I’m here to share the emotional conclusion of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking “Eras Tour” in the United States, which took place this past weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. On the final American show of her 149-date global tour, Taylor Swift treated her devoted fans, known as “Swifties,” to two poignant farewell mashups that had the 69,000-strong crowd in a frenzy of bittersweet goodbyes.
“Welcome to the acoustic set,” Swift said, donning a tangerine and bubblegum pink dress before explaining the significance of these special moments during the tour. With the audience’s wristbands glowing a vibrant blue, Swift blended her song “Cornelia Street” from the album “Lover” and “The Bolter” from “The Tortured Poets Department” on the guitar.
The resulting lyrics were a bittersweet farewell: “I don’t want to lose you; I hope it never ends, but she was leaving, and it felt like freedom.” On the piano, Swift then fused “Death By A Thousand Cuts” from “Lover” with “The Great War” from her latest album “Midnights.” The latter song, which fans have deemed a reflection of the “fight for tickets in an overcrowded Ticketmaster system,” echoed powerfully across the packed arena as Swift sang, “It’s death by a thousand cuts if we survive the Great War.”
This emotional performance marked the end of Swift’s time touring the United States, as she now heads north to wrap up the final leg of her Eras Tour in Canada, with stops in Toronto and Vancouver.
Over the course of the past three nights, more than 200,000 Swifties descended upon Indianapolis, creating a significant economic impact on the city. Experts even suggest that the economic impact of the shows could surpass that of the Super Bowl, which Indianapolis hosted in 2012.
For one lucky fan, 6-year-old Harper Dabbelt, the opportunity to see Swift perform live was the culmination of tireless efforts to earn enough money for tickets. Meanwhile, others, like Indianapolis resident Kim Van Rooy, were able to attend thanks to winning tickets from Colts owner Jim Irsay.
During her Eras Tour stop, Swift remained silent on the looming general election, but some Swifties couldn’t help but remember the importance of civic engagement. Karen Eller of Fort Wayne was on hand, handing out voting-themed friendship bracelets and sharing information about Indiana’s Democratic candidates.
“The election is in two days,” Eller said. “Your vote matters.” Though Swift’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris earlier this year may have swayed some voters, political science professor Aaron Dusso believes the impact of celebrity endorsements is often overstated, especially in heavily partisan states like Indiana.
“She can get some more people out to vote, but is she going to change the outcome of the U.S. Senate race here or the governor’s race? Probably not,” Dusso said. “Much bigger forces would have to be at play.”
However, Dusso did point out that Swift’s influence might matter in some local elections, especially among younger voters who might find her activism inspiring. As Swift prepares to take her Eras Tour north of the border, the indelible mark she has left on Indianapolis and its Swifties is undeniable. From the emotional farewells to the increased civic engagement, the singer’s final American show was a bittersweet moment that will live long in the hearts of her devoted fans.