Taylor Swift dazzles Miami at Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium

The wait is over. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour kicked off its second U.S. leg at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida!!! on Friday.

Who got the “22” hat? What were the set list and surprise songs? Who were surprise guests?

Swift is scheduled to perform two more shows at Hard Rock Stadium, on Oct. 19 and 20, before moving on to New Orleans, Indianapolis and Canada, ending the record-breaking Eras Tour with a final show on Dec. 8 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

USA TODAY Network reporters Bryan West and Samantha Neely attended the show, and provided live updates as the fans, friendship bracelets and frenzy returned.

➤ Are there shuttles to Hard Rock Stadium? Uber Shuttle launches in Miami for ‘Eras Tour’

➤ ‘Back in the office…’ Taylor Swift posts video with cat from Miami ahead of Eras show

That’s a wrap

The Eras Tour’s first night in Miami ended the way it always has — with a burst of energy during “Karma.” Swift headed backstage and confetti fell. Thanks for following along with us as the tour returned to the U.S. Make sure to check out photos of Swift in Miami before you go, and find a recap of the night here.

Surprise! Another new dress

Swift revealed yet another new outfit with a pink, purple and blue dress for her surprise, acoustic set.

On guitar, she sang “Tim McGraw” from her debut album mashed up with “Timeless,” a vault track from “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).”

Up next was “This Is Me Trying” from “Folklore” with “Daylight” from “Lover” on piano.

Welcome to Florida, Florence Welch

Swift wrapped the European leg of the Eras Tour with five star-studded nights in London. But no special guest compared to Florence Welch, who joined Swift in unveiling new production and choreography for their “Tortured Poets” duet “Florida!!!”

Fans have been wondering ever since if the song would be added to the set list permanently when Swift returned to North America.

It was, at least on Friday. And Welch joined Swift again to belt their ode to the Sunshine State.

New ‘Reputation’ bodysuit

Fans closely track the outfits Swift wears on the Eras Tour, and she’s switched them up for every era except one.

That changed on Friday.

She finally, after 131 shows, debuted a different “Reputation” bodysuit as the rain poured down during “…Are You Ready For It?” This one’s black and covered in gold snakes rather than red ones. This will surely give Swifties plenty to clown about as they continue to wait impatiently for Swift to release “Repuation (Taylor’s Version).”

Swift also unveiled a new silver, fringed dress for her “Fearless” set.

It’s a rain show!

Rain fell in Miami as the “Fearless” set ended. “Rain shows” hold a special place in Swift lore. The first Eras Tour rain show was in Nashville in 2023.

“The dancers, band, crowd and I all pretty much turned into little kids joyfully jumping in puddles all night,” Swift wrote on X after that show. “That was a late, great night I won’t forget.”

Swift takes the stage

It’s a sequence of events Swifties know well. A countdown clock appeared that read 2:13. Lady Gaga’s “Applause” gave way to “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore. The moment had arrived. Swift and her massive Eras Tour had returned for one last leg in North America.

Miss Americana herself took the stage at 8 p.m.

“Miami, we are so back!” she proclaimed after singing “Cruel Summer” in an orange bodysuit and boots.

Social media shows Kelce family members in attendance

Fan accounts reported on social media that Donna Kelce, the mother of Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce, was spotted in the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium. Her other son, Jason Kelce, his wife, Kylie Kelce, and two of their daughters appeared to be in attendance, as well. Jason and Kylie previously attended the Eras Tour in London, where they collected friendship bracelets.

“It really just takes you by storm,” Jason said of the concert.

Now two more generations of Kelces will get to enjoy the show.

Gracie Abrams opens show

The music began at 6 p.m. as Gracie Abrams opened the show. The up-and-coming singer-songwriter took a break from her own Secret of Us tour promoting her sophomore album of the same name — which features a duet with Swift.

Abrams opened earlier U.S. dates on the Eras Tour and will be featured on the remaining North American dates through the end of this year.

“I’m a diehard Swiftie, so I’m literally just one of you. I’ll be in the stands in tears at soon as our set is over,” Abrams said from the stage on Friday in a sheer black dress with red detailing and a midriff cutout. She sang the following:

• “Risk”

• “Blowing Smoke”

• “I Love You, I’m Sorry”

• “Where Do We Go Now?”

• “That’s So True”

• “Tough Love”

• “Free Now”

• “Us”

• “Close to You”

Swifties take Brightline Sing-Along train to Miami for Taylor Swift concert

Taylor Swift fans were all aboard Brightline’s Swift Sing-Along train from Orlando to Miami Friday on their way to see Taylor Swift in the Eras Tour’s return to North America.

According to Brightline officials, passengers sang their favorite Taylor Swift tunes and made friendship bracelets in the eras-themed train cars

“Guests were also treated to a special limited-edition food & beverage menu including mocktails, cocktails and bites like the “Mirror Ball” served in a souvenir disco ball on the train and at Mary Mary Bar,” officials said in an email.

See Swifties arrive at Hard Rock Stadium for Eras Tour Miami Night 1

Meanwhile, inside the stadium:

Want to recreate Taylor Swift’s ‘Back in the office’ outfit? Here’s what she wore

Taylor Swift posted a video from Hard Rock Stadium Friday morning with the caption, “Back in the office.”

In the video, Swift wore jeans and a yellow sweatshirt, while holding her cat Olivia Benson.

Here’s what to know if you want to recreate the outfit:

According to People, Swift was wearing a Ralph Lauren Logo Fleece High Crewneck in the color gold bugle, with a price tag of $168. Her jeans are Poppy from Icon Denim LA and will set you back $200. She completed the outfit with Louis Vuitton sandals and sunglasses, People reported.

Southwest flight 1989 surprises passengers with concert in sky from Taylor Swift co-writer

Southwest Airlines passengers on flight 1989 were in for a treat on the way to Miami Thursday.

Liz Rose, who has written 16 songs with Taylor Swift, including “All too Well” and “You Belong with Me”, performed the songs during a live onboard music performance as part of the airline’s 100th Live at 35® concert as passengers sang along, the airline reported.

Rose was on her way to go see the songs she and Swift wrote at the Eras Tour concert at Hard Rock Stadium.

“As a songwriter, I love engaging with people through words and music, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to sing along with Flight #1989 at 35,000 feet on my way to Miami,” Rose told the airline.

Following the performance, customers received commemorative inflight concert cards and custom friendship bracelets made by Southwest Employees that said “Flight 1989” and “Spread LUV,” Southwest Airlines reported.

Eras Tour Miami weather forecast for today

It looks like it will be a near-perfect Friday afternoon and night in Miami Gardens, home of Hard Rock Stadium and Night 1 of the Eras Tour in Florida.

Here’s the forecast:

• This afternoon: Cloudy, with a high near 80. Windy, with a northeast wind around 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

• Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Breezy, with a northeast wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

➤ Is the ‘Eras Tour’ rain or shine? Here’s the weather for Miami’s Swift concerts this weekend

Swifties post concert outfits for Taylor Swift in Miami Night 1

Swifties took to X on Friday posting their Eras Tour outfits and accessories ahead of tonight’s show at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Who is opening for Taylor Swift in Miami?

Gracie Abrams will be the opening act for Taylor Swift in Miami.

The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter also opened for Swift during the first North American leg of the Eras Tour in 2023.

At the 2024 Grammy’s she told People, “Being a part of that tour in a tiny way has changed the course of my life in so many ways,” she said. “… She’s just the most unbelievable performer and the most generous friend … It’s not lost on me that her belief in me has really just…done a lot. So, I’m deeply grateful to her, forever.”

Abrams joined Taylor Swift at an Eras Tour show in Wembley Stadium this summer where the two performed their then-new song “Us.”

Don’t arrive at Hard Rock Stadium before 3:30 p.m.

Fans attending tonight’s Eras Tour show should not arrive at Hard Rock Stadium before 3:30 p.m., the venue posted on X.

“As a reminder, ticketholders cannot arrive before 3:30 PM. Road closures will be in place and the areas in and around Hard Rock Stadium will not be accessible prior to 3:30 PM,” Hard Rock Stadium’s post reads.

What surprise songs are left ahead of Miami’s Friday shows?

During her stop in Tampa, Florida in April 2023, Swift performed six surprise songs – “Speak Now,” “Treacherous,” “The Great War,” “You’re on Your Own, Kid,” “mad woman” and “Mean.”

Here are the surprise songs that Swift has yet to play during Eras Tour:

Fearless (Taylor’s Version)

Red (Taylor’s Version)

• Girl at Home

• Forever Winter

• Ronan

Lover

The Tortured Poets Department

Hard Rock Stadium parking sold out

Hard Rock Stadium parking is sold out for Friday’s Eras Tour show, the stadium announced on X.

“Parking for tonight’s Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour is SOLD OUT 🚨. Park & Ride passes are still available for concert ticket holders only,” the post reads.

Park & Ride lots offer complimentary shuttles for drop-off at Hard Rock Stadium. Fans are required to scan their concert ticket prior to boarding Park & Ride buses for their event day, which are for concert ticket holders only. Please note, a passcode is required to purchase a Park & Ride pass, according to Hard Rock Stadium’s website.

Park & Ride shuttles will start at 3:00 p.m. and run through 1:00 a.m. on show days, the website states.

What items are allowed inside Hard Rock Stadium? Bag rules? Can I bring a portable charger, camera?

Hard Rock Stadium allows each person to bring one clear bag and one clutch-sized bag into the venue.

Here are the bag requirements for Hard Rock Stadium:

• Must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC

• Can’t exceed 12” by 6” and 12”

• Can be a one-gallon, clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).

• In addition to one of the clear bags noted above, fans may also carry in a small clutch bag or purse approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap.

“Items such as smartphones, binoculars, and cameras will still be permitted into the stadium. This policy is meant to speed up the process of entering the stadium along with increasing security measures,” the stadium’s website says.

However, for those bringing cameras, you can only bring in regular cameras. Video cameras, monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, audio recording devices, and professional cameras are not allowed.

For Swifties who plan to be taking photos and using their phones for hours, Hard Rock Stadium officials have said power banks for cell phones are allowed inside.

Watch Swifties on way to Florida sing ‘Shake it Off’ on plane

Taylor Swift fans on a flight to Florida helped out a flight attendant who forgot the first line of Taylor Swift’s song “Shake it Off” and asked passengers for an assist, according to a video posted on X Thursday by user @lovedyoutruly.

A group toward the back of the plane got the song started and others joined in.

“When your flight is full of swifties on their way to Florida,” the caption on X reads.

Fans travel to Miami with hopes of last-minute Eras Tour tickets

Annie Lawrence saw Taylor Swift in Nashville, Tennessee, in May 2023, but after the singer made changes to the set list and added a “Tortured Poets” section, Lawrence knew she had to see her again.

“I wanted to go with my friend, and we were hoping to go to an international show because the tickets were a little bit more affordable and a little bit easier to get access to,” she says. “We weren’t able to make that happen so we decided to go to a U.S. show.”

Without a ticket, she reserved a Southwest flight using points, booked a Fort Lauderdale AirBnb with her best friend and rented a car. On a tight budget, they managed to pay less than $300 each.

“I’m nervous about parking near the stadium, but my biggest hope is getting a ticket,” Lawrence says. The Swiftie influencer runs the Instagram account @aswiftiestory. With more than 60,000 followers, she is looking forward to – at the very least – connecting with other fans.

“I just want to go to the show and even if we don’t get in, my next biggest hope would be that we have a great time during the weekend,” Lawrence says.

– Bryan West

Could Eras Tour setlist change for Miami concerts?

Wondering if Swift will shake it off and shake up her setlist before Miami’s first night? It’s highly possible.

Since kicking off her tour in Arizona last year and making a stop in Tampa in April 2023, the setlist has been updated quite a bit. After releasing her 11th album “The Tortured Poets Department” in April 2024, she added another segment to her tour. And at the cost of other beloved hit songs.

She has removed the following songs from her setlist since TTPD came out:

• The Archer: From the Lover era

• Long Live: From the Speak Now era

• The 1: From the Folklore era

• The Last Great American Dynasty: From the Folklore era

• ‘Tis the Damn Season: From the Evermore era

• Tolerate It: From the Evermore era

Here’s the setlist she played in London on Aug. 20:

“Lover” album

“Fearless” album

• “Fearless”

• “You Belong With Me”

• “Love Story”

“Red” album

• “22”

• “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”

• “I Knew You Were Trouble”

• “All Too Well” (10-minute version)

“Speak Now” album

“Reputation” album

“Folklore” / “Evermore” albums

• “Cardigan”

• “Betty”

• “Champagne Problems”

• “August”

• “Illicit Affairs”

• “My Tears Ricochet”

• “Marjorie”

• “Willow”

“1989” album

• “Style”

• “Blank Space”

• “Shake It Off”

• “Wildest Dreams”

• “Bad Blood”

“The Tortured Poets Department” album

• “But Daddy I Love Him” / “So High School”

• “Florida!!!” (It should be noted that this was only played the final night and wasn’t added to other European shows)

• “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?”

• “Down Bad” (with “Fortnight” outro)

• “Fortnight”

• “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”

• “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”

Surprise songs

• One song on guitar

• One song on piano

“Midnights”

• “Lavender Haze”

• “Anti‐Hero”

• “Midnight Rain”

• “Vigilante Sh-”

• “Bejeweled”

• “Mastermind”

• “Karma”

Photos: Taylor Swift fans stock up on Eras Tour merch ahead of concert

The first of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Miami shows is tonight, but Swifties were busy buying concert merchandise at Hard Rock Stadium Thursday.

Taylor Swift posts TikTok video with cat Olivia from Hard Rock Stadium Miami

Taylor Swift posted a TikTok Friday morning of herself walking inside Hard Rock Stadium holding her cat Olivia ahead of Night 1 of the Eras Tour in Miami.

The video caption reads, “Back in the office… 😎 #MiamiTSTheErasTour.”

Eras Tour Miami rehearsal video hits social media

Video originally posted to Instagram by helicopter photojournalist Adonis Lugo and shared widely on X purportedly shows Taylor Swift’s dancers rehearsing at Hard Rock Stadium ahead of the Eras Tour Miami concerts, according to Parade Magazine.

Dropping off your kids? Here’s where designated drop off/pick up lots are

According to the stadium’s website, “Lot 14, Lot 15, and Lot 31 are available for parents to drop off and pick up their children on show days. Drop off will open at 3:30 PM. Parents should plan to arrive for pickup between 9:30 – 10:30 p.m., as road closures will go into effect starting at 10:30 p.m.”

Gates for Eras Tour Miami Night 1 to open at 3:30 p.m.

Gates at Hard Rock Stadium for Night 1 of the Eras Tour in Miami will open around 3:30 p.m. Friday.

When do the parking lots open? How to locate your lot

The parking gates open at 3:30 p.m. each day and patrons cannot park earlier.

Here’s where some of Hard Rock Stadium’s parking lots are located. A shuttle service is available for from many of the lots, according to the stadium’s Facebook page:

• Lot 70: Located across from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL

• Lot 95: Located at the Golden Glades Parking Garage

• Lot 30: Located on NW 37th Ave. and is the designated drop-off and pick-up area for ride share fans

• Lots 13, 18, and 40: Located near ADA parking and are pick-up locations to the stadium

Reminder: No ‘Tay-gating’ allowed at Hard Rock Stadium without concert tickets

According to Hard Rock’s website, you must have a concert ticket and parking pass to park at the stadium. While “Tay-gating” the concerts became popular for those without tickets, you won’t be able to this time.

“Only fans with a parking pass and a valid concert ticket may tailgate in stadium parking lots on the date of their concert ticket. There are NO listening areas outside the stadium for people without concert tickets,” the website states.

Going to Eras Tour in Miami? Hard Rock Stadium wants to trade friendship bracelets

Hard Rock Stadium is ready to trade friendship bracelets with fans attending the Eras Tour concerts at the arena this weekend, according to a post on the stadium’s X account. The post was accompanied by a photo showing bracelet-making supplies.

“Swifties, admin wants to trade bracelets with you all this weekend!” the post reads.

Is it going to rain tonight at Taylor Swift’s Florida concerts? See weather for all days

See the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s seven-day forecast for Miami:

• Friday: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Windy, with a northeast wind 18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

• Friday night: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Breezy.

• Saturday: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Breezy.

• Saturday night: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Breezy.

• Sunday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Breezy.

• Sunday night: A 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Breezy.

What is the address for Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium? Plug this into your GPS

Hard Rock Stadium is located at 347 Don Shula Drive Suite 102 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

What time does the ‘Eras Tour’ show start in Miami?

The stadium gates open at 4:30 p.m., with Swift taking the stage anywhere between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Taylor Swift Merchandise: Where to find tour merch at Hard Rock Stadium

The tour store will be available inside the stadium’s gates from 4:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Taylor Swift, Eras Tour in Florida

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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Taylor Swift Miami concert: Eras at Tour Hard Rock Stadium