Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour is one of the most highly anticipated concert tours of 2023. Following the massive success of her previous Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018, fans have been eagerly awaiting Swift’s return to stadiums with her decade-spanning setlist. The Eras Tour was announced in early November 2022, with initial dates for a North American leg scheduled for spring and summer 2023. However, some fans have speculated that a second North American leg could be added for fall 2023 due to exceptionally high demand during the pre-sale period.
Background on The Eras Tour Announcement
When Swift first announced The Eras Tour on November 1st, 2022, she shared that the tour would journey through different musical eras of her prolific career. The North American stadium dates announced spanned from March to August 2023, with international dates to be announced at a later time. Some key facts about the initial tour announcement:
- 27 shows announced for North American stadiums from March 18 to August 9, 2023
- Tour promoters reported over 2 million tickets sold on the first day of pre-sale, breaking Swift’s own 2018 record
- Many shows sold out completely during pre-sales due to exceptional demand
- Additional international dates, including in Europe and South America, to be announced in the future
The unprecedented demand during the pre-sale period led many fans to speculate that a second North American leg could be added to meet demand in cities not included on the initial itinerary.
Precedent for Multi-Leg Stadium Tours
Massive pop stars adding extra legs of their stadium tours is not unprecedented. Some recent examples of multi-leg stadium tours include:
Artist | Tour | # of Legs |
---|---|---|
Ed Sheeran | ÷ Tour | 3 |
Taylor Swift | Reputation Tour | 2 |
Beyoncé & Jay Z | On The Run II | 2 |
As you can see, Swift herself previously added a second North American leg to her Reputation Tour in 2018 due to high ticket demand. Based on Swift’s popularity continuing to grow tremendously since then, it would not be surprising for her team to add more North American dates to The Eras Tour.
Factors Supporting a Second North American Leg
There are several key factors that suggest a second North American leg is likely for The Eras Tour in fall 2023:
Unprecedented Pre-Sale Demand
As mentioned earlier, Swift’s team reported selling over 2 million tickets in the first day of pre-sales alone, breaking her own record from Reputation. Numerous shows on the initial docket completely sold out during the pre-sale period, indicating demand greatly exceeding the number of tickets available. Adding a second leg would allow fans in cities like Nashville, Austin, Atlanta, and others shut out from getting tickets a second chance to see the highly coveted tour.
Swift’s Continued Surge in Popularity
Swift has undeniably reached new heights of superstardom over the last several years. Her last two albums, folklore and evermore, were surprise-released in 2020 and went on to dominate charts and awards shows. She re-recorded her first six albums to regain control of her masters, scoring additional hit singles in the process. And she’s reached new cultural relevance with political activism and increased public presence. Swift’s popularity is perhaps greater now than ever before, supporting massive demand for The Eras Tour.
History of Multi-Leg Tours
As the earlier table showed, Swift and other major pop acts regularly add extra legs when initial dates sell out quickly. With The Eras Tour shaping up to be Swift’s biggest tour ever, following the blueprint of her own Reputation Tour and other recent multi-leg tours is plausible.
Open Fall 2023 Schedule
Swift has left her fall 2023 schedule wide open after the currently scheduled Eras Tour dates wrap up in August. She could comfortably add a second North American leg in September and October before heading to international stadiums. Open fall scheduling leaves the door wide open for additional North American tour stops.
Potential Hurdles or Limitations
However, there are also some potential challenges or limiting factors that could prevent a second North American leg from being added:
Logistical Complexities
Stadium tours are massive, complex logistical undertakings. Routing a second leg adds challenges like securing stadium availability and coordinating schedules with opening acts. If logistics prove too difficult, that could be a limiting factor.
Geography and Noise Restrictions
There are limitations around which North American stadiums can accommodate an event of this massive scale. Also, noise ordinances may restrict potential dates in certain areas. The number of viable stadiums in different cities could be a limiting factor.
Burnout for Swift and Crew
By fall 2023, Swift and her crew will have already performed dozens of high-energy stadium shows. The grueling schedule could lead to exhaustion and burnout, making a second full leg unrealistic. Swift has to consider preserving her voice and energy as a priority.
Booking Other Projects
Swift typically books TV appearances, festival dates, or other projects in between legs of a tour. She may prefer filling fall 2023 with promotional activities rather than more tour dates. Other career and promotional obligations could take priority.
Who Would Open on the Second Leg?
If Swift adds a second North American leg, a key question is who would open the new dates. Here are some contenders:
Phoebe Bridgers
Indie darling Phoebe Bridgers opened a number of Reputation Tour dates and joined Swift on stage for duets. Bridgers has blown up since then and would make an exciting opener choice.
Lizzo
Pop superstar Lizzo has not yet announced fall tour plans. She and Swift are friends who have appeared publicly together. Lizzo could be an energetic staple of the second leg.
Girl in Red
Norwegian singer Girl in Red opened on the currently scheduled Eras Tour dates before Olivia Rodrigo had to drop out. She could reprise her role for a new leg.
Clairo
Bedroom pop darling Clairo is flexible on fall dates and would bring Gen Z appeal. Her chilled-out sound would contrast Swift’s high-energy show.
Haim
These sister rockers opened for Swift during the Reputation Tour and joined her on stage for duets. They remain close friends, and it would be fitting for Haim to return.
More Rotation of Opener Slots
Rather than having one standard opener, Swift could have a rotating slate of special guests join her for a few dates each. This would allow her to highlight diverse rising talents.
Projecting Possible Cities for Second Leg
Based on the initial tour routing, fan feedback, and logistical considerations, here are some potential cities Swift could hit if a second North American leg happens:
City | Potential Venue |
---|---|
Toronto | Rogers Centre |
Cleveland | FirstEnergy Stadium |
Nashville | Nissan Stadium |
Atlanta | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
Austin | Darrell K Royal Stadium |
Denver | Empower Field at Mile High |
Vancouver | BC Place |
Other possibilities include additional Midwest dates like Detroit or St. Louis, Southeast dates like Orlando or Miami, and more West Coast dates like Seattle or Phoenix. But the above locations seem like strong candidates that fit well geographically and would have significant fan demand based on initial tour reactions.
When Could Second Leg Dates Be Announced?
Looking at Swift’s touring history and typical industry timing, these are some likely windows for when an Eras Tour second leg could be announced:
April-May 2023
If a fall leg is confirmed early, dates could be announced shortly after the tour kicks off in March 2023. This would reward eager fans who missed out on tickets the first time.
June-July 2023
Towards the halfway point of the spring/summer dates would be a prime time to announce second leg details. This timeline would fit Swift’s previous tour patterns.
August-September 2023
If negotiations or planning delays a decision, announcing the second leg in late summer just ahead of fall would still give sufficient notice. But this would be pushing it a bit late.
October or Beyond
Leaving an announcement until October or later seems unlikely unless negotiations stall and plans are still being locked down. Last-minute announcements don’t fit Swift’s typical tour strategy.
Conclusion
Given the unprecedented pre-sale demand, Swift’s superstar status, and the precedents of multi-leg tours, a second North American leg for The Eras Tour in fall 2023 seems not just plausible but highly likely. The biggest question marks will be around nailing down logistics and routing along with juggling Swift’s other projects and priorities. But most signs point to Swift rewarding her loyal fans with a second chance to catch the sure-to-be-spectacular Eras Tour in cities missed the first time around. The excitement and speculation around a potential second leg just highlights the devotion Swift inspires as one of the most beloved and followed musical artists in the world.