What to know about Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Detroit

It’s me, hi. I’m WDET’s resident Swiftie, it’s me.

Pop superstar Taylor Swift is returning to Ford Field this weekend on her highly anticipated Eras Tour, with performances on Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10. Downtown Detroit will be packed with several other high-profile events, including Motor City Pride and two Tigers games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, so you’ll want to plan ahead before heading out.

But don’t worry, you’re not on your own, kid. Here’s what you need to know about Taylor Swift weekend in Detroit.

When is the show?

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the opening acts starting at 6:30 p.m. each night. Taylor is scheduled to hit the stage at 8 p.m. and perform until about 11 p.m. for a staggering 3-hour show.

What should I wear?

Two words: Comfortable. Shoes.

Fans have been going all-out with costumes relating to the past 17 years of Swift’s discography for this tour. That means curly hair and cowboy boots, fishnets and snake skin, head-to-toe glitter and everything in between.

But the main thing to keep in mind when prepping your outfit is that this is a long show. From doors open to curtains closed, that makes for a total of 6.5 hours that you could be inside Ford Field, not including the time it takes to leave the stadium — which could be a while too.

You’ll be waiting in lines for:

• Getting into the stadium.
• Buying merch.
• Restroom breaks.
• Getting out of the stadium.

Plus, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be dancing at your seat for the whole show. That’s a lot of standing and dancing.

As cute as those knee-high 6-inch heels might be, you might want to opt for wearing sneakers this time.

What can I bring?

Ford Field is enforcing the Clear Bag Policy for the Eras Tour. That means that bags larger than a clutch (no more than 4.5” x 6.5”) carried into the stadium must be made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and must not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. For example, a gallon Ziploc bag would be fine, as long as you don’t mind carrying it all night. Additionally, clear bags may not contain stickers, graphics, writing or other decorations on more than one side.

Fans are also prohibited from bringing battery-operated clothing or signs, outside food or beverages (including water) or wrapped gifts. You can, however, bring friendship bracelets to trade with other concert-goers, as long as you wear them on your person when entering the stadium.

For a full list of prohibited items, visit their website.

What is there to eat?

Since it’s such a long show and you can’t bring in outside food or drink, you could either eat ahead of time or buy food at the stadium.

Ford Field has 50 permanent and 75 portable concession stands around the stadium, so that is an option if you don’t mind waiting in line and paying stadium prices. They offer hot dogs, chicken tenders, pizza, french fries, beer, soda and water. There will also be specialty themed cocktails available around the stadium, including Lover’s Lemonade, Midnight Mule and Spritz (Your Version).

Or, you can grab something to eat before the show at places like Tin Roof (which is open until 2 a.m.), Buddy’s (which is open until 11 p.m.) or Detroit Beer Co. (which is open until midnight). There’s also the option of eating at home before you leave or packing a lunch to eat in the parking lot before you go in for a little concert tailgate.

Whatever you choose, just make sure your body is fueled and hydrated before heading in there — you’re gonna need it.

Where should I park?

Ford Field offers pre-paid parking for $50 in their surrounding lots. The Ford Field parking deck and Lot 4 will open at 9 a.m., and fans can reserve their spot ahead of time online. ADA parking is also available in the parking deck on a first come, first served basis.

Keep in mind that downtown Detroit will be packed with people from several other events at the same time on Friday and Saturday night, so whether you go with official Ford Field parking or you choose to search for a better deal elsewhere, I would recommend getting there with plenty of time to spare.

Who’s opening for Taylor?

Swift is bringing nine total opening acts with her on the U.S. tour, and Detroit gets to see three of them.

Friday night, tour dancer-turned pop musician OWENN will open the show at 6:30 p.m., followed by indie pop singer-songwriter girl in red at 7 p.m.

Saturday night, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams will take the opening slot, followed by a second performance from girl in red.

Can I still get tickets?

While both nights are technically sold out, secondary resellers like StubHub and SeatGeek do have some available — though they’re expensive. As of this writing, nosebleeds were going for at least $980 before fees, and floor seats are over $2,000. It is possible resellers will drop their prices significantly in the hours leading up to the show as they get desperate, so keep an eye out if you like living on the edge.

If you don’t have tickets and still want merch — or if you just want to beat the lines this weekend — Ford Field is offering early merch sales today outside of Gate B. They’ll be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today (June 8).

What can I expect from the performance?

Swift’s setlist consists of 44 songs, including some from (almost) all of her studio albums (sorry, debut). The setlist stays mostly the same each night, but she has been performing a couple acoustic surprise songs that change each night. Maybe we’ll hear some “Motown beats” in actual Motown!

It really is an incredible show, from the music to the choreography to the visuals. Prepare to be overwhelmed in the best way possible.

And now you’re ready for it. Detroit, Michigan, capture it, remember it.