According to The Sun, Taylor Swift’s record-shattering Eras tour stopped in New Orleans, and its economic impact has been “life-changing” for small businesses in the city. The U.S. Sun exclusively reveals that the weekend-long event brought in more revenue than Mardi Gras, the Super Bowl, and other major events, thanks to the hundreds of thousands of fans who gathered to see Swift’s performances.
Swift’s Sold-Out Shows in the Crescent City
Taylor, 34, performed three sold-out shows at the Caesars Superdome, drawing over 65,000 fans each night. The excitement was palpable even before the concerts, with the venue featuring a massive 140-foot friendship bracelet—a nod to the Swiftie tradition—to welcome fans. The tour effectively transformed New Orleans into what many called “Swift City.”
New Orleans Businesses Embrace Swift-Themed Transformations
The area around the Caesars Superdome, close to the famous French Quarter, was filled with Taylor-themed decorations and custom merchandise. Restaurants and bars served Taylor-themed food and drinks, while jazz musicians on the streets played Taylor’s hits. Many small businesses, from stores to cafes, embraced the theme, filling their shelves with exclusive merchandise for fans.
Economic Boom for Local Vendors and Shops
The Eras tour brought an estimated $500 million in revenue to New Orleans, with 160,000 fans traveling to the city to participate in the festivities. The Louis Armstrong International Airport also broke records, serving over 32,000 travelers in a single day.
Small businesses experienced unprecedented sales. The accessories store Stoney Clover, for example, decorated with friendship bracelets and hosted a bracelet-making station, seeing a “900% increase” in revenue. According to a store employee, they sold out of numerous products within hours.
Street vendor Claudine, who has been selling handmade goods for years, said the weekend was the most successful in her business’s history. “I’ve been promising my daughter a trip to Disney World, and now I finally have enough money to make it happen,” she shared tearfully.
Swift’s Presence Surpasses Mardi Gras in Impact
Local cafes and boutiques reported record-breaking sales, with the Nola Waffle shop noting a 400% increase in revenue. Other local shops, such as NoLa Kids and Forever Fleur, received “five times” their usual business. New Orleans resident Meghan, who sold Taylor-themed art, mentioned that her weekend sales surpassed her earnings for the entire summer.
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As one lifelong New Orleans resident put it, “Taylor and her fans are welcomed back here anytime. They lifted this community up, and we are forever grateful.”
A Musical Journey Through Taylor’s Eras
Fans traveled from all over to see Taylor Swift perform in carefully crafted costumes that matched themes from her albums. Gracie Abrams, 25, opened the concert with a 40-minute set, warming up the crowd for the main event.
Taylor began her setlist with Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince, diving into the vibrant colors of her Lover era. Fans experienced songs from Fearless, Red, and Speak Now, and erupted as a snake graphic announced the start of the Reputation era. Despite rumors of a major announcement, Taylor continued her set in a new golden bodysuit, moving seamlessly into her Folkmore set, blending hits from Folklore and Evermore, before moving to 1989.
Closing Out With Surprises and Special Guests
During the surprise song segment, Taylor brought out Sabrina Carpenter on Saturday night to perform a mashup of Espresso and Please, Please, Please with Taylor’s Is It Over Now? Closing her performance with a dynamic Midnights set, she and her band ended with a confetti-filled bow to her hit song Karma.
A Heartfelt Reflection
On Monday, Taylor expressed her gratitude to New Orleans on Instagram: “Wow, New Orleans. I’m still smiling thinking about that wonderful weekend. The city really welcomed us with open arms.” Taylor’s final U.S. shows will take place in Indianapolis before she wraps up the Eras tour in Canada later this year.
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