The unofficial start of summer kicks off this weekend and the usual traffic in the Meadowlands and all roads heading South are getting an extra measure of mayhem as Swifties start descending on the area beginning at Noon on Friday, May 26.
Taylor Swift brings her Eras Tour to MetLife Stadium for a three-night run, with a quarter-million fans anticipated in East Rutherford. Local businesses are expecting a rush of fresh business from the crowds, especially with weather reports pointing to blue skies and sunshine.
Redd’s Restaurant & Bar in Carlstadt said North Jersey is typically quiet over Memorial Day weekend, but they’re expecting crowds with this concert.
“We can’t wait,” he told NBC, adding that for small businesses, a bump like this is “tremendous, it’s huge.”
No Ticket, No Lot Entrance
The sold-out show is expected to bring legions of ticketless fans to the parking lot, either hoping to find a coveted seat, or to revel with others.
Tens of thousands of ticketless fans descended on Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia earlier this month, hanging in the parking lot to sing and dance.
That’s not an option for this weekend, MetLife said. Parking lots will be at maximum capacity, and only those with tickets will be let in.
“We strongly encourage those without tickets not to come to MetLife Stadium on show days,” MetLife said in a message posted to Facebook on Wednesday.
“Additional unauthorized crowds create traffic and gridlock for everyone.”
Tickets must correspond to that evening’s show.
What to Expect: Taylor Swift at MetLife
Traffic is expected to be especially heavy in and around the stadium, not only because of the concert, but because people are heading out of town for the long weekend. The center of the Meadowlands where Taylor Swift fans will be headed today feeds every major highway.
The Jersey Shore is still The destination for any Memorial Day weekend calling for perfect weather, but there are a lot of lakes, mountains, and getaways to the East, West, and North. Anyone who lives, works, and passes through this area should anticipate traffic.
Parking lots and drop-off lots open at MetLife open for the concert at 12:30 p.m., gates open at 4:30 p.m., and showtime is 6:30 p.m. People will start arriving early and steadily.
Parking is $40 per car, or $160 per bus, RV or oversized vehicle. Parents dropping off youth with tickets can pay to park and remain on the property but all ticket-holders must be in the car upon arrival.
Avoid Driving to the Taylor Swift MetLife Concerts
If driving can be avoided, concertgoers are asked to leave their cars at home. The BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line Service will operate between Secaucus Junction and the Stadium. Trains start around 4 p.m.
There are also bus lines, including NJ Transit from various locations, including Secaucus Junction. Coach USA Bus Service will take fans from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan, starting at 3:30 p.m.
Anyone driving can avoid the stadium by checking out Redd’s in Carlstadt, which offers a Park and Ride option.
Other Details About Taylor Swift Eras Tour at MetLife
Merchandise will be sold starting at 12:30 p.m. in Lot E, only to ticket holders.
Drop-off lots open at 12:30 p.m and reopen for pickup at 10 p.m.
The Eras Tour began March 17 and runs through Aug. 9. Swift heads to Chicago next.
The Eras Tour is a three-hour show covering material from 10 albums across 17 years, with over 40 songs. The show will include 10 choreographed acts: Lover, Fearless, Evermore, Reputation, Speak Now, Red, Folklore, 1989, surprise songs, and Midnights.
