Wembley Stadium advises fans without Taylor Swift tickets to stay away amidst increased security measures
LONDON — A large crowd of Taylor Swift fans gathered early on Wednesday, excitedly waiting for the Mega Merchandise store to open so they could buy some merchandise.
“I’m so thrilled,” exclaimed 10-year-old Ellie Hurtado from Atlanta. Wearing a blue dress with her arms full of friendship bracelets, she joyfully sang along to “I Knew You Were Trouble When You Walked In,” which was playing through the speakers.
As she went through security, she playfully remarked, “This is Taylor’s Version, which really matters.”
Ellie and her mother, Julia Hurtado, had traveled from Vienna to London with hopes of attending the Eras Tour with family. Unfortunately, the concert was canceled after authorities in Austria confirmed a possible terrorist threat at Ernst Happel Stadium.
“My husband and I were in the hotel room, and honestly, I felt sick after hearing the news,” Julia shared. “We stayed up until 2 a.m. worrying about how we would explain this to Ellie when she woke up. We decided to change our plans and make the most of our time in Vienna by sightseeing instead.”
They sang Swift’s lyrics with other fans in the streets before heading to the UK, where Swift is wrapping up the European leg of the Eras Tour.
“I’ve traded so many friendship bracelets,” Ellie mentioned. “One day I counted and traded 58 bracelets.”
The pair will attend the show on Friday and, thanks to their tickets, they can explore the Wembley Stadium area before general admission opens at 4 p.m.
Increased Security at Wembley Stadium
The venue, which can hold 89,000 fans, is advising anyone without an Eras Tour ticket to stay away. There will be enhanced ticket checks around the stadium, and attendees must show proof of tickets before entering the general area.
The Wembley Stadium website has updated its security policies, prohibiting overnight camping and “Taylor-gating,” a practice where fans without tickets gather outside to enjoy the music and trade bracelets. Anyone without a ticket will be “moved on” if found loitering outside the entrances or on the Olympic Steps at the front.
The venue emphasizes that the security of its fans is “extremely important” and that they are collaborating with law enforcement and the Safety Advisory Group to ensure everyone’s safety.
The London police assured YSL News, “There is currently no indication that the issues being investigated by Austrian authorities will affect events here in London. We will keep reviewing any new information carefully.”
Swift will take the stage at Wembley Stadium for five nights: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday.