Authorities working on plans to manage ticketless Swifties’ vowing to gather outside the MCG

Plans are being devised to manage the scores of diehard Taylor Swift fans who missed out on concert tickets and have vowed to gather outside the MCG, in a practice known as “Taylor-gating”.

Authorities are working to devise a plan to safely manage thousands of diehard Swifties’ planning to descend outside the MCG in a bid to catch a glimpse of their cult hero.

The unlucky super fans, who missed out on a ticket to see global phenomenon Taylor Swift’s Australian Eras Tour, have taken to social media where they have posted in dedicated Swiftie fan groups to discuss their plans to gather around the stadium and hold their own outdoor concert.

The practice, which is known as tailgating or “Taylor-gating”, became hugely popular during the superstar’s US tour.

But there are concerns about how the huge crowds will be managed, with the Melbourne Cricket Club remaining tight lipped on what it has in store to deal with the chaos.

Ticketless Swifties have vowed to gather at the MCG. Picture: AFP

Crowds are expected to reach 260,000 over three nights as fans from across the country and New Zealand fly in to Melbourne to see the pop star perform.

Sydney’s Accor Stadium has already warned people without a ticket to stay away, stating: “We want to ensure the best experience for all which is why only fans with a valid ticket should attend the precinct on show nights.”

Opposition tourism, sport and events spokesman Sam Groth said the eyes of the world will be on Melbourne during the tour.

“Ensuring a smooth and successful event will be key to maintaining our place as the events capital of the nation,” he said.

“With 100,000 heading to the MCG for each concert, the state government must take a leadership role in bringing together all relevant stakeholders to ensure fans and visitors, inside and outside of the gates, have a safe and enjoyable time, that there is no ‘Bad Blood’ and swifties have a ‘Love Story’ to tell about their trip to Melbourne.”

Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the government continued to work with the venue, event promoters and Victoria Police to ensure the safety of all patrons.

“We’re very excited to welcome Taylor Swift to Melbourne, where she will play a sold-out show in front of one her biggest ever crowds,” he said.

“As Swifties flock to the MCG for her Melbourne show, the safety of every fan is our first priority.”

Taylor Swift performs in Massachusetts. Plans are being devised to manage the “Taylor-gators” safely in Melbourne. Picture: Getty

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said it is not an offence for people to gather outside a stadium but cops will monitor for any issues.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the council’s clean team will work “around the clock” to remove graffiti and rubbish ahead of the shows.

“The City of Melbourne can’t wait to welcome Swifties in their droves this February,” she said.

“Last year was history-making with Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles and the Red Hot Chili Peppers performing in Melbourne. We couldn’t be prouder to be kicking of 2024 by hosting the number one artist in the world, Taylor Swift.”

Swift’s shows are set to inject more than $1.2bn into the state’s economy in what has been dubbed a saviour for the city’s reputation as a major events destination following Covid lockdowns and the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games.

The Melbourne Cricket Club was contacted for comment.