No 'Taylgate' Party Planned for Vancouver as BC Place Enforces Strict Security for Taylor Swift Concerts
Ticketless Taylor Swift fans hoping for a "Taylgate" party outside BC Place during the upcoming concerts are facing disappointment as local officials outline stringent security measures. The gatherings outside venues have become quite the trend during Swift's Eras Tour, but Vancouver’s authorities are making it clear: if you don’t have a ticket, steer clear of the area around the stadium.
During a media briefing, Chris May, the general manager of BC Place, stressed, “Please, if you do not have tickets, there is no reason to Taylgate.” He also mentioned they have no plans to change their directives, emphasizing the importance of keeping events safe for ticket holders.
The announcement follows the pattern seen during Swift’s performances elsewhere. While fans managed to host unofficial Taylgate events akin to tailgates at venues like Toronto’s Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Vancouver is preparing for strict access control. Fences will be put up around BC Place, and overnight camping will be banned near the stadium, ensuring only ticket holders enter the area during the shows, which are set for December 6, 7, and 8.
This year's Vancouver shows mark the grand finale of Swift's record-breaking tour, and there's no shortage of eagerness among fans. Emma Reekie, a Langley resident who holds tickets for the December 6 concert, expressed frustration at the lack of opportunity for fans without tickets, saying, “I wanted to Taylgate simply because it's the last stop on the tour, and everybody needs to be able to enjoy it, whether we have tickets or not.”
While Reekie is disappointed, she doubts the regulations will entirely quell the excitement, predicting many fans may still gather to experience the event from outside the venue.
Vancouver Police, along with city authorities, anticipate massive crowds around the stadium throughout the weekend, with around 160,000 ticket holders expected to attend the concerts. Vancouver Police Sergeant Steve Addison highlighted the significance of safety during such large-scale events, noting there will be substantial police presence though he refrained from disclosing specific numbers. Addison remarked, “This is something we have been planning since the moment we learned Taylor Swift was coming to Vancouver.”
The anticipation is palpable, not just because it's Swift’s last show on the tour, but also due to the expected influx of fans. Addison predicted the stadium district could see up to 300,000 visitors over the weekend, stating, “Our major goal — our only goal — is (to) create an environment that's safe and memorable.”
Preparations include the addition of festive elements, such as a giant inflatable friendship bracelet adorning BC Place, reminiscent of decorations seen at earlier concerts. To add to the fanfare, police horses are even set to sport custom friendship bracelets, gifts from the Toronto Police Service, to celebrate the occasion.
Authorities are also rolling out plans to manage public safety focused on lessons learned from previous concerts. For example, they are considering safety incidents reported from other cities as they finalize their security blueprint. While Addison stated, “There’s currently no specific safety threat to be aware of,” he emphasized the continuous assessment of public safety remains their priority.
Traffic flow is expected to be impacted, as roads surrounding the stadium will close from noon until midnight on concert days. Concertgoers are being urged to use public transport instead of driving to the event. To assist with transit demands, TransLink announced plans for additional services, including extended SkyTrain hours and shuttle provisions between the stadium and other city locations.
Changes to stadium facilities have also been made to accommodate concertgoers' needs, particularly considering the demographic of 95% women likely attending the events. Adjustments will be visible within the bathrooms at the stadium, aiming to provide comfort and accessibility for all attendees.
For fans who downloaded their tickets before November 16, authorities are advising them to re-download their tickets to confirm they’re up to date with the latest information. It’s all part of the efforts to streamline the concert experience and ease any potential chaos at the gates.
The concerts are expected to be among the most significant events to close the year, and as BC Place gears up for the final leg of the Eras Tour, both excitement and security remain at the forefront of the discussions. With strict measures and continued planning, officials aim to make the event safe yet memorable for all Swifties who managed to snag their ticket for what promises to be three unforgettable nights.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published November 28, 2024.
