If you want to see Taylor Swift’s stadium tour in the Carolinas, you’re on your own, kid
Dear Reader: If you’re looking to see Taylor Swift’s stadium tour in the Carolinas, you’re on your own, kid.
Since the release of “Midnights” on Oct. 21, Swift’s 10th studio album has broken records and topped global charts. On Monday, Billboard announced that the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 is made up entirely of songs from “Midnights,” with hit single “Anti-Hero” taking the top spot.
On Tuesday morning, the pop star and marketing mastermind appeared on “Good Morning America” to announce her upcoming Eras Tour. This 20-city, bigger-than-the-whole-sky stadium tour is set to kick off in March 2023 in Glendale, Ariz.
Despite Swift being a longtime fan-favorite in the region, she will not be stopping in North Carolina or South Carolina on this tour.
Although Raleigh’s PNC Arena and Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium have been home to major musical icons in the past, Swift is bypassing the Carolinas altogether, which we’re trying not to take as a sign of high infidelity.
While a Swift snub may leave other fans maroon with anger and arming themselves to do some vigilante ****, there are plenty of concert locations that are within a few hours travel from the Triangle.
Where is Taylor Swift performing closest to North Carolina?
The closest and likely most accessible concert venue for most North Carolinians is in Atlanta. Swift will take the stage for two nights of shows at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April 28 and 29. From the Triangle, Atlanta is roughly a six-hour drive away, or an hour-and-a-half direct flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Roundtrip flights start just over $300.
Another nearby option is Nashville, Tenn. This is a bit further, and will be a roughly a seven-and-a-half hour drive from the Raleigh area or an hour-and-45-minute direct flight from RDU. Similar to Atlanta, current flight prices start around $300 round trip. The Nashville show is May 6 at Nissan Stadium.
You could also fly somewhere a little further away, like Chicago, with two concerts set for June 2 and 3 at Soldier Field. Once you’re in Chicago, you could make a day of it with a quick stop at nearby 12th Street Beach. Fortunately at that time of year, we won’t expect snow on the beach. RDU has direct flights to both airports in Chicago, which are about two and a half hours long.
Since Swift made her initial tour announcement, she has added additional shows to several of her destinations, offering three shows in a weekend in several cities. That includes Nashville, Atlanta and Chicago.
Thinking Paris? Swift hasn’t confirmed where she will perform overseas, but international dates are promised.
Who are Taylor Swift’s opening acts?
In addition to a musical odyssey of Swift’s career, she will be joined on tour by a bejeweled collection of queer, indie and upcoming stars. Concert-goers can look forward to hearing the impossibly sad sweet nothings of Phoebe Bridgers, the karma-filled breakup tracks of MUNA and the lavender haze-filled songs of Gracie Abrams.
Plus, her friends Haim, who star in her “Bejeweled” video, are set to help her close out the tour in Seattle and California.
Question…? How and when can you get tickets?
Securing tickets to see Taylor Swift may feel like you’re entering a labyrinth. But stay strong, even if you hit a glitch or two in the process. When you have those tickets, you’ll feel like you’ve won the great war.
Tickets for the highly anticipated tour are set to go on sale to the public on Nov. 18. For those determined to get tickets, rather than mutter “would’ve, could’ve, should’ve” later on, the pre-sale will begin Nov. 15. To get in line for pre-sale, become a “verified fan” through Ticketmaster.
How much are Taylor Swift tickets?
As prices for concert tickets continue to rise nationally, tickets to the Eras Tour could easily top the triple digits. Early estimates assure that prices could start at $49 (before fees) and go up to $449. As supply dwindles, these prices could skyrocket through second- and third-party ticket sellers.
But for many Swifties, there is no price tag too big to keep them from singing along to their favorite artist, though at these outdoor venues, hopefully that doesn’t mean in the midnight rain.
This story was originally published November 1, 2022 at 3:07 PM with the headline "If you want to see Taylor Swift’s stadium tour in the Carolinas, you’re on your own, kid."