I lost the Great War that was trying to buy face value Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets on Ticketmaster. Several times. I didn’t get a presale code, so I couldn’t buy them in November.
TikTok Swifties said that Ticketmaster did random ticket drops leading up to the show, so I tried again. On the Thursday before Night 1, which was a Friday, June 2, I got into the queue when the tickets dropped. My screen said I had 2,000+ people ahead of me. After an hour, I was kicked out of the queue and those tickets were gone.
I wanted to try again, though. The next day, I got ready for the concert. I was determined. I did my makeup and got dressed while refreshing Ticketmaster all day long. I finally got into the queue again, and this time two tickets showed up. Every time I added them to my cart, they disappeared. Then reappeared. Repeat that 100 times.
This then became a problem I had to throw money at. I ended up buying a ticket on Vivid Seats. I raced to Soldier Field. It took me an hour of driving through Chicago traffic to get to my parking spot on Roosevelt, near the CTA stop. I then walked about a mile to Soldier Field.
As I walked to Soldier Field, I felt a bit self-conscious about wearing a sequin dress. But then I saw other Swifties doing the same in their fabulous, sparkly outfits, and I felt much better.
A spectacular opening:
The moment the lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, an electric energy filled the air. As the stage transformed into a vibrant kaleidoscope of Lover era colors, Taylor Swift emerged, capturing everyone’s attention with her undeniable stage presence.
Musical time travel:
As Taylor Swift took us through her discography (with no songs from debut though), we were transported through time, reliving the various eras that have shaped her career and many fans’ lives. From the infectious pop tunes of “1989” to the vulnerable storytelling of “Red,” and the introspective introspection of “folklore” and “evermore,” each moment was a testament to her artistic evolution.
I loved the amount of effort and thought put into the stage design and decor, including a moss-covered piano, the house, everything.
Surprise songs:
The setlist was a carefully curated mix of chart-topping hits and beloved fan favorites. The crowd sang (and screamed, literally) along passionately, especially during the “Cruel Summer” bridge and “Champagne Problems.”
There were moments of pure joy and celebration during crowd-pleasers like “Shake It Off” and “Love Story,” as well as intimate, emotional connections during heartfelt performances of songs like “All Too Well” and “Marjorie.” It was a rollercoaster of emotions, beautifully woven into an unforgettable tapestry of musical brilliance.
The surprise songs for Chicago Night 1 were “The Lakes,” because Chicago is by a big lake, and “I Wish You Would.”
Theatrical extravaganza:
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was a visual feast for the eyes. Elaborate sets, stunning costumes, and mesmerizing choreography brought each song to life in ways that transcended mere performances. The attention to detail and theatricality created a multisensory experience that left us in awe. From the confetti rain during “Blank Space” to the breathtaking pyrotechnics of “Bad Blood” and the fireworks during the “Karma” finale, every aspect of the show was meticulously crafted to captivate and immerse the audience fully.
No bad seats:
I got tickets in the obstructed area to the left of the stage, in section 356, Row 2. While I couldn’t see the front of the screen, there are big screen showing what you can’t see. Taylor moves around the catwalk, so you can see her from everywhere. A fun part about being in this area is that you can see as guards wheel her to the stage inside the mop and broom cart. She also leaves from this side.
Attending Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Chicago, Night 1, was an experience that surpassed all expectations. The energy, the music, the production, and the overwhelming feeling of unity created an atmosphere of pure joy. Taylor Swift’s ability to create such an immersive and unforgettable show is a testament to her artistry and the profound impact she has on her fans. I wish I could go again.
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Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.