STOCKHOLM — Welcome to “Swiftholm!”
The capital city of Sweden changed its name temporarily to honor Taylor Swift and her massively successful Eras Tour. Swift was set to perform three nights in Friends Arena.
“We are from a very small town of 400 in central Illinois,” says Jennifer Crane of Paxton. She held up a copy of her hometown newspaper, the “Ford County Chronicle,” and took a photo in front of the arena with her sister, niece and friend from Chicago. “We’re taking a photo because we’ll be the front page.”
Crane says the Swedish show was much cheaper than getting a nosebleed ticket in Indianapolis, New Orleans or Miami, the three locations Swift will bring the Eras Tour in America this fall.
The stadium had a few rules Americans adapted to: a 13-year-old age restriction and a no-bag policy.
“Normally, we do clear bags at all events in America, so we had to get creative,” Crane says. “Phones on straps, pockets on pants. So many pockets. Lipstick in our pockets. But we’re fine.”
No bags are allowed inside the arena for security reasons, including transparent bags, fanny packs, purses, backpacks, etc. The only exception is “for medical reasons and for 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren’s diaper bags,” according to the Friends Arena stadium website.
“I’ve been avoiding spoilers,” says Andy Lindsey waiting in line with a vibrant, multi-colored, “Karma”-esque coat. “I really want to see ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ set since that’s the newest stuff.”
Lindsey traveled from Champaign, Illinois. The audience of hundreds waiting for the doors to open for VIP did not include kids under 13 years old due to a Swedish restriction.
“In my opinion, some of the music has subject matter and language that might be inappropriate for someone under the age of 13,” says Lindsey. “It’s a long show. We’ve already been in line for two hours, and I think young kids could get unruly, so I think the age restriction is probably appropriate.”
About 20 people behind Lindsey was Raina Santucci.
“I’m so excited to see the “Tortured Poets Department” new set,” Santucci says. “Oh my gosh, I’m excited to see her on the Roomba.”
The joke is in reference to Swift singing “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” from a levitating platform. TikTok has turned the performance into hilarious Roomba jokes.
Santucci thought the age restriction was a little harsh.
“I have a 10-year-old and a 6-year-old at home, and I know the 6-year-old could not hang,” she says, “but the 10-year-old really wants to see Taylor Swift. So I’m torn on it.”
Resale tickets on Stubhub.com showed floor seats going for for a shocking $100-$170, and stadium seats being sold as low as $60. Resale for the three American shows are anywhere from four to five digits to see the show.
Swift will perform three nights in Sweden, before heading to Lisbon, Portugal.
