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Thousands of Swifties arrive to ‘bejeweled’ welcome party at Indianapolis International Airport ahead of Eras Tour

The Indianapolis International Airport partnered with Girl Scouts of Central Indiana to welcome Swifties to town Friday through Saturday.

INDIANAPOLIS — “Welcome to New York?” More like welcome to Indianapolis!

Taylor Swift is not the only one welcoming fans to Indianapolis this weekend, the Indianapolis International Airport is also making sure everyone is “bejeweled” for the three sold-out nights of the Eras Tour.

The airport has partnered with Girl Scouts of Central Indiana to welcome Swifties Friday through Saturday.

Taylor will be performing at Lucas Oil Stadium from Friday to Sunday with more than 60,000 people expected for each night.

“This weekend is all about connecting with each other, Swifties, our city, our community – and everyone’s in on the fun,” said Indianapolis Airport Authority Executive Director Mario Rodriguez. “And that includes our employees, who have transformed the airport into Swift City and have even pitched in to make friendship bracelets to share with fans. This is their element – showing off Hoosier Hospitality at the best airport in North America.”

The Girl Scouts will be set up in the Civic Plaza from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Nov. 2. They are trading and making friendship bracelets with fans.

Credit: Lauren Kostiuk/WTHR
Taylor Swift fans enjoy activities at the Indianapolis International Airport prior to the Eras Tour stop downtown, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.

Each one spells out “KIND,” with the I-N-D representing Indy.

The bracelets are labeled with each scout’s name, scout level and favorite Taylor Swift song.

In total, 1,200 Girl Scouts from 56 troops throughout central Indiana created 3,000 friendship bracelets.

“It’s really cool because I have met a lot of people. Someone was here from New York. So, people travel really far to be here. It’s really cool and honoring to be a part of it,” said Delilah Emmons, one of the Girl Scouts passing out bracelets on Friday.

Credit: Lauren Kostiuk/WTHR
One of the friendship bracelets available at the Indianapolis International Airport prior to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour stop, Oct. 31, 2024.

13News met fans that traveled as far as Dallas, Atlanta and Charlotte.

“Just been waiting for this moment for more than a year and to actually have it come up and to experience it now, I think it’s just going to be an incredible time,” said Leah Barry from Charlotte.

 “We’ve just been watching and watching and it’s the last one in the U.S. so we had to make it happen. We just did this in the last week. We got here and we are so excited,” said Cheryl Croall with came with her daughter from Dallas.

“Swift City” at the airport also features a 30-foot-tall Taylor Swift image on Civic Plaza windows.

Credit: Lauren Kostiuk/WTHR
Swift City at the Indianapolis International Airport welcomes Taylor Swift fans to town prior to her Eras Tour stop, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.

Local female musicians are also performing throughout the weekend, like Anneliese and Ali, Jamie Nichole, Deoc Ensemble, Amanda McCarthy, Jennifer Mlott and Allison Victoria.

Plus, there are concert-themed menus and specials at airport restaurants. Swifties can also take home souvenir giveaways – like a Taylor Swift-themed postcard created by local artist Katie Faust.

Airline seat capacity for flights coming into Indy is up 6.6% year over year, with an 11% increase on Friday and an 8% increase on Saturday.

After the fun, airport officials anticipate Sunday and Monday departures to reach more than 20,000 passengers each day.

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