In anticipation of the upcoming Taylor Swift Toronto concerts next month, one TikToker is suggesting making the concerts more accessible to fans by live streaming them.
TikToker Jessica Froio recently posted to the platform, suggesting that the Toronto Taylor Swift concert be live streamed at the Coca-Cola Coliseum for Swifties without tickets, replicating the Jurassic Park experience that Raptors fans get for some games.
@__jessxca__ Toronto swifities listen up #toronto #taylorswifttoronto #erastourtoronto #mayoroliviachow #oliviachow #torontopoli #ontariopoli #concerts #fyp ♬ Taylor Swift megamix lyrics and song titles P2 – Silvy | Taylor Nederland
“Creating an event with minimal barriers to access (no ticket fee) would also allow fans of all socioeconomic backgrounds to connect and experience the true magic of being a Swiftie,” Froio told Now Toronto.
Her idea also suggests that attendees could donate a food bank item to be granted admission to the live stream, referencing the increasing need for food banks reported by Daily Bread, in Toronto in recent months.
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According to the report, there has been a 25-per cent increase in visits to the Daily Bread food bank in Toronto between March and August 2024, compared to the same time period in 2023.
“I see it as a win-win situation! Ticketless Swfities enjoy the show differently while giving back to our community,” Froio said.
Online, some TikTok users are loving the idea and think it’s a cost-effective option for young fans.
“A great idea for people that can’t afford or get Taylor Swift tickets and admission to low income teen girls from age 8 to 18,” one TikTok user said.
“Love this, especially the idea of the food bank support!!” another user said.
The global pop superstar will be performing six shows at Scotiabank Arena from Nov. 14-23. The event is expected to have 240,000 concertgoers throughout the tour run.
According to Destination Toronto, Swift is predicted to generate approximately $282 million for the city’s economy.
While the city did not comment on the possibility of organizing live streamed showings of the concerts, Deputy Mayor and City Councillor for Ward 10, Spadina–Fort York Ausma Malik says the city is ready to welcome Swifties from near and far and staff are working across all divisions to ensure the city is properly prepared.
“…This includes planning for public safety, ensuring concert goers and residents can get around, and creating opportunities for Toronto’s own local arts and culture makers to shine. As a city, we are working to be well prepared, and have a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone visiting and for all of us who live and work here,” she said in a statement to Now Toronto on Thursday.
“City staff have also been working closely with Destination Toronto and our downtown Business Improvement Associations to highlight local businesses and provide fun opportunities to gather and connect over Taylor Swift, her music and the communities she brings together,” she continued.
Last week, city council also announced it would be implementing a “limited activity zone” around the Rogers Centre and the downtown core to mitigate traffic congestion and control the large crowds for the pop star’s shows.
The zone is expected to include Spadina Avenue to Jarvis Street and Queens Quay north to King Street.
Additionally, city councillors also approved a motion back in July to rename the route from Rogers Centre to Nathan Phillips Square from Blue Jays Way to “Taylor Swift Way” in honour of the star’s tour run in the city.
