Indianapolis Eras Tour Night 1 Review: Taylor Swift Highlights
When Taylor Swift first announced The Eras Tour on November 1, 2022, she likely never anticipated that two years later, she would still be captivating audiences on this monumental journey through her illustrious career. Initially, only 27 concert dates were confirmed for the tour’s launch, but as it concludes in December, she will have performed at an impressive total of 149 shows. This incredible feat not only establishes it as her longest-running tour, surpassing her previous record of 118 shows during the Fearless Tour, but also showcases her unwavering dedication to her fans and her dynamic performances that resonate deeply.
During her recent performance at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium, Swift appeared to be acutely aware of the tour’s impending conclusion, which has dominated her life for the past two years. The audience erupted in what felt like the longest ovation following her emotional rendition of “Champagne Problems,” clocking in at an estimated 3 minutes and 40 seconds, surpassing New Orleans’ record from the previous weekend. This overwhelming display of affection visibly moved Swift, who was touched by the outpouring of love from her fans.
“Indy, can I just say to you, on behalf of myself and my band and all of my fellow performers and my crew: We’re not going to get to do this show very many more times, and we are never going to forget that you just did that for us,” she expressed, her voice trembling with emotion as she fought back tears. This moment encapsulated the deep connection between Swift and her audience, reinforcing the special bond that has been forged over the years through her music.
While Swifties might struggle to envision a world without The Eras Tour, the three nights in Indianapolis, spanning from Friday to Sunday, signify the last U.S. performances before the tour concludes in Canada with final stops in Toronto and Vancouver in December. The bittersweet nature of these performances adds to the excitement, as fans cherish every moment with their idol during this historic tour.
Swift is undoubtedly going out with a bang for her final weekend in the U.S., breaking records, revisiting her 2006 roots, and expertly managing some unexpected technical difficulties. Below, we highlight the eight most memorable moments from the first night in Indianapolis, showcasing the magic and resilience that define The Eras Tour.
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Discover the Significance Behind Choosing Indianapolis as a Final U.S. Stop
In a heartfelt speech between songs, Swift shared her thoughts on why Indianapolis was selected as the concluding U.S. stop for her groundbreaking tour. “We’ve gotten to take The Eras Tour all over the world this year. In 2024, we’ve gone to Australia, Asia, we spent all of our summer in Europe, and we decided: We have got to bring this tour in front of the most dedicated, passionate, enthusiastic, excitable, loud fans. So we decided that the very last U.S. city on The Eras Tour would, in fact, be right here in Indianapolis, Indiana. And I can already tell we made the best decision possible,” she stated confidently, highlighting the strong connection she feels with her audience.
Even though Indianapolis was not part of the original tour route, the city has been a consistent stop for Swift over the years. Friday’s concert marked her ninth performance in the Midwestern capital. The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, as Swift announced that the concert set a new all-time attendance record at Lucas Oil Stadium. “Which is such a nice way to welcome people, you know? Such a nice gift for you to give us,” she remarked, acknowledging the significance of this milestone. This record-breaking attendance surpassed the previous high set by her own Reputation Tour, which had been overtaken in April by Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time Tour.
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Shining a Spotlight on Swift’s Self-Titled Debut Album
As the only album without a dedicated moment during The Eras Tour, Swift’s 2006 self-titled debut typically only receives attention through an acoustic performance of one of its tracks. However, Friday night was special as the deep cut “Cold as You” was beautifully fused with the Folklore single “exile” on piano, despite the absence of the original duet partner, Bon Iver. The emotional weight carried by both songs allowed them to resonate powerfully, even though they were released 14 years apart. This unique mashup marks a significant moment in the tour, as it was the first time they were combined on stage, a testament to Swift’s ability to connect her diverse discography.
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Experience the Magic of ‘Holy Ground’ in Indianapolis
With just four songs represented from the Red era, including the iconic 10-minute version of “All Too Well,” many beloved fan favorites from the 2012 album unfortunately had to be left out. One standout track, the driving anthem “Holy Ground,” enjoyed a well-deserved moment in the spotlight during the Indianapolis concert. Swift masterfully blended it with “The Albatross” from her most recent project, The Tortured Poets Department. Each song had previously been performed solo during the tour: “The Albatross” was showcased in Dublin earlier this summer, while “Holy Ground” graced the setlist in New Jersey and Tokyo this year. This unique pairing delighted fans and showcased Swift’s innovative musicality.
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Swift Overcomes Technical Difficulties Like a True Pro
During the final Midnights segment of the show, Swift faced a significant technical challenge, one of the most severe mishaps encountered on The Eras Tour to date. As she struggled to adjust her wireless mic pack, disappointment was evident on her face. While performing “Lavender Haze,” she candidly mentioned that her wireless mic pack was low on battery, prompting a tech team member to rush on stage to help her switch to a new one mid-performance. The transition happened seamlessly, but she encountered further issues when her in-ear monitors failed to work properly during “Anti-Hero,” requiring her to signal for assistance from her crew.
Despite these setbacks, Swift continued to sing flawlessly, maintaining her performance’s energy and rhythm. A fan captured a moment where she kept the beat by tapping her sparkly boot as the tech worked on her mic pack, ensuring she remained in sync with her talented band. After a brief pause before “Mastermind,” she acknowledged the crowd’s patience and shared her experiences with technical difficulties, saying, “Thank you for being patient. We on The Eras Tour play a lot of rain shows, and we never quite know when our equipment is going to break.” Her professionalism and grace during these challenges only reinforced her status as a consummate performer.
Swift’s ability to manage these unexpected issues demonstrated her unwavering commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for her fans. Even when faced with adversity, she took charge and ensured the show continued, embodying the definition of a true artist who rises above challenges with poise.
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Caitlin Clark Joins the Eras Tour Crowd Celebration
WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark, who recently completed her rookie season with the Indiana Fever at the nearby Gainbridge Fieldhouse, has always been an outspoken fan of Swift. In September, she made headlines by liking the pop star’s Instagram post endorsing Kamala Harris, and earlier in the spring, she shared that her favorite Taylor song is “Enchanted.” At the Indianapolis show, she was thrilled to witness her favorite song performed live while attending with her basketball coach boyfriend, Connor McCaffery. The excitement was palpable as she was seen trading friendship bracelets with fellow Swifties from her suite. On her Instagram Stories, Clark expressed her enthusiasm, posting a photo of opening act Gracie Abrams and captioning it, “I’m fired up!!!!!!”
Clark’s presence added to the electrifying atmosphere, and anticipation built among the crowd, who started chanting “Caitlin, Caitlin!” during the interlude between “Bejeweled” and “Mastermind” in the final Midnights era. While she didn’t take the stage, her enthusiastic support for Swift was felt throughout the venue, amplifying the sense of camaraderie among fans.
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Experience the All-Pink Aesthetic of the ‘1989’ Set
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management While the Indianapolis audience didn’t witness entirely new outfits, they were treated to the rare sight of Swift donning an all-pink ensemble featuring her 1989-era bralette and skirt set. This monochromatic look, which made its debut in Milan over the summer, had never been seen together in America before, although fans had glimpsed the pink skirt and top in different combinations. This bubblegum aesthetic was affectionately dubbed a “TayBarbie” moment by the fans, adding to the playful and vibrant atmosphere of the concert.
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Celebrate Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos with ‘Evermore’
Although there was no Halloween night concert on the tour, Billboard noted that several fans donned costumes at the Indianapolis show, including a prison jumpsuit with the ID number 1989 and even a hot dog. The concert also coincided with another significant holiday: Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, a traditional Mexican celebration where families gather to honor their loved ones who have passed away. The Evermore era, characterized by its dark and woodsy themes of death and grief, felt particularly fitting for this time of year. The choreography for the song “willow,” with Swift and her dancers presenting glowing orange orbs that resembled jack-o-lanterns, added to the seasonal ambiance. Despite Mariah Carey’s proclamation that “it’s time” for Christmas festivities, there remains ample space for Halloween spirit at The Eras Tour.
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Embrace the Spirit of Friendship at The Eras Tour
It wasn’t just the fans trading friendship bracelets; the last two venues of Swift’s tour exchanged them as well. The enormous friendship bracelet that adorned the Caesars Superdome last weekend was gifted to the Eras Tour’s latest venue, Lucas Oil Stadium, in a gesture that undoubtedly embodies the spirit of community and connection that Swift fosters through her events.
“NOLA [loves] INDY!” exclaimed a message on the Superdome X account. “We traded our friendship bracelets with @LucasOilStadium today & hope Indianapolis loves them as much as we did in New Orleans!” Lucas Oil responded on X: “EPIC friendship bracelet exchange from one stadium to another! We are now OFFICIALLY ready thanks to our BFF @CaesarsDome!” This playful exchange showcased the camaraderie built around Swift’s exhilarating performances, even as high winds in Indianapolis necessitated the temporary removal of the bracelet ahead of the opening night. Despite this, the spirit of friendship remained vibrant during the concert.
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Immerse Yourself in the Setlist from Indianapolis Night 1
Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince
Cruel Summer
The Man
You Need to Calm Down
Lover
Fearless
You Belong With Me
Love Story
22
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
I Knew You Were Trouble
All Too Well (10-Minute Version)
Enchanted
…Ready for It?
Delicate
Don’t Blame Me
Look What You Made Me Do
cardigan
betty
champagne problems
august
illicit affairs
my tears ricochet
marjorie
willow
Style
Blank Space
Shake It Off
Wildest Dreams
Bad Blood
But Daddy I Love Him / So High School
Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
Down Bad
Fortnight
The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
I Can Do It With a Broken Heart
The Albatross / Holy Ground
Cold as You / exile
Lavender Haze
Anti-Hero
Vigilante Shit
Bejeweled
Mastermind
Karma
