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Journalist: Antonina Schubert
Editor: Kate PamplinLucas Oil Stadium | Indianapolis, IN | November 3, 2024

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has been nothing short of groundbreaking, setting new standards for concert experiences worldwide. I had the chance to attend the third and final night of her U.S. shows at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN—the last stop in a series of three sold-out shows that shattered attendance records, drawing in 69,000 fans each night. All eyes were glued to this historic day, not only for Easter eggs but also for the significance of marking the end of an "era" in US concert history. Those of us there for this monumental night weren’t just watching Taylor perform; we were part of an unforgettable, shared experience that celebrated not only her music but also the sense of community and connection her work inspires.

Opening the night was Gracie Abrams, who charmed the crowd in a stunning green dress and an equally radiant spirit. Gracie’s performance was full of emotion as she expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunity to open for Taylor. She visibly basked in the honor, acknowledging her “unbelievable” place in Taylor’s orbit. Fans sang every word, from “I love you, I’m sorry” to her newly released track “That’s So True,” showing just how invested Swifties were in supporting the entire show. Just in front of me, a group of fans danced and sang along to Gracie’s entire set, their energy infectious and unrestrained as they cheered her on like old friends. Gracie’s authentic connection with the crowd set the perfect tone for the night—an opening act that felt more like a friend sharing in the joy of the evening.

Taylor took the stage with a command that can only be described as powerful. From the very first note, she led fans on an emotional journey through each era of her career, starting with “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince” from Lover and closing with “Karma” from Midnights, as colorful confetti spread throughout the venue. The production was meticulously crafted; it was hard not to be in awe of how every moment seemed thoughtfully planned, yet the connection Taylor fostered with her fans made it feel incredibly personal.

For me, a standout moment of the night was Taylor’s performance of “The Man,” where fans roared the lyrics in unison, turning the stadium into a powerhouse of empowerment and energy. One line that stood out to me was “When everyone believes ya, what’s that like?” This lyric perfectly encapsulates the experience of being a woman in the world, especially in male-dominated fields—a challenge Taylor has faced throughout her career in the music industry.

One of the most heartwarming highlights occurred each night when Taylor made her way down the catwalk during “22,” selecting a fan to share a once-in-a-lifetime moment with her. On night three in Indianapolis, a young fan stole the spotlight, dancing with pure joy at the end of the catwalk while waiting for Taylor to make her way down to her; watching her radiate happiness was simply infectious. When Taylor reached the young fan, their interaction was pure magic—a sweet handshake followed by a warm embrace that seemed to light up the entire venue. The young girl gifted Taylor a handmade friendship bracelet.

“Enchanted” brought a wave of emotion as fans followed Taylor as they lifted hand hearts into the air as she sang out “I was enchanted to meet you”, creating a beautiful display of unity and shared love for Taylor and her music. And as Taylor held her hand heart high we spotted her still wearing the friendship bracelet from the young fan from “22.” These moments truly exemplified the value Taylor places on these personal connections. The energy exchanged between her and her fans lifted everyone’s spirits to exhilarating heights, creating an atmosphere of love and celebration.

Equally mesmerizing throughout the night were Taylor's dancers, band, and backup singers. Her dancers brought each era to life through their storytelling and movement, while her band and singers elevated each song, adding a fresh energy that made the live versions even more special than the studio recordings. Their interactions with Taylor on stage, as well as with each other, revealed a genuine connection and love for performing together. You could feel the joy they shared in these moments, and it was clear that the Eras Tour wouldn’t be what it is without their incredible contributions.

The Indianapolis crowd brought an electric atmosphere that truly marked this final U.S. show. From continuing the fan-created tradition of the “1, 2, 3, let’s go, bitch!” during “Delicate” to belting out their favorite lyrics, the audience turned Taylor’s songs into collective moments of celebration and empowerment. Seeing young fans confidently asking others they had never met to trade friendship bracelets and witnessing people admiring each other’s outfits added to the magic.

Every era had its unique touch, but Reputation left me absolutely captivated. Starting with “...Ready for It?”, Taylor set the stage ablaze, and each song that followed had me glued to the performance, jaw on the floor. The transition from “Don’t Blame Me” into “Look What You Made Me Do” was an unforgettable moment that will stick with me long after the concert. The music from this era, for me, is incredibly empowering—it’s a reminder to be unapologetically proud of who we are and to stand tall even when others may doubt us. And let’s not forget that stunning gold and black bodysuit; once again, I was in awe of the artistry behind the costumes on this tour. Each detail, from the powerful music to Taylor’s commanding presence and the dazzling visuals, brought Reputation to life in a way that felt both fierce and inspiring.

Each night on The Eras Tour, Taylor surprises fans with a unique song mashup that isn’t on the setlist, a segment that has evolved over the tour. Initially performing full surprise songs, she now crafts multi-song blends, which adds a fresh twist and elevates the concert experience to new heights. For the third night in Indianapolis, she treated fans to a beautiful combination of "Cornelia Street" and "The Bolter" on guitar, followed by an emotional rendition of "Death by a Thousand Cuts" and "The Great War" on the piano.

The anticipation was electric as fans eagerly awaited the song reveals, and the moment those first notes rang out, the crowd's reactions were loud and exhilarating. Taylor’s talent truly shines in these mashups, creating a unique experience every night with such seamless artistry. These surprise songs not only showcase her musical versatility but also reinforce the deep connection she has with her fans, who cherish these special, one-time-only moments that are uniquely theirs to share.

The show wasn’t just memorable for fans; it also made history by breaking the attendance record at Lucas Oil Stadium, with 69,000 people filling the stadium each night. Taylor’s dedication and endurance were truly impressive, performing for over three hours straight with boundless energy and joy. The passion she has for her craft and her fans was clear in every moment, and her words about the tour—“This one happens to be my favorite tour so far”—gave fans a sense of how special these nights were for her as well.

For anyone in the crowd, this wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience brimming with love, community, and shared memories. As Taylor Swift closed out her U.S. leg of The Eras Tour in Indianapolis, she left behind a legacy of joy, connection, and the kind of magic that only she can create. From fans trading friendship bracelets to the stadium shimmering with thousands of lights, The Eras Tour reminded everyone in attendance that Swift’s music truly has the power to bring people together, one shimmering city at a time.

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