It’s officially one week until Taylor Swift heads Down Under, and it seems Swift-mania has well and truly hit our shores.
The international pop sensation is performing a total of seven shows while she’s here, three in Melbourne at the MCG and four in Sydney at Accor Stadium.
For those of us lucky enough to get our hands on some tickets, it’s all finally becoming real.
READ MORE: ‘I’ve been to eight Eras shows so far – here’s what it’s like’
We’ve spent the past few weeks scouring the internet for the perfect Eras outfit while simultaneously curating the perfect collection of friendship bracelets.
So far, Swift has performed shows in North and South America, and has just begun her Tokyo leg of the tour.
And so far, it seems every stadium has had different rules.
We simply can’t imagine anything worse than spending the afternoon blasting the setlist while getting ready with friends, only to turn up and be denied entry because your outfit doesn’t meet the requirements (yes, it’s a real thing.)
So we’ve taken the time to deep dive into every little detail of both the MCG and Accor stadiums rules for the concert, to make sure everyone gets through security and into their seats ready with no issues, ready to lose our voices the minute the Cruel Summer bridge starts.
Set times
For all seven Taylor Swift The Eras Tour shows, the gates will open at 4:30pm.
The show will kick off at 6:20pm when the opening act, Sabrina Carpenter takes to the stage, and Taylor Swift will begin shortly after.
However, we suggest getting there earlier rather than later.
The times are subject to change without any notice, meaning that if a storm is going to hit toward the end of the show, it’s very likely that Swift could take to the stage early.
Once you’re through the gates though, there’s no turning back, both stadiums have made it clear that no pass outs will be available for the concert.
So make sure to double check you have everything you need before heading in.
Friendship bracelets
Swift told us to make the friendship bracelets, and we sure did.
Some Swifties have dedicated hours upon hours to the craft, making upwards of 300 bracelets ready to trade at the show.
However, we have some news that may be unfortunate for some – you might not be able to bring them all in.
Frontier Touring has announced that while friendship bracelets are allowed at the show, they must be worn on your arms.
That means no carabiners or d-rings will be allowed to hold all the spare bracelets you may have made.
So, it might be time to start taking a look at your collection and picking out your favourites.
9Honey has reached out to Frontier Touring for clarification on whether or not spare friendship bracelets will be allowed to be brought into the venue inside of a bag.
What bags are allowed?
There is a strict one bag per person policy, and while it doesn’t have to be clear, it does have to be a certain size.
All bags must be no larger than an A4 piece of paper, so dimensions wise you need to make sure your bag is smaller than 30cm wide, 35cm high, and 20cm deep.
It must also have no more than 2 compartments, in or outside of the bag.
The one bag per person rule does not apply to anything purchased from the merchandise stands.
So if you decide to buy your merch from the stands outside of the gates, you’ll be allowed to enter with your one personal bag, as well as your bag of merch.
Don’t try to sneak anything extra in your merch bags though, security will be checking.
READ MORE: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour: Everything to know before you go.
What you can and can’t bring in
The list is extensive, so strap in and take notes.
First off, make sure whatever your outfit is, it’s not going to be a nuisance for others around you or obstruct anyone’s view.
So, it’s probably best to steer clear from dressing up as a giant Mirrorball, and if you’re going to wear any big accessories that could get in the way of other people, just be ready to throw them in the bin if asked to at the gates.
You also won’t be allowed to wear any clothing capable of partially or fully covering your face, with the exception of religious garments and medical masks.
If you’re planning on bringing a sign, it won’t be allowed to be on a banner or a pole, and you’ll have to keep it under 28cm x 48cm (11″ x 17″), if it’s any bigger than that, be prepared to see security throw it in the trash.
There’s no handcuffs or restraint items allowed, no animals aside from certified service animals, no chains or studded jewellery (keep your cowboy boots spur free), and no unauthorised modes of transport (bikes, scooters, etc.)
Don’t bring along any aerosol sunscreens, deodorants or perfumes because they will be confiscated at the gates.
If it’s raining, make sure to wear a poncho because no umbrellas will be allowed inside the stadium.
There’ll also be no ‘noise making devices’, so leave your air horns, your radios, and your whistles at home.
And obviously, you will be denied entry if you bring any weapons or dangerous items to the venue.
For a full list of prohibited items, check out Frontier Touring’s FAQ’s here.
Photography and video rules
You’ll be able to capture the show on your phone, but make sure to leave any professional recording equipment at home
There’ll be no commercial cameras or photography equipment, video cameras, GoPros, audio recording devices or tripods will be allowed in the venue.
You will be allowed to bring in any small, handheld digital or film cameras to snap some pics of the night though.
Don’t bring any drones, selfie sticks, lights or large battery packs along.
But don’t panic, portable phone chargers will be allowed.
The ‘no battery packs’ rule pictured above only refers to large, commercial size batteries – portable phone chargers smaller than the size of a phone will be allowed inside the venue.
Lastly, make sure you and your friends have a meeting point if you lose one another inside the venue, it’s unclear how good phone reception will be and there will be no two-way radios or walkie talkies allowed.
Parking and how to get there
The best way to get to both concerts will be to jump on public transport or to walk if you are staying nearby.
All seats for all seven shows are allocated, so there’ll be no need to arrive early before the gates open.
Also remember that tailgating (or Taylor-gating) is strictly prohibited at both venues, so if you didn’t get tickets your best bet is to stay at home and watch the Eras Tour Movie.
Getting to the MCG
If you’re heading to a show at the MCG, you can jump on the 48, the 70 and the 75 tram service.
For Tram 48, hop off at stop #11 Jolimont Station / MCG, for tram 70, hop off at stop 7C MCG / Melbourne Arena, and for tram 75, hop off at Flinders St Station
If you need to catch the train, Jolimont Station is the closest to the venue with a roughly 5 minute walk.
Otherwise you can jump off at Richmond station for a 9 minute walk, or Flinders Street Station for a 20 minute walk.
And if you’re coming in via bus, make sure to jump on bus route 246 and get off at Punt Road, the closest stop to the MCG.
Now, if you’ve decided to drive to the concert (you’re braver than me), there are a few places you might be able to snag a park.
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Wilson Parking – 11 Exhibition Street
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Wilson Parking – 28 Flinders Street
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Wilson Parking – Federation Square
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Midcity Arcade Car Park
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202 Flinders Lane
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34-60 Little Collins Street
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114 Flinders Street
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Melbourne & Olympic Parks
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On street parking
The above prices are correct at the time of publishing, however you may need to pre-book to secure them, as they could be subject to change.
Car parking in Yarra park will be closed except for ticket holders with a current disability parking permit.
There will be a limited number of spots available for $10 each, and limited to one per ticket holder.
You’ll be required to show a current disability parking permit on entry and will also have to travel through grassed areas to reach the gates.
There will be no accessibility parking available on a drive up basis on concert nights.
If you’re getting dropped off by family, friends or an Uber, you’ll need to head to Clarendon Street (between Wellington Parade and George Street)
From there, you’ll need to cross Wellington Parade and make your way through Yarra Park, it’s approximately a 500m walk to the MCG.
For more information on the Mobility Shuttle Service and where to leave scooters and bikes, check out Frontier Touring’s FAQ’s here.
All the celebrities spotted at Taylor Swift’s Eras shows
Getting to Accor Stadium
If you’re heading to a show at Accor Stadium, public transport is again your best bet, and all travel costs are included in your ticket, simply just show transport staff when boarding.
There’ll be a bunch of extra busses and trains running on concert nights, but still expect it to be busy and get there early in case you don’t get on the train or bus you’re expecting.
The closest station to the stadium is Olympic Park station, just a short 10 minute walk away.
Express and limited-stop trains will run approximately every 10 minutes from Central and Western Line stations to Olympic Park with frequent return services after the show.
Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses will run services every 5 to 20 minutes between 2:45pm and 6:40pm on concert nights, depending on the route, timetables vary for weekday and weekend shows.
The last return bus will leave Olympic Park at midnight each night.
If you’re planning on driving in, remember that parking in Sydney Olympic park is expected to sell out, so pre-booking your spot is essential.
If you don’t pre-book, don’t drive – there won’t be any spots available on concert nights.
If you’re getting dropped off by friends or family there will be a designated drop-off area along Australia Avenue, opposite the P6 car park.
To then be picked up after the concert, you’ll need to head to the P6 car park which will have free entry after 10:30pm
If you plan on getting an Uber or taxi, you’ll need to be dropped off on Australia Avenue between Murray Rose Avenue and Kevin Coombs Avenue.
There are taxi ranks located on Herb Elliot Ave outside the Pullman Hotel to get a ride home, and if you plan on Ubering your best bet is to jump on public transport and get off at the next stop to avoid long wait times and surcharges.
For more information on the accessible shuttle service checkout Frontier Touring’s FAQ’s here.
Concert rules
Basically, just be respectful of others around you.
You won’t be allowed to stand on seats or in aisles, or sit on the shoulders of a friend.
You definitely will be allowed to scream the bridge to your favourite song though.
READ MORE: Meet the Taylor Swift superfans who nabbed stadium jobs to see the Eras Tour for free.
Food and drink inside the stadiums
No outside food or beverages will be allowed inside the venue, however you will be permitted to bring an empty, soft plastic water bottle no bigger than 600ml.
There will be plenty of refill water stations inside the venue, so make sure you stay hydrated.
If you have floor seats, you won’t be allowed to bring any drink containers onto the floor, instead you’ll be provided with cups.
There will be plenty of food and drink options available inside the stadium, including food catering to all dietary requirements.
Smoking and vaping is not permitted anywhere inside of the MCG, and only in designated smoking areas inside of Accor Stadium.
Obviously, no illegal substances will be permitted inside the venue, serving limitations will apply to the sale of alcohol, and fines will be issued for the supply of alcohol to minors.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If you’re a Swiftie, you’ll know that it takes some seriously bad weather for a show to be postponed.
Swift will be taking to the stage rain or shine, however if there is severe weather which could impact the safety of artists and patrons, you’ll need to follow venue screens and staff instructions.
Stadium maps
All tickets to all shows are reserved seating, so there’s no need to line up early or camp out to get a good spot.
You’re ticket will have you seat and area on it, for more information about different seating areas and where to enter from, check out Frontier Touring’s FAQs here.
Seating map for Taylor Swift Eras Tour at the MCG
Seating map for Taylor Swift Eras Tour at Accor Stadium
How to access your tickets
You obviously won’t make it far if you don’t have your tickets.
We’ve written a whole article on the rules surrounding your tickets and how to access them, you can check it out here.
How and when to get merch
Merch will be available on the days of the concert, with stands both inside the venue and outside the venue, so if you didn’t get tickets you can still get your hands on some merch.
And if you don’t want to stress about it on the day, you’ll be able to pre-purchase your merch ahead of the concert.
Crown is hosting the first official Australian merchandise pop up on Tuesday 13 February from 9am-6pm at Crown Melbourne.
Because demand is expected to be high, you’ll have to reserve a spot online and will only be able to book for groups of one or two.
Booking are now open and at the time of publishing, there are still spots available.
If you can’t make the Crown pop-up, don’t stress, you still have options.
The MCG will have merch presale days on Wednesday February 14 and Thursday February 15 from 10am to 6pm, near Gate 1 and Gate 5.
At Accor Stadium merchandise presale days will be held on Wednesday 14 February and Thursday 15 February at the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Dawn Fraser Avenue, also from 10am to 6pm.
Reservations are not required for the MCG and Accor Stadium merchandise presale days, simply just turn up on the day.
But remember, supplies are limited and will be available on a first come first served basis.
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