Taylor Swift has already left her mark on Indianapolis and she’s not even there yet. Are we surprised? (No.)
We spoke to Visit Indy as they gear up to welcome over 200,000 Swifties to the city this weekend for the last U.S. stop (🥲) of the Eras Tour. Their plans? A full on Swift takeover of Indy: Swift City.
Indy will take over thirteen downtown areas with “surprise and delight” activations, including “Swift City Sessions” from local artists and performers, plus major signage and light installations blanketing the city in pink and purple.
From dino-sized friendship bracelets at the world’s largest Children’s Museum to an exciting 34-story larger-than-life installation on the JW Indianapolis, Indy is going all in for Taylor. As visitors explore the city, they will also notice that 32 streets have been renamed to honor Taylor Swift and celebrate the Swift City Weekend.
It’s like catching lightning in a bottle.
And it’s not all just fun and games. The Eras Tour is bringing with it an estimated $100 million in economic impact, according to experts at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Indianapolis.
“It just shows how special this concert is,” says IU Indianapolis marketing professor Mark Mayer. “And you look at other really top-name performers and not many people in the history of entertainment have had a run like Taylor Swift, if anyone has had. So for her to come to Indianapolis right now, it’s like catching lightning in a bottle.”
The Eras Tour Indy: By the numbers
81% of tickets purchased by non-locals
With 81% of tickets purchased by visitors from outside the state, local attractions and restaurants are gearing up with special events, including friendship bracelet-making, hair braiding, Eras-themed menus, and Taylor trivia. The city has over 50 events planned for Swift City Week; plus, Expedia named Indy the top domestic destination for fall due to the influx of attention.
Hotel rates up 3x higher
Hotels are nearly sold out, with rates reaching three times higher than last year. Unique offerings include The Alexander’s Champagne Problems Suite (Suite #1313), priced at $1,989 per night, which includes cocktails, brunch for 13, monogrammed peach satin bathrobes, and round-trip transportation to the concert.
7,000% surge in Airbnb searches
Short-term rental bookings are up 207% compared to last year during the same weekend. Indy has seen a 7,000% surge in searches for Airbnb rentals year-over-year for the concert weekend
Delta increased seat capacity by 30%
Airlines like Delta have increased seat capacity in Indy during concert dates by 30%. Through a partnership with Girl Scouts, IND Airport will welcome visitors with friendship bracelet making.
Want more fun Indy recs?
Check out AP Taylor Swift Podcast’s A Swiftie Guide to Indianapolis, written by their Indy-native host, Jenn.
Make sure to visit the Swiftie-owned Francis & Fern Boutique — they’re embracing the Swift City theme with tons of Taylor Swift merch and Eras Tour events.
Taypedia 