Current:Home > reviewsTaylor Swift fans flock straight from Miami airport to stadium to buy merchandise -Aspire Money Growth
Taylor Swift fans flock straight from Miami airport to stadium to buy merchandise
View
Date:2025-04-12 21:09:12
MIAMI — Charmaine Brown boarded a plane in Charlotte, North Carolina, Thursday morning, but the Swiftie was determined to grab merchandise at the Hard Rock Stadium before checking into her hotel.
"I got on the plane at 6 o'clock this morning," Brown says outside of the stadium holding two plastic bags of Taylor Swift hoodies and T-shirts. Her bright red carry-on bag sits next to her as she orders an Uber. The super fan wore her bright red "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me" tee and "All Too Well" sweatshirt tied around her waist.
"I took my first picture at 11:03 a.m., and my checkout picture was at 12:09 p.m.," she says, showing off her recent photos. "I am so excited for the concert. I cannot wait. I hope Taylor knows we appreciate everything that you do for us."
The gates to the stadium merchandise line opened at 10 a.m. Handfuls of fans arrived early. Security guards waved cars into the parking lot. The overjoyed enthusiasts coalesced at the metal detectors outside the stadium walls — some already wearing Swift's concert merchandise from other tour stops. Guards ushered fans in bundles of 20-40 up a flight of stairs to a long line inside one of the buildings snaking back and forth. The wait time for fans arriving around noon was north of 1-2 hours.
"I do feel secure," Brown says. "There's so much security. I love it. I feel fine, and I'm solo. I can't wait for my show tomorrow."
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
More:Celebrate Taylor Swift's unprecedented Eras Tour with USA TODAY's enchanting book
The Eras Tour merchandise store will be open to the public on Thursday until 8 p.m. Non-ticketholders should enter through Gate 2. For ticket holders, the store will be open from 4:30 p.m. to midnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
You must have a valid ticket to be on property
Hard Rock Stadium security is putting its foot down on moving fans along who don't have a ticket to one of Swift's three nights in Miami Gardens. A prepaid parking pass and concert ticket are required for those looking to park onsite.
"There are NO listening areas outside the stadium for people without concert tickets," the website states. Layers of security perimeters and ticket checkpoints will be in place double checking ticket holders. "Fans will be required to scan their ticket as they pass through each security checkpoint. Fans should expect to have their ticket scanned more than once to enter the stadium."
The security measures may be the strictest seen at any American show following the thwarted terrorist plot in Vienna in August. The most recent Eras Tour stop, London, also ramped up safety protocols.
Ticketholders should know these times:
- Parking gates open | 3:30 p.m.
- Stadium gates open | 4:30 p.m.
- Show begins | 7 p.m.
Swift heads to New Orleans next week and wraps her American leg in Indianapolis from Nov. 1-3. She then will close the tour with two stops in Canada in late November and early December.
Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat.
Follow Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's Taylor Swift reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @BryanWestTV.
veryGood! (516)
Related
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- The Daily Money: Immigrants and the economy
- Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces trade mission to Europe
- People are making 'salad' out of candy and their trauma. What's going on?
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- Ralph Macchio reflects on nurturing marriage with Phyllis Fierro while filming 'Cobra Kai'
- Seattle police officer fired over ‘vile’ comments after death of Indian woman
- Housing provider for unaccompanied migrant children engaged in sexual abuse and harassment, DOJ says
- Small twin
- Another Texas migrant aid group asks a judge to push back on investigation by Republican AG
Ranking
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Hunter Biden seeks dismissal of tax, gun cases, citing decision to toss Trump’s classified docs case
- Horoscopes Today, July 18, 2024
- Shelter provider accused of pervasive sexual abuse of migrant children in U.S. custody
- B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
- Maniac Murder Cult Leader Allegedly Plotted to Poison Kids With Candy Given Out by Santa Claus
- Montana’s largest nursing home prepares to close following patient safety violations
- Alleged Taylor Swift stalker arrested in Germany ahead of Eras show
Recommendation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Pregnant Brittany Mahomes Details Postpartum Hair Loss Before Welcoming Baby No. 3 With Patrick Mahomes
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces trade mission to Europe
Kid Rock teases Republican National Convention performance, shows support for Donald Trump
FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
Thousands celebrate life of former fire chief killed at Trump rally, private funeral set for Friday
Virginia lawmakers repeal restrictions on popular tuition waiver program for military families
Anthony Hopkins' new series 'Those About to Die' revives Roman empire