Student Work

Going to a concert on a budget can be done. Graphic by Allie Keim.

As the last lyric, “Karma’s a relaxing thought”, is played and the dancers take their bow, I reflect on my Eras Tour experience. Was the concert worth my money? Were the tickets? Were the travel expenses? Spotlighting the biggest tour of 2023, Taylor Swift has made the tour experience worth the cost. 

Swift’s career includes 10 albums and three re-recorded albums. She has done six tours, won 12 Grammys, and covers many styles of music. During the tour she plays two acoustic surprise songs that change off the 44 song set list. For these songs she has brought guests out on stage, played out of pocket songs, and premiered a music video. Every show is different in some way, making it unforgettable. 

During the tour, Swift plays songs from all “eras” or albums, this includes some music from her first album ‘Taylor Swift’ to her most recent ‘Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)’. Making the concert a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Having been a “Swiftie” my whole life, I have attended three of her tours, and must say each show gets better and better. The Eras Tour show has unbelievable stunts, fireworks, costume changes and a catwalk that stretches throughout the stadium floor. My tickets to the concert cost $120 (market price), but others were not as lucky. Tickets to the same Cincinnati concert ranged from $1,282 to over $82,000. Despite the cost of tickets, patrons of the concert also pay for parking, food and most importantly outfits. 

So why attend the concert if the expenses scare you? It’s the atmosphere and fans that make each penny worth it. During the entire show everyone capable is on their feet dancing, and screaming lyric by lyric at the top of their lungs. Each fan I interacted with was so grateful for the ability to be at the concert. 

Attending the concert with a budget can be done by finding solutions to basic concert complications. This could mean having a family member or friend drive you, making your own outfit, and bringing your own water into the stadium. These tactics give you room to budget and worked well for me. 

The show itself has top of the line production value making each fan, no matter how bad the tickets, connected. Along with that all attendees receive a light up wristband that keeps them involved during the show. 

For true fans out there who know the true beauty of Swift’s work in the music industry, the costs are worth the experience. The concert gives memories that will last a lifetime. Swift loves to keep fans guessing, so attending the Eras Tour is worth having the inside into what’s next.