Toronto is preparing for a wave of Swifties as Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour brings an estimated 500,000 visitors to the city for six sold-out shows at Rogers Centre in November. City officials have outlined a comprehensive plan to manage the massive influx of people, focusing on traffic, transit, and security measures.
The six concerts, scheduled for Nov. 14 to 16 and Nov. 21 to 23, are expected to draw up to 60,000 attendees each night. City officials anticipate a surge in downtown traffic and have advised those attending the concerts to avoid driving and opt for public transit, Bike Share, or ride-sharing services.
To mitigate the anticipated traffic congestion, the City of Toronto has announced road closures and restrictions around Rogers Centre and the downtown core on concert dates. The city will also be restricting construction, filming, and utility cuts in a designated “limited activity zone” between King, Jarvis, and Bathurst Streets and Queens Quay from November 14 to November 23.
To accommodate the influx of concertgoers, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is planning to have extra service on subway lines 1 and 2 in the hours before and after the concerts, along with increased service for the 509 Harbourfront and 510D Spadina streetcar routes. Provincial transit authority Metrolinx is also preparing for a surge in passengers at Union Station, where additional staff and signage will be deployed to direct concertgoers.
The city is also working with the Toronto Police Service to ensure public safety during the concerts. Deputy Police Chief Lauren Pogue has assured residents and visitors that there will be a “significant and visible police presence” both inside and outside Rogers Centre. While there are “no threats at this time,” Pogue said, police intelligence teams will continuously monitor for potential risks.
Toronto’s emergency operations centre will also be activated during each concert to coordinate with local stakeholders and provide a real-time view of events throughout the city.
The City of Toronto has learned from other cities’ experiences hosting Taylor Swift concerts, including the foiled plot to attack shows in Vienna this past summer. As a result, security measures will be heightened, and police are discouraging anyone who is not attending the concert from gathering outside Rogers Centre on concert nights.
Beyond the logistical challenges, The city is also embracing the economic impact of Taylor Swift’s visit, with Destination Toronto estimating a $282 million economic impact for the city.
In addition to the logistical and security measures, the city is also celebrating the arrival of Taylor Swift with various events, including free poetry readings inspired by her work.
Toronto is one of two Canadian stops for Swift on her record-breaking Eras Tour, which concludes in Vancouver in December. With its diverse cultural offerings, thriving music scene, and commitment to public safety, Toronto is well-prepared to host the pop superstar and her dedicated fans.
