Wild pics capture commuter chaos after pop superstar Taylor Swift’s first mega concert opening in Sydney

The full extent of commuter chaos in the aftermath of pop megastar Taylor Swift’s first performance in Sydney has been captured in pics as fans crowded trains and continued to party into the night.

Wild pictures have captured the extent of commuter chaos in the aftermath of Taylor Swift’s first Sydney show of her Eras tour, as fans squeezed onto packed trains and some continued to party into the night.

Over 80,000 ticketgoers made their way into the packed venue for the concert despite scorching weather and a delay due to a brief storm across the city.

More still stood outside Accor Stadium to ‘Taylor-gate’ – listen to the concert from outside the venue, where they could still hear the music playing and hang out with others who were unable to purchase tickets.

Tens of thousands were all over Sydney to celebrate Swift’s showstopping performance. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Thousands were packed into trains as they left Sydney Olympic Park. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

The chaotic scenes followed a highly-anticipated opening night for the Sydney leg of the Eras tour. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Trains to the Olympic Park station were renamed ‘The Tay Tay Express’, with 550 more train services than usual over the four days of music, along with 700 more bus services.

Pictures by NCA NewsWire captured fans celebrating outside the venue, still partying into the night

Still, crowds were flooding public transport before and after the concert began, with trains playing iconic Taylor Swift songs over the speakers.

With the thousands moving around the area, public transport was incredibly packed and backed-up as concertgoers with and without tickets all tried to make their way home for the night.

Many of these fans will be back on Saturday for Swift’s next sold-out show.

The show completely filled up the crowded stadium, selling out of tickets that were highly sought-after on the aftermarket. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

After the roaring cheers and singing of Sydney’s first Eras show, crowds struggled to make their way back to where they were staying across Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Sydney could be among Taylor Swift’s favourite tour destinations, with the star exclaiming it had a “special place” in her heart on night one of the Eras Tour in the harbour city.

The international superstar greeted more than 81,000 fans packed into Accor Stadium as she took to the stage.

“You’re really making me feel like tonight I get to play a sold out show for 81,000 people in Sydney,” the star said.

“We’re going to have the night of our lives!”

Taylor Swift has hit the stage despite wild weather conditions. Picture: Don Arnold/TAS24/ for TAS Rights Management

The star is performing in front of 81,000 adoring fans at Accor Stadium. Picture: Don Arnold/TAS24/for TAS Rights Management

It’s not the first time Swift has toured in Australia and the megastar revealed she has a bit of a soft spot for the major city.

“Sydney has such a special place in my heart, so many special memories here,” she told the crowds.

Swift also gave a nod to the iconic Australian accent as she performed in front of thousands of adoring fans.

“You pronounce my name cuter than anyone else in the world!”

Katy Perry and Rita Ora were also spotted in the VIP box shortly before the show kicked off.

https://twitter.com/tswifterastour

Taylor’s performance comes as her official sites in both Australia and the USA have shut down.

Fans have been left unable to purchase anything on the musician’s website.

Her NFL star boyfriend was also spotted at the show after heavy rainfall forced supporting act Sabrina Carpenter to cancel her set.

Kelce was seen sporting a blue T-shirt and multiple friendship bracelets alongside his best-friend Ross Travis, who donned a yellow polo shirt as they entered the stadium’s ground floor.

he is so proud of her 🥹 pic.twitter.com/2U8noH6b3J

— Tayvis Nation 🏈🫶🏻 (@tayvisnation) February 23, 2024

Kelce waved to screaming fans as he walked through the stadium surrounded by security guards.

Their arrival follows the cancellation of supporting act Sabrina Carpenter’s set after wild weather and the threat of lightning strikes forced eager fans to evacuate the ground floor and scramble for cover.

travis arriving at tonight’s show! #ErasTourSydneypic.twitter.com/4I4EhwIqrr

— Tayvis Nation 🏈🫶🏻 (@tayvisnation) February 23, 2024

Videos of Swifties donning plastic ponchos while rushing towards the stands amid heavy rainfall have been posted to social media.

But the extreme weather conditions didn’t stop Taylor from performing, with the megastar thanking crowds for their resilience as the show kicked off.

“We have a little bit of a weather situation, a little bit of rain but I have never known an Aussie crowd that let anything get in the way,” Swift said as she took to the stage.

swifties on the floor just been evacuated #SydneyTSTheErasTour#TaylorSwiftAustralia#TheErasTour#TheErasTourSydneypic.twitter.com/cuJ4SG1kpr

— Aaron (@heyoranges) February 23, 2024

Earlier, the Eras Tour official X page warned told fans they must evacuate the stadium’s ground floor.

“The floor and lower bowl are currently being evacuated due to lightning strikes nearby the stadium at today’s show of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour in Sydney, Australia. Please stay safe and seek shelter for now,” the Eras Tour posted to X.

Taylor Swift fans forced to evacuate Accor Stadium’s ground floor following the threat of lightning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Despite heavy rainfall, Swifties have flocked to Accor Stadium to watch Taylor Swift perform live. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

In a post to Instagram, Accor Stadium told Swifties the start time to the highly anticipated show had been delayed.

‘Please note, due to weather, show start time has been delayed,” the post said.

“Stay undercover until further notice and follow venue screens and staff instructions.

“Stay safe and remember to be kind to those around you.”

Accor Stadium's message to fans. Picture: Accor Stadium

Pictured outside Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park are Taylor Swift fans in the rain ahead of Taylor Swifts first Sydney show on her Eras Tour. Picture: Richard Dobson

The evacuation decision follows warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology for “severe thunderstorms” and “damaging winds”.

The announcement cames after Taylor Swift’s cars were seen heading to Accor Stadium for her first Sydney show of the Eras Tour.

Footage of her convoy was taken of the convoy heading across the Anzac Bridge from the Crown Sydney hotel in Barangaroo to Olympic Park on Friday, passing by the Nova offices.

Kent “Smallzy” Small posted footage of the moment to his Instagram page, updating people as to where Swift was.

Taylor Swift’s cars passed by the Nova offices on her way to the concert. Picture: Instagram, Smallzy

Swift’s convoy include 3 range rovers and a Lamborghini. Picture: Instagram, smallzy

“The Taylor Swift convoy has departed the city,” he wrote. “Her 3 range rovers and 1 Lamborghini are headed to her first Sydney show.”

Meanwhile, doors have opened for ‘Swifties’ to enter Accor stadium, which will house about 80,000 ticketholders for each of the four nights Swift is performing.

Swifties have been standing in scorching hot weather while waiting for their chance to enter the concert. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Dark clouds merging over Accor Stadium shortly before Taylor Swift's first concert. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Concerns were raised about the weather for the day, with dark clouds over the stadium about 5pm.

With a maximum temperature of 36C forecast, fans also have to worry about the likelihood of storms, rain and hail in the evening.

The NSW State Emergency Service issued a warning to “take care when travelling to major events this evening” due to potential hazards.