Swiftie Mania takes over New Orleans as three days of sold-out concerts begin

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Taylor Swift's Eras Tour kicks off Friday at Caesars Superdome, turning New Orleans into the ultimate Swiftie paradise.

The highly anticipated three-day run has drawn tens of thousands of fans from across the Gulf South and beyond, flooding the city streets with glitter, friendship bracelets and outfits celebrating each of Swift's iconic eras.

Starting at 7 a.m. Friday, all ride-alongs around the Superdome will take place at Duncan Plaza, just a few blocks away.

Temporary street closures in the French Quarter will begin around 6 p.m. Friday. Traffic restrictions are expected on Poydras Street, Canal Street and Loyola Avenue.

Memories of New Orleans Eras Tour rideshares

With the first of three sold-out shows taking place Friday night, businesses, restaurants and hotels are preparing for an influx that will bring the city an economic boost comparable to the upcoming Super Bowl and Mardi Gras events.

“Everywhere she goes everything turns to gold,” one fan said. “So many people go to everything. Spend money everywhere… It’s good for everyone all around.”

The streets outside the Superdome will be packed with fans, some of whom will arrive hours in advance to enjoy the spectacle, grab merchandise and take selfies with the giant friendship bracelet that now hangs above the stadium.

“It feels like you have this safe space. “Taylor made it really easy to be vulnerable with your feelings and just be a girl and a woman,” one fan said.

Strands of friendship bracelets hang above the Caesars Superdome for the Eras Tour concerts(WVUE)

“The Fly MSY Era” welcome at Louis Armstrong Airport set the tone, greeting arriving fans with live music, karaoke and giveaways, adding a touch of magic and anticipation before they even set foot downtown.

As night falls on Friday, the excitement only grows, with fans filling the streets and extending the party into the French Quarter.

“I love her to death. I've been a fan of Taylor Swift since I was 12 and learned to play guitar through Ms. Swift,” said another Swiftie.

Inside and outside the cathedral, the city is fully committed to “Swiftie Mania.”

Businesses are seeing record sales, and Swift fans are flocking to every store, cafe and restaurant to experience New Orleans in the hours before the concerts.

“An out-of-control three-ring circus is probably the best way to describe it,” said Brennan General Manager Christian Pendulton.

The economic impact of the Eras Tour is felt throughout the city. Hotels have been fully booked for weeks, and many fans are also staying in surrounding communities like Jefferson, St. Bernard and even across the Causeway in Covington.

“We love it. We have already visited all the shops here that I would like to visit. The restaurants, the cafes,” said another Swiftie. “Everyone benefits from it, it works for everyone.”

The concerts themselves are expected to be a spectacle like no other: doors open at 4:30 p.m. and Gracie Abrams will warm up the audience before Taylor takes the stage.

+ Submit your Eras tour pictures below or to fox8live.com/pics

For fans who have followed Swift's career through many chapters, from her self-titled debut to The Tortured Poets Department, these concerts are more than just a show – they are a pilgrimage to an artist who put her life to music.

As one fan put it: “Taylor’s music is like my diary. How does she know everything I feel? Being here is surreal.”

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Swiftie Mania takes over New Orleans as three days of sold-out concerts begin

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