Baby, let the games begin! Taylor Swift is back in the Mile High City, and hundreds of Denver’s most dedicated Swifties gathered in near 90-degree heat this morning on the west side of Empower Field at Mile High for a first chance at some exclusive merch.
The shows on Friday and Saturday — Swift’s first Denver tour stop in five years — might be the most in-demand music event of the summer and are expected to contribute $140 million to Colorado’s economy and $200 million in consumer spending this weekend, according to the Common Sense Institute, a business industry think tank.
To kick things off, the Eras-emblazoned merch truck’s arrived at the stadium for a pre-party. Though some of that merchandise can be bought online, many items, like the viral blue Eras crewneck, are exclusively available at the truck, so some Swifties arrived before the break of dawn for their chance to snatch one up — even if it meant waiting hours in line.
“The sweatshirts and everything had gone viral, so I wanted one,” said Miranda Beck, a concert goer who had been waiting in line since 9:45 a.m. “(This weekend), I want to just focus on the show and not have to worry about waiting in line. We’re here for the concert.”
Some, like 17-year-old Melanie Murray, have been following Swift on tour since her May dates in East Rutherford, New Jersey. A lifelong Swiftie who stands outside each stadium, singing and playing covers of Swift’s songs on her guitar, Murray says she comes back to the Eras Tour every weekend for the community that Swifties create.
“The fans are just so welcoming and supportive, and I love trading friendship bracelets,” Murray said. “Usually, I have a whole arm full of friendship bracelets to trade with people. It’s so fun.”
Some fans complained of a disorganized line and being moved or pushed by other impatient fans, but overall, spirits were high as a playlist of Swift’s hits emanated from the truck and blended with Murray’s acoustic covers further back in line.
“Most of the stuff you can buy online, so I’ve questioned why I’m still here,” said Kennen Sparks, another self-proclaimed Swiftie who had been waiting since 8 a.m. “At the same time, it’s fun to talk to other people, and it is a community. It’s been nice to hang out with other people who are looking forward to the concert.”
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