No Tay-gating Allowed

As Taylor Swift gears up to take the stage at BC Place for her highly anticipated Eras Tour on December 6, 7, and 8, Vancouver city officials are sending a firm message to her fans: if you don't have a ticket, stay away from the stadium district.

For many who follow Swift, Tay-gating—gathering outside the venue to catch a glimpse or to score last-minute tickets—has become a beloved tradition at concert stops. However, this will not be the case in Vancouver, where authorities are prepared to prevent any unauthorized gatherings.

Chris May, the general manager of BC Place, stated plainly, “If you don't have a ticket, don't come to the stadium district on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.” In a bid to streamline crowd management and protect ticket holders, there will be no designated outdoor gathering area for fans wishing to hang around the venue.

With thousands of fans flocking to Vancouver, an estimated 70% of ticket holders for the Eras Tour are traveling from outside the Metro Vancouver area. This influx coincides with other major events, including Vancouver Canucks hockey games, Cirque du Soleil performances, and another concert at Plaza of Nations. The concentration of crowds is forecasted to create a chaotic environment, prompting police to deploy 700 officers—including mounted units—in the area.

In an effort to maintain order, BC Place will impose physical barriers. A fence will be constructed to delineate the venue’s property, restricting access only to those who possess valid tickets or are part of the event staff. Ticket holders will need to go through screening procedures at a designated location to enter the fenced area, followed by an additional security check at the stadium’s entrance.

“Those without tickets will encounter barriers and will be spoken to at a fence line to ensure compliance,” explained May. He emphasized the necessity for ticket holders to plan accordingly, allowing for extra time to navigate the heightened security measures and reach their seats.

While the focus is clearly on managing the swell of concert attendees, May encouraged fans not to simply abandon their plans. “Explore other areas of the city. There are plenty of fun festivities elsewhere—reportedly, local gatherings, bars, and restaurants are preparing for an influx of Swifties,” he added.

As excitement builds for the final shows of the Eras Tour, it remains crucial for fans to stay aware of the rules and guidelines to ensure a smooth experience. So, if you're heading to Vancouver, make sure you have that coveted ticket in hand—otherwise, it’s best to join the celebrations elsewhere!