In early December, Taylor Swift fans from all over the world will flock to Vancouver for the final shows of The Eras Tour. However, what’s noteworthy is that the city of Vancouver has announced strict measures to prevent tailgating activities by ticketless fans. While tailgating has become a hallmark of Taylor Swift’s concerts, authorities in Vancouver have decided that only ticket holders will be allowed to access the area around BC Place stadium during the three shows on December 6, 7, and 8.
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Strict Security Measures in Vancouver
In a media briefing on Thursday, Chris May, the general manager of BC Place stadium, officially announced measures to ensure the safety and security of concertgoers. The surrounding areas of the stadium will be restricted to ticket holders for Taylor Swift’s concerts. May emphasized that fans without tickets will not be allowed to enter the stadium district for tailgating activities.
“Please, if you don’t have tickets, don’t try to tailgate,” May said. “We are not going to alter our plans. Our focus is on keeping ticket holders and guests safe.”
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It was made clear that there will be no designated tailgating area outside the stadium, which sets Vancouver apart from other cities like Toronto, where an unofficial tailgate party was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre near the Rogers Centre concert venue.
No Camping and Road Closures Around the Stadium
One of the most important provisions is the ban on overnight camping outside the stadium. Fans without tickets will not be allowed to set up tents or camp in the vicinity of BC Place. To enforce this, a fence will be erected around the stadium early next week to limit access for ticketless fans.
Additionally, roads surrounding BC Place will be closed from noon to midnight on concert days. This is necessary to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent congestion when large crowds and vehicles converge on the stadium.
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May stressed that while The Eras Tour is a massive event, there are other major events happening in Vancouver that weekend, including Vancouver Canucks games and a Cirque du Soleil performance. Therefore, authorities must ensure order and safety for all events, not just Taylor Swift’s concert.
Police Presence Ready to Ensure Safety
With Taylor Swift’s presence in Vancouver, the police have prepared a comprehensive security plan. Sergeant Steve Addison stated that there will be a significant police presence in the area around BC Place. “We’ve been planning this since the moment we knew Taylor Swift was coming to Vancouver,” Addison said. “This is a big event, and our focus will be on ensuring the safety of everyone involved.”
With around 160,000 tickets sold, and 40% of those being international travelers, the police and other agencies will implement special security measures. They will coordinate with city authorities, stadium officials, and public transportation services to create a safe environment for all concertgoers.
In addition, the giant inflatable friendship bracelet, which has appeared at other Eras Tour venues, will be displayed on BC Place. These bracelets are symbolic of the connection and passion that fans have for Taylor Swift.
Increased Traffic and Public Transportation Measures
Vancouver is expecting a large influx of international fans from countries like the U.S., UK, Japan, and Australia, who have planned trips to the city specifically to attend the concert. To cope with the expected congestion, the city has encouraged people to use public transportation instead of driving.
The city’s public transit system, including the Skytrain and West Coast Express, will operate extended hours to accommodate concertgoers. Officials have also set up a designated passenger drop-off and pickup zone to help alleviate traffic.
While downtown parking garages will be open, officials emphasized that roads in the stadium district will be closed, and there will be limited parking.
Enhanced Restroom Facilities
Given that up to 95% of concertgoers are expected to be female, the stadium will also make modifications to its restroom facilities to meet the demand. Additional restrooms will be installed, and overall cleanliness and accessibility will be prioritized to ensure a comfortable experience for attendees.
Authorities have also asked fans who downloaded their tickets before November 16 to re-download them to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.
With stringent security and organization measures in place, Vancouver hopes to deliver a memorable and safe experience for all attendees. Taylor Swift fans will be able to enjoy her spectacular concerts while ensuring their safety and well-being. However, ticketless fans should note that tailgating will not be permitted, and the city is working hard to create the best experience for all involved.
