IN PHOTOS | See Swiftmania sweep Toronto
CBC News | Posted: November 13, 2024 2:04 AM | Last Updated: November 15
1st of 6 Toronto shows begins Thursday, with tour ending in Vancouver on Dec. 8
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, which began March 17, 2023, arrived in Toronto Thursday for six sold-out shows and will wrap after three Vancouver performances in early December.
About 60,000 ticket-holders will gather at the Toronto stadium for each show from Nov. 14-23, with thousands more Swifties expected to attend the pre-show event called Taylgate '24 at the nearby Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
With opening night upon us, check out the excitement in Toronto, from the artist herself taking the stage to the lineups for merchandise, to the hundreds of thousands of fans at Rogers Centre and more.
Nov. 14: Taylgate '24 and opening night
After much anticipation, Taylor Swift opens her first of six sold-out shows at Rogers Centre.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
The Eras Tour celebrates all 10 of the artist's existing studio albums with a set list of 44 songs. Swift opened the first show with Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince, followed by Cruel Summer.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
After performing the first few songs, Swift told the audience: "Toronto, welcome to The Eras Tour."
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
The popstar will also perform at Rogers Centre on Friday and Saturday, then three more shows on Nov. 21, 22 and 23.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams opened for Taylor Swift ahead of the pop sensation's three-hour show.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Fans listening to Abrams.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Wearing Swift-inspired outfits, fans lined up outside Rogers Centre on opening night.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Just hours before the first show, Swifties gathered for Taylgate '24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It's where attendees can get their pre-concert makeup done, participate in a massive bracelet making and exchange session and more. Here, Lydia Menshenfriend makes a friendship bracelet at Taylgate '24.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Fans watch a costume show during the Taylgate '24 event.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Tabatha and Summer Fournier, from Woodstock, Ont., stand for a portrait at Taylgate '24. The pair later won the costume contest.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Chelsea Trafford, left, and Rachelle Liguori (in their Lover and Reputation eras, respectively) stand for a portrait at the Taylgate.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Nov. 13: Swifties at the CN Tower
It's the first time fan Taylor Stapleton has visited Toronto, and Thursday will be her first time seeing the pop sensation in concert. Stapleton, from Los Angeles, decided to check out the CN Tower on Wednesday.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Here, she shows off her Swift-themed outfit while at the tower's main observation level.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
In addition to the breathtaking views, CN Tower visitors also got to see a photo exhibit of Taylor Swift tour photography that's on display during the Toronto leg of the Eras Tour.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
What's behind this stadium fence?
Across the street from Rogers Centre, there's a parking lot with metal fencing.
(Showwei Chu/CBC)
And right now, it's filled with idling semis. It's reported that 90 transport trucks are needed to set up, take down and move Swift's production. A photo taken with CBC's aerial drone shows just over 50 semis.
(Patrick Morrell/CBC)
Nov. 12: Concert merch up for grabs
Tour merchandise went on sale at Rogers Centre on Tuesday morning. It's the only location in Toronto selling official tour merchandise. Here, fans line up outside the stadium.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Fan Brenda Martinez holds an Eras Tour poster outside the venue.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
A fan shows friendship bracelets outside Rogers Centre.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Another fan in mid-pose outside the stadium.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Valentyna Miziuk takes a selfie on Tuesday outside Rogers Centre, the venue hosting the Toronto shows.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
An aerial view by drone of the growing lineup outside Gates 5 and 6.
(Michael Cole/CBC)
Nov. 4: Toronto renames streets temporarily
A main route through downtown Toronto got a temporary makeover to honour Swift ahead of her six-concert run in the city — and to raise money to help people facing food insecurity.
Signs bearing the name Taylor Swift Way designate the route from Rogers Centre — where Swift will perform — to Nathan Phillips Square, where city hall is located, for the month of November.
A total of 22 signs go up along Queen Street West, John Street, Front Street and Blue Jays Way.
People take pictures with a newly erected Taylor Swift Way street sign in Toronto on Nov. 5.
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)
(Evan Mitsui/CBC)