Taylor Swift at Ford Field: Stage time, openers, prohibited items, bag policy, parking

DETROIT - Tens of thousands of people are descending upon downtown Detroit from all over the country to see Taylor Swift this weekend as she performs two concerts at the home of the Detroit Lions, Ford Field.

Friday night’s concert will be the first time Swift has performed in Michigan since she brought her “Reputation Tour” to Ford Field in August 2018 and it’s the most sought-after ticket of the year. Here’s everything to know if you’re headed to Ford Field for either night one on Friday or night two on Saturday.

TICKETS

Tickets sold out a long time ago and continue to be in such high-demand, they are still going for thousands of dollars each on reputable secondhand ticket sites. Here are two options where you should check back frequently as ticket prices fluctuate and could go down as the concert approaches.

• Friday: Vivid Seats, StubHub

• Saturday: Vivid Seats, StubHub

EVENT TIME

Doors open to Ford Field at 4:30 p.m. allowing plenty of time for fans to get through security, wait in the souvenir lines and get to their seats. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.

OPENERS

• Friday: Gracie Abrams and Girl in Red
• Saturday: Owenn and Girl in Red

STAGE TIME

Swift has been taking the stage around 7:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at previous shows on her tour, so you’ll want to be in your seats by then. At one of her shows in Chicago last weekend, she started precisely 7:56 p.m.

TRAFFIC

I-75 south, I-96 east and M-10 south will all potentially be backed up with traffic, especially the closer you get to the event. And Swift’s concert isn’t the only event happening downtown this weekend.

• Friday: The Detroit Tigers play next door at Comerica Park at 6:40. There are also concerts at The Fillmore and St. Andrews Hall. The musical “Six” is also playing nearby at the Fisher Theatre.
• Saturday: The Tigers play at 1:10 p.m., Hart Plaza will be packed with people all day at Motor City Pride and “Six” is at the Fisher.

PARKING

You can park at the Ford Field lots for $50 First come, first serve. Here is a map of the Ford Field lots. You can also pre-purchase parking at one of dozens of downtown Detroit parking lots by clicking here.

If you don’t pre-purchase, your best option is to look for lots further away from the stadium. You’ll walk a little further to and from the show, but have less traffic getting out. You’ll find parking lots all over the place which again, you can pre-purchase or look at the parking lot options at this guide here.

If you park and hop on the Detroit People Mover, get off at the Broadway station. If you park in the New Center Area, you can take the QLINE down to the stadium. Get off at Foxtown or Grand Circus.

FORD FIELD PERMITTED ITEMS

• Clear Bag Policy: Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″. For “The Eras Tour,” clear bags may not contain stickers, graphics, writing or other decorations on more than one side.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bags, camera and binocular cases, not exceeding 4.5″ x 6.5″, with or without a handle or strap, can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options
• Medically necessary items including insulin, medication, portable oxygen, small soft pack coolers and breast pumps
• Infant items in a clear bag (bottles, formula) are allowed with a child. Diaper bags are not allowed per the Clear Bag Policy
• Umbrellas, small compact only. Must be placed securely under the seat.
• Posters & signs, maximum size of 11″x17″, without poles or sticks. Must not block another guest’s view.
• Tablets (iPads, Kindles, etc.) Inappropriate subject matter should not be displayed and must not block another guest
• Seat cushions not exceeding 15″ x 15″ and must not contain arm rests, zippers, pockets, flaps or metal backs

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Clear Bag Policy: Purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, book bags, diaper bags, fanny packs, cinch bags, grocery and paper bags, duffle bags, computer bags or luggage of any kind.
• Aerosol cans (hairspray, mace, pepper spray, etc.)
• Animals (except certified service animals to aid guests with disabilities)
• Balloons (air or helium)
• Balls (beach balls, footballs, etc.)
• Banners or large flags
• Battery operated clothing and signs
• Cameras with lenses longer than five inches
• Chairs including folding chairs or stools
• Decals, stickers, confetti or glitter
• Drones and/or remote controlled aircraft
• Electronic equipment including laptop computers, video recorders, tripods and wearable video cameras including Go Pros.
• Fireworks
• Flashlights
• Food, beverages or liquids (cans, bottles, water bottles, flasks, cups, boxes, popcorn buckets, etc.)
• Handouts, items or goods intended for unauthorized sale, promotion, exchange or giveaway
• Illegal substances: Knives, pocket knives, box cutters, scissors, etc.
• Laser pointers
• Marijuana, including medically prescribed, electronic accessories or paraphernalia associated with marijuana or illegal narcotics use.
• Markers (permanent) and/or paint
• Noisemaking devices (bells, horns, kazoos, whistles, etc.)
• Objects that can be used as missiles or projectiles (sticks, poles, bats, clubs, Frisbees, etc.)
• Offensive or profane messages or images on signs and clothing that are distasteful or indecent
• Selfie sticks
• Strollers and infant car seats or carriers
• Umbrellas (large size)
• Weapons including handguns, tasers, chemical sprays, brass knuckles, etc.
• Wrapped gifts
• No weapons are allowed in the stadium. Possession of a firearm or any other weapon is strictly forbidden. Possession of such a weapon will result in immediate confiscation, ejection and possible arrest. Per the NFL, only sworn on duty law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity working as an agent of the Detroit Lions/Ford Field are able to carry a weapon.