Are you ready for it? Everything you need to know about Taylor Swift at the Linc. (2024)

The last time Taylor Swift was in town, she got stuck in the air mid-song.

Fingers crossed she won’t have a similar snafu at the Linc this weekend — it’s been five years since Swift graced Philly on her Reputation Stadium Tour. Philly Swifties are ready to sing and dance to her return, with material from four new albums (Lover, Folklore, Evermore, and her most recent, Midnights), plus two re-recordings, Fearless and Red. (Speak Now lovers, rejoice: The rerecorded version of Swift’s 2010 album is expected to drop July 7.)

“The Eras Tour” spans three nights, taking Swift fans through her prolific career with a 44-song set list, glittery outfits, and over-the-top stage setups. Plus, guest appearances from performers Phoebe Bridgers, Gayle, and Gracie Abrams.

As Swifties work on their concert ‘fits, the Linc is busy prepping for the sold-out show. A spokesperson said ticket buyers will receive an email with more information.

In the meantime, we’ve compiled everything you need to know for “a perfect night to dress up like hipsters and make fun of our exes” at the Linc. (Missing the show? Shake it off at these parties around town.)

The concert is May 12 to 14. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. each night.

Swift’s friends are tagging along for her three-night stint: Phoebe Bridgers (“Motion Sickness”) with Gayle (“abcdefu”) on May 12 and 13, and Gracie Abrams (“21″) on May 14. Learn more about the show at the South Philly sports complex, “the same one where she first performed when she was 12, singing the national anthem at a Sixers game in 2002,” writes Inquirer music critic Dan DeLuca.

You can bring a bag, but make sure it’s not “ludicrously capacious,” as Succession character Tom Wambsgans quips this season. The type of bags permitted include:

If you plan to send Swift messages from your seat, ensure your sign is no bigger than 11 inches by 17 inches. Signs with sticks/poles longer than 12 inches are not allowed.

Remember that signs, banners, or similar items with content that’s “obscene or indecent, not event-related, potentially offensive to other patrons” or “otherwise deemed dangerous or inappropriate” are prohibited.

If your sign blocks a fellow Swiftie’s view or is hung on the stadium structure, it will be confiscated — because that’s just rude. Signs cannot have commercial messages, logos, or political endorsem*nts. No wood or metal signs are permitted either.

Bring your camera and capture Swift in all her glory but remember to bring it in a clear case with lenses no larger than 6 inches. No video cameras are allowed.

If you’re worried about having a camera, it’s probably best to leave it at home — you don’t want to travel to the Linc only to have no place to put it for safekeeping. Plus, isn’t it better to just be present for the IRL show?

Diaper bags with child care items are not allowed — use a clear bag to enter the stadium. If you need to bring in an insulated bag for nursing or bottle supplies, email Fan Services for instructions on how to do so through the North Gate. Nursing equipment is allowed through the North Gate entrance.

Leave behind your backpacks, fanny packs, seat cushions, camera bags, binocular cases, or any other bag larger than the accepted size. You’ll also need to keep the alcohol, any beverage bottles, and selfie sticks at home. If it’s raining, bring a coat — umbrellas are a no-no. Check online for the complete list of prohibited items and behavior.

Exceptions can be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection; email or call (215-463-5500) Fan Services before arrival. Entry for exceptions will be at the North Gate, located next to the flagpoles by the Xfinity Gate.

All the dancing and singing are sure to build an appetite. Grab a “smokin’ bacon bbq” cheesesteak from Bassett’s BBQ in the Pepsi Plaza or jalapeño pierogi from the Pierogie Place in section 125. Find gluten-free hot dogs, cookies, and Red Bridge beer in sections 120 and 216, vegetarian burgers in section 110, and kosher items in 116.

Be sure to check out the new blueberry lavender vodka lemonade in a concert cup you can take home. It’s sold in sections 109, 113, 134, C16, C19, C25, C40, 203, and 224.

Wine by the bottle is offered in sections 109, 113, 125, 134, 203, 211, and 224. Imported craft beer will be at Liberty Bell Tap stands in sections 104, 113, 117, 123, 128, 129, 131, 136, 214, 226, and 243. Liquor and mixed drinks are in sections 102, 106, 109, 111, 114, 117, 129, 130, 134, M11, 203, 211, 224, and 232.

Look for the Eras merch trailer, Swift’s one-stop shop for all her Eras Tour shirts, tote bags, and other items.

There will be lines, so plan ahead — it might be a good idea to stop at the trailer during another concert day. You can also buy items from Swift’s online store or Etsy if you don’t want to wait in line.

Expect to pay $35 for cars and $50 for oversize vehicles; all lots at the South Philadelphia sports complex open at noon. Check online for specific coordinates to plug into your GPS, plus maps showing where traffic will be directed from each parking lot after the concert.

Beat the traffic in the stadium parking lots and park your car at garages nearby. You can book a parking spot ahead of time with Park Whiz, which lists Express Parking at Jetro lot on South Darien Street about 0.1 mile away from the venue. Other sites include Spot Hero. (Note: No spots are left for Swift weekend.)

Stella Maris Catholic Church, between Packer Avenue and Bigler Street, will offer concert parking from May 12 to 14. The prices will be listed on a sign at the entrance, said a church spokesperson. The church is located at 2901 S. 10th St.

For SEPTA travelers, head south along the Broad Street subway line. Exit Pattison Avenue, the last southbound stop.

There will be additional night train service for the concert traffic on May 13 and May 14 for the Paoli/Thorndale Line, Media/Wawa Line and West Trenton Line. Find weekend late night train schedule online. Note: With bussing on the Manayunk/Norristown Line, no late night regional rails will run. Last train from Suburban Station will be 10:09 p.m.

Rideshare and taxi apps likes Uber, Lyft, and Curb are good options to get to and from the stadium. One Reddit post discussed the best place to get picked up. Here are some suggestions from internet denizens:

“Uber drivers will definitely be picking people up, it’s probably best to either walk near xfinity live or go toward broad for easier access,” wrote one Redditor.

“The farther away you can get from there, whether it’s taking the BSL (Broad Street Line) or just walking up Broad towards the city or further down Pattinson in either direction, will make it much easier to get any of those options, and save you money just sitting in traffic that’s barely moving. Also, if you’re thinking of a regular taxi for that, get the Curb app to call one to you.”

Xfinity Live! is at 1100 Pattison Ave.