Swiftie Mania Builds With Taylor Swift's 1st Tampa Concert In 24 Hours

TAMPA, FL — With her first show at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa little more than 24 hours away, Tampa Bay Swifties are gearing up for mega pop star Taylor Swift's first stadium tour in nearly five years.

Swift will perform at Raymond James Stadium Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m., and the excitement leading up to her arrival is reminiscent of the Beatles' only Florida concert on Sept. 11, 1964, in Jacksonville.

Starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, hundreds of fans lined up for the 10 a.m. opening of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour merchandise truck, which staked out a spot in parking lot 2 of Raymond James Stadium.

Swifties eagerly snatched up hoodies for $75, tour T-shirts for $45, a tie-dyed tank top for $40, a tote bags for $30, a reusable water bottle for $25 and Eras Tour jeweled bracelet for $35. Those prices are bargains compared to tickets to her shows. Although reportedly sold out, fans are still able to obtain tickets through StubHub, the tour’s official ticket reseller, if they're willing to pay $470 to sit in the nose-bleed section of the stadium or $3,977 for a Gold Floor VIP Package.

Not even Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is immune to Swifty mania. She announced that she will present Swift with a key to the city and make the star the honorary mayor of Tampa for a day.

“We know Glendale changed its name, Arlington made a street sign and Vegas illuminated their Gateway Arches,” Castor said. “But here in Tampa, we’ve got a reputation to uphold. We want to go bigger, she said, announcing that she is presenting Swift with a key to the city and naming her honorary mayor of Tampa.

"Mayor Swift has a nice ring to it," Caster said. “We can’t wait to welcome you and your fans to Tampa (Taylor’s version).”

Moreover, Old City Hall, the Tampa Riverwalk, and downtown bridges will be illuminated red on April 13 in honor of Swift.

Taylor Swift's visit to Tampa also didn't escape the notice of Hillsborough County Superintendent of Schools Addison Davis who posted a tongue-in-cheek video announcement loaded with Taylor Swift song lyrics on the school district's Facebook page, warning to students that there will be no excused absences from school Friday for those attending Thursday night's concert.

"There's a 'Delicate' situation we must discuss. Are you 'Ready for It?' 'In My Wildest Dreams' I never thought I'd be sending a communication saying this. However, 'This is Me Trying' to be the best superintendent I can be without creating any 'Bad Blood' between myself and our amazing students," he said. "Students, 'You Need to Calm Down.' Under no circumstances will Friday be an excused absence because you were having an 'Enchanted' evening under the 'Starlight' at Raymond James Stadium.

"I understand, I am the 'Anti-hero' here and, 'Call It What You Want,' but 'You're on Your Own, Kid,' if you think being a Swiftie is a good excuse for missing important instruction," Davis said. "You know 'All Too Well' that you 'Should've Said No' to attending a Thursday night concert ... You may think you're 'Out of the Woods' since it is the fourth quarter but, make no mistake, if you miss these important lessons, you will not be able to 'Shake it Off.' Your report card could be 'Treacherous' because you refused to 'Stay, Stay, Stay' in class.

"I know, I know, 'You're Not Sorry' for attending such a 'Gorgeous' concert, but I promise you, this is not a 'Hoax.' 'All You Had to Do Was Stay' in class," Davis said. "I hope there is not a 'Blank Space' in your seat on Friday morning. It could be a 'Cruel Summer' if you prioritize being a Swiftie over being in class. 'You Belong to Me' in school. Please don't make me see 'Red' on your attendance. 'Forever and Always,' your superintendent, Addison Davis."

In the meantime, Tampa police are preparing the invasion of Swifties by reminding concert goers to allow extra travel time and those not attending to "avoid the area" around Raymond James Stadium.

An estimated crowd of 60,000 people is expected at the stadium each night of Swift's stop in Tampa. The Raymond James Stadium parking lots will open at 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.