MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - Hard Rock Stadium is enforcing tight measures to keep thousands of Taylor Swift fans safe ahead of the pop singer’s local concert.
The singer will be holding her Eras Tour show from Friday to Sunday at the Miami Gardens venue.
Thousands of fans are expected to attend the concerts over the weekend, and they will encounter a large police presence.
Stadium officials said fans without tickets will not be permitted on stadium grounds, and guests must go through multiple ticket checkpoints before entering.
A prepaid parking pass is required and can only be purchased by ticket holders to enter the stadium grounds.
If parents aren’t attending the concert, but will be dropping their children off to enjoy the show, the Hard Rock Stadium has designated Lots 14, 15, and 31 for parent drop-off and pick-up for all three nights.
Fans will not be allowed to line up at the stadium gates or park before the parking lots open at 3:30 p.m.
Stadium gates will open at 4:30 p.m.
Only clear, plastic bags that do not exceed 12″ by 6″ by 12″ will be permitted. Small bags cannot exceed 4.5″ by 6.5″.
Officials added there will be no listening areas outside the stadium.
The heightened measures come months after the chaos that took place during the Copa America final, when a stampede broke out as fans attempted to bust open the gates of the Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said Swfities can expect a different level of security.
“We had an unprecedented number of law enforcement at the Copa event, and that truly was an unprecedented situation from which we are learning for the future,” said Levine Cava. “I would say Taylor Swift fans are a little different than your soccer fans.”
The mayor said safety is the county’s top priority.
“We have been working hard for months on the preparations. It’s an ongoing conversation with our Miami-Dade Police Department special team that works on these events, as well as Homeland Security,” she said.
Fans passing by the Taylor Swift merchandise store, which remained open until Thursday at 8 p.m., said they are excited to see the show and enjoy themselves.
“I’m excited! I’m really excited,” said Caroline Redmond.
“I’m so excited to hear her perform,” said Isabella Vicanon. “I love Gracie Abrams, and I love Taylor Swift. They are both my favorite artists.”
“On a scale of 1 to 10, a minus 2, but my daughter is off the charts,” said a parent.
7News caught up with fans completing their last-minute shopping for Eras Tour merchandise.
“We’re so excited. I’m so excited,” said another fan.
A mother and daughter wore matching Taylor Swift crewnecks.
“We’re excited. Tenth birthday surprise,” said the mother.
Regardless of the security rules, Swifties are excited to see their favorite artist in person.
“It’s the tour of the decade, so we are excited,” said Elbie Villagomez.
“We love you, Taylor!” yelled a group of friends.
People have traveled near and far to Miami Gardens for this mega tour.
“Viva Mexico! We love Taylor,” said Villagomez and her friend.
“We just came down this morning,” said a mother.
“We are from Birmingham, Alabama,” said the daughter who came with her mother.
“I live more north,” said a local fan. “We are super excited.”
For a more detailed outline of the protocols that will be enforced over the three-day concert, click here.
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