Matt Cord Introduced Taylor Swift To Sing The National Anthem At A 76ers Game In 2002
A Star Was Born… This weekend, one of the biggest music stars on the face of the planet — if not the biggest music star on the planet — is…
Taylor Swift sings the National Anthem as the Detroit Lions host the Miami Dolphins in a Thanksgiving Day game Nov. 23, 2006 in Detroit. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesA Star Was Born...
This weekend, one of the biggest music stars on the face of the planet — if not the biggest music star on the planet — is returning to Philadelphia.
It is a homecoming of sorts since this artist is from a little town not too far from the city called Wyomissing.
She is set to perform three straight nights at a sold-out Lincoln Financial Field.
And these shows might have sold out in less than a minute combined.
They are the hottest ticket in town and are even selling for over $1,000 on reselling sites.
If you have not guessed by now, the artist I am talking about is the one, the only, Taylor Swift!
As I said, these tickets are nearly impossible to come by without spending a fortune.
But not only are the tickets hard to get, apparently the tour merch is going to be hard to get as well!
I was watching Fox 29 this morning and they did a segment on the line wrapped around multiple blocks just to get some merch — a whole day and a half before any of the shows start!
Funnily enough, I will actually be working one of her shows this weekend!
The one on Saturday, in fact, and I will be working with my niece, Lily!
She is stoked!
Oddly enough, this won’t be the first time I am working with Taylor Swift in some capacity.
Although, the first time was long before the world knew her name.
Hell, the people inside the building that night didn’t even know her name!
We’ll have to go all the way back to April 5, 2002, to recall this night.
On that night, a 12-year-old Taylor Swift sang the national anthem at the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons game.
Back then, the Wells Fargo Center was still called the First Union Center.
I actually introduced her to the crowd as “Taylor Swift from Reading, PA.”
Let’s just say her performing skills have gotten a lot better throughout the years, but what else can you expect from a 12-year-old?
The starting lineup for the Sixers that night was Dikembe Mutombo, Eric Snow, Derrick Coleman, Matt Harpring, and Raja Bell.
Allen Iverson was injured.
Unfortunately, the Sixers lost that night 92-88.
And the pain didn’t stop there that year.
They went on to lose to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs that year, and the infamous A.I. “practice” press conference happened.
I guess the Sixers will just have to finish the series out tonight before Taylor Swift officially gets to town, so we don’t have to worry about any bad luck!
10, 9, 8, 76ers!
Related:
Taylor Swift Philadelphia Concert: What Parents Need To Know
Taylor Swift at The Linc: What To Know Before You Go
Are you ready for it? Taylor Swift is coming to Philly this weekend for Era's Tour. She will perform at Lincoln Financial Field on May 12th, 13th, and 14th. If you were one of the lucky ones to score tickets, check out this concert information so you can remember the night forever & always.
Clear Bag Policy
Lincoln Financial Field will allow concert-goers to bring in one of these permitted bags.
What You Can't Bring
Prohibited bags include but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage, seat cushions, computer bags, camera bags, binocular cases, or any bag larger than the permissible size.
Buying Merch
May 11th
Outside the stadium:
May 12th - 14th
Outside the stadium
Inside the stadium:
According to Swift's previous Era's shows, you can line up for merch stands outside of most venues without tickets, but get there early. Be prepared to wait in a long line. According to reports of other stadiums, the merch table will not accept cash.
Show Times
4:30 pm: Doors Open
6:25 pm: Gayle/ Gracie Abrams
6:55 pm: Phoebe Bridgers
7:55: Taylor Swift
Concert-goers will be treated to two opening act performers: Phoebe Bridgers and GAYLE, with Gracie Abrams replacing GAYLE on Sunday.
Special Guests
Phoebe Bridgers - 5/12, 5/13, & 5/14
GAYLE - 5/12 & 5/13
Gracie Abrams - 5/14
Parking
According to Lincoln Financial Field's parking, all lots will open at noon.
Parking at the stadium is expected to cost $35 for cars and $50 for oversized vehicles. For more information, including public transportation options, click here.
Parking Lots are CASHLESS
Once arriving, there are multiple entrances that are located as follows:
- LifeBrand Gate: Northeast corner of the stadium
- XFINITY Gate: Northwest corner of the stadium
- Verizon Gate: West side of the stadium
- South Gate: South corner of the stadium
- North Gate: ADA-designated gate
*If you are planning to pick up someone after the show ends, you must be in the Sports Complex parking lot by 9 pm. No vehicles will be allowed to enter after 9 pm.
Helpful Tips
Swifties have revealed that the last song played in each stadium before Taylor starts the show is Lady Gaga's, "Applause." When you hear that song, make sure to get to your seats. You won't want to miss Ms. Swift's grand entrance!
Swift is transported from her dressing room to the stage in a janitor's cart. Make sure to keep an eye out for it!
Taylor will play two acoustic "surprise songs." Fans have speculated that she will play "Ronan" on Friday, May 12th and "The Best Day" on Mother's Day.
