"10 Takeaways from Taylor Swift's Concert in Vancouver on Friday"

10 Things I Learned at Taylor Swift’s Concert at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024

1. The Hype Is Unmatched

I’ll admit upfront, I’m not exactly the target audience for Taylor Swift — as a man whose first concert was Van Halen in 1982, I’m a bit outside her typical fanbase. But I went into Friday’s show with an open mind, curious to understand how Swift has managed to make history by selling out Vancouver’s largest stadium for three consecutive nights, something no other artist or band has done. The success she’s achieved in the pop music world is truly astounding. Millions of moms and daughters can’t be wrong, right?

2. Traffic Was Surprisingly Smooth

For days, I’d been dreading the drive from the suburbs and the possibility of shelling out $150 for parking, with warnings of traffic chaos due to Taylor Swift’s concert, a Canucks game, and a Cirque du Soleil show all happening on the same night. But to my surprise, we left North Delta at 3:30 p.m., cruised over the Dunsmuir Viaduct at 4:20, and scored a $7 street parking spot for the evening. A win! Thank you, parking gods.

3. Earplugs Were a Must

I wasn’t around to witness The Beatles in 1964, but I’ve heard they stopped touring due to the deafening screams from their fans. I can’t help but wonder if Taylor Swift ever gets exhausted by the hysteria she ignites. The first screams we heard came at 6:49 p.m. on Friday, right outside the stadium, when the lights dimmed and opening act Gracie Abrams took the stage. That was just the beginning — the screaming only grew louder throughout the night.

4. Scalpers Were Hard to Find

At Terry Fox Plaza, blocked off by metal fencing, the scene was quiet on the northern side of the stadium. Eager Swifties gathered, phones in hand, but there were no familiar cries of "Tickets! Buying and selling tickets here!" It felt strange, almost surreal. Had all the tickets really been snapped up by fans already inside, leaving none for those hoping to score last-minute spots outside? It certainly seemed like it.

5. An Eclectic, Impressive Setlist

Taylor Swift, one of the most successful artists in modern pop, has 10 studio albums under her belt, each spanning different genres. At the concert, she effortlessly switched from country to pop, folk to full-on alternative rock, catering to every fan in the stadium. The night featured a staggering 45 songs, played in full or shortened, showcasing different eras of her impressive career, from Lover and 1989 to Red, Fearless, Speak Now, and beyond. The show kicked off at 7:50 p.m. and wrapped up at 11:15 p.m.

6. Friendship Bracelets Are Inspired by Her Lyrics

At Taylor Swift concerts, fans trade friendship bracelets — a tradition inspired by the 2022 song "You’re On Your Own, Kid", which includes the line, “So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it.” While no one was actually "tasting" the bracelets, the stadium was filled with fans wearing or exchanging them. Security checked for prohibited carabiners used to link the bracelets, but many fans managed to stash theirs in pockets or wear them as arm accessories.

7. I Actually Like Some of Taylor Swift's Songs

I’ll admit it: some of Taylor Swift’s hits are impossible to resist. Who can stay still during "Shake It Off", or not get caught up in the moody pop-rock vibes of "Style"? And let's not forget the catchy romance of "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" and "I Knew You Were Trouble" — those were the tracks that defined Swift's peak in the early 2010s. Those two songs, from her Red era, were part of a standout set, capped by a 10-minute version of "All Too Well" as "snow" fell on a rainy Vancouver night. It was a concert highlight.

8. No Cover Songs Here

Before the show, I had wondered if Taylor Swift might throw in a cover, maybe of the '80s classic "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama. But nope — the entire concert was 100% Taylor Swift. Despite some debate over whether her best songs borrow from others, this was a night all about her own work.

9. The Eras Tour Was a Monumental Success

The Eras tour has become the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, bringing in nearly $2 billion in revenue. Starting in March 2023, it traveled through over 150 shows, with the final stop in Vancouver. Friday’s concert had a celebratory feel, as it marked a bittersweet goodbye to fans who had followed her across the globe — many of whom likely had tickets for the shows on Saturday and Sunday as well.

10. It Was an Inspiring Night

Taylor Swift, who’s known for her love of the Kansas City Chiefs, certainly didn’t fumble her way through the night. She was gracious, spoke thoughtfully, and kept the crowd captivated. The production itself was flawless, and the night felt special, particularly for young fans in the audience. Many of them were probably experiencing their first concert, and who knows? Maybe a few left inspired to pick up a guitar, start writing songs, and, like Swift, dream of ruling the world. For the Queen of Pop, that legacy feels just right.