shocked no further events were organised to support the global sensation’s tour Down Under.
“The economy boost that Taylor is bringing to Australia has been estimated at $140m," she said.
“I’m surprised that both Melbourne and Sydney haven’t done more to get around the event.”
Despite the excitement, some fans are concerned with the mass crowds with US rock band Matchbox Twenty also performing to a sold-out show at Rod Laver Arena on February 16.
“I am hoping the organisers understand what a big social event this is particularly for Taylor’s younger fans and put appropriate supports in place,” Ms Rantall said.
“We expect it to be extremely busy as so many people have missed out on tickets.
“I am hoping the crowd will be well behaved and there to enjoy the moment.”
A Victoria Police spokesman said resources had been allocated appropriately.
“Anyone concerned around public order at the upcoming concerts can shake it off, with those causing trouble set to be met with a swift response,” he said.
“Projected crowds are always analysed ahead of any major event, with police resources allocated appropriately.”
A Melbourne Cricket Club spokeswoman said she was unable to comment but more information about the concerts would be announced next week.
Frontier Touring was contacted for comment.
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