Despite concerns about heavy storms and lightning strikes, Taylor Swift was able to perform for 80,000 fans at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. The show was briefly interrupted as guests were evacuated from the floor and lower bowl due to the storm. Swift’s Eras show was delayed, but eventually went on as planned after fans were instructed to seek shelter until further notice.
“Remain incognito until you receive further instructions and heed the guidance of venue personnel,” relayed the message from the stadium. “Keep yourself safe and don’t forget to show kindness to those around you.” Despite the delay, the stadium managed to deliver on its commitment to hold the first of Swift’s Eras concerts in Sydney regardless of the weather. Although Sabrina Carpenter did not take the stage as planned, Swift eventually made her appearance around 7.45pm.
The Accor Stadium recently shared a video of Taylor Swift expressing her gratitude to fans for coming to her concert as it kicked off. In the clip, she exclaims, “You’re truly making me feel like tonight I have the opportunity to perform for a packed crowd of 81,000 in Sydney.” It seems that Swift doesn’t mind a little rain during her performances, as she was soaked during a show at the Gilette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts last May, as well as in her hometown of Nashville.
As the rain started coming down hard during Taylor Swift’s concert in Nashville, she simply dubbed it a “rain show” to her massive audience of 70,000 fans and carried on with the performance. She mentioned how the situation was a bonding experience for everyone there, joking that they would all leave looking like they had just been through five car washes. Swift playfully imagined people asking if they had been in wars, to which they could reply, “No, just at the Eras Tour. It’s all good.”
Photographs from Sydney depicted fans heading confidently into the stadium dressed in ponchos and hats, as umbrellas were prohibited inside. The New South Wales State Emergency Service advised individuals to make wise choices when traveling in inclement weather. Chief superintendent Dallas Burnes warned of potentially severe weather in the afternoon and evening in various areas including Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Illawarra, parts of the South Coast, and eastern parts of the Southern Tablelands.
The forecasted weather conditions could pose a risk for travel, with the possibility of heavy rain and flash flooding. While we wish everyone a great time at the events, we urge people to plan ahead for a safe journey. Swift has three more Eras shows lined up in Sydney.
