It's finally here.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is about to end, with three final shows. All of them at Vancouver's BC Place, on Dec. 6, 7, and 8.
That the shows are happening here should not be news. There have been signs. Many signs. And beads, and maps and more.
As the dates get closer, it should be noted it appears Vancouver will steer into its reputation with a potential rainstorm on Friday lasting into the night. Currently, it looks like Saturday will have showers and Sunday will be the nicest of the three days.
The basics
Local authorities are asking concert-goers to arrive at the BC Place property no earlier than 3:30 p.m. on the date of the show.
Anyone who doesn't have a ticket for an event in the stadium district (which includes Rogers Arena and the Cirque de Soleil tents) is being told not to be in the area.
Tay-gating will not be allowed.
Security is being taken seriously around the stadium district; the Vancouver Police Department plan to have 700 officers in the area over the weekend. They are allowed to trade friendship bracelets, and concertgoers are encouraged to ask officers if they're lost or in need of assistance. Police horses (some with friendship necklaces) will also be on site.
BC Place is a cashless venue across the entire stadium. It's also had its internet network upgraded.
Merch will be available inside the stadium and at an offsite location.
Gates to BC Place will open up at 4:30 p.m. Gracie Abrams is expected to take the stage around 6:45 p.m.
Once gates open up concert-goers can text Guest Services with any issues at 778-873-3267.
Taylor Swift will take the stage around 8:00 p.m.
Fans have a few projects planned as the three shows are the final dates.
V.I.A. has created a guide to BC Place here.
Tickets
All tickets that have been released have sold.
There was a late ticket drop with tickets behind the stage (with no direct view of the performance), but those sold out.
There may be more tickets released closer to show time, but that decision will be made after the stage is built.
Ticket resale sites do have some tickets, though there are warnings about potential scams. StubHub shows tickets, even with no view of the stage are going for a minimum of $1,100.
The Dec. 8 show is even more expensive, with the lowest price for a single ticket listed as $1,516.
Each show has several seats (all on the floor) listed for more than $23,000. Tickets for one concert suite at a charity auction sold for $320,000.
Arriving and staying in Vancouver
Somewhere around 70 per cent of the 180,000 ticketholders are from outside of Vancouver, and that means a flood of fans and travellers in the city this weekend.
For people arriving via plane or crossing the US-Canada border it'll be a busy time. It's best to have review travel plans in advance and, at the border, prepare for some delays.
With over 82,000 hotel nights booked over the weekend, prices for accommodation in Vancouver have spiked. Those looking for cheap accommodation may be out of luck.
Transportation
Public transit has been increased for the Eras Tour dates, including late-night bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus service.
A special West Coast Express has been set up by TransLink for Dec. 7, with service into the city leaving Mission at 4 p.m. (arriving at Waterfront station around 4:30 p.m.) and heading back east at midnight.
A special shuttle bus route has been set up by TransLink after each show, to move people from BC Place to Waterfront station.
False Creek Ferries and Aquabus have also announced increased and late-night service for the show dates for people travelling to places like Kitsilano and the West End.
Those planning to drive or be driven to the show should review the road closures and passenger zones being set up around BC Place.
BC Ferries and Hullo Ferries have both announced increased and late-night sailings for the weekend.
Restrictions
There's a special bag policy for the Eras Tour's shows at BC Place.
Prohibited items for the concert include many common sense items like illegal drugs, weapons, and musical instruments. Also prohibited are umbrellas, strollers, balloons, large signs, selfie sticks, and laptops.
Fan service
Guest services are located at sections 236 and 446 inside BC Place.
