Taylor Swift kicked off the final leg of her record-breaking Eras Tour with the first of three sold-out shows at Vancouver’s B.C. Place on Friday night. Welcomed by a rapturous crowd, the pop superstar delivered a performance that celebrated her musical journey while reflecting on the tour’s grand finale.
Emerging on stage in a glittering blue-and-gold sequin bodysuit, Swift opened the night with her “Lover” era, performing Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince. Addressing the audience, she shared her reasons for choosing Vancouver as the tour’s final destination. “Where are the crowds so generous, so warm-hearted, so welcoming? We had to come back to Canada for the finale,” she said.
A Tour to Remember
Swift, who has performed 149 shows across five continents over nearly two years, struck a nostalgic tone as she noted the significance of the final weekend. “This will be the last Friday night we ever play on the Eras Tour,” she told fans. The three-and-a-half-hour concert featured hits from across her discography, with each “Era” marked by distinct outfits and elaborate stage sets.
Opening act Gracie Abrams, who also performed during Swift’s Toronto shows, called the tour “the most magical place on Earth” and expressed gratitude for being part of its journey.
Fans Brave Rain and Tight Security
Despite warnings from officials for non-ticket holders to avoid the venue, fans gathered outside in the rain, singing along to Swift’s hits. Inside, 54,000 fans filled the stadium, many dressed in handmade costumes inspired by their favorite Swift albums. Vancouver’s downtown core transformed into a hub of Taylor Swift-themed events, with businesses hosting parties and the city erecting light installations to celebrate the occasion.
Fans like Eliza Sylvia, attending her first Swift concert, spent weeks crafting her Midnights-inspired outfit. Meanwhile, seasoned attendee Cassie Leonhardt, who has followed the tour across the globe, attended both Friday and Saturday shows, embracing the celebratory atmosphere.
Vancouver Embraces the Swift Effect
The Eras Tour’s impact on Vancouver has been immense, with an estimated 160,000 fans expected downtown for the weekend. The city has fully embraced the fandom, from giant friendship bracelet installations on B.C. Place to businesses offering themed experiences.
For fans like Brittany Hood, who traveled from Orlando, Fla., the Vancouver concerts are more than a spectacle—they’re a celebration of community and music. “When the world’s on fire, we get to celebrate music and girlhood together. It’s magical,” she said.
As Swift closes her iconic tour this weekend, she leaves fans with an unforgettable experience, marking the end of an era for the global music phenomenon.