Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ Tour in Houston: What you Need to Know Before You Go
Houston is gearing up for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, with three performances at NRG Stadium scheduled for April 21, 22, and 23. Swifties, here’s a rundown of everything you need to know before attending the concert!
All The Details
Start Time and Merch
Concert start times: Taylor Swift’s concerts in Houston will begin at 6:30 p.m. on all three nights, with gates opening at 4:30 p.m.
Eras Tour merch truck hours: The merch truck will be stationed outside NRG Stadium, near Bud Light Plaza, with extended hours as follows:
- Thursday – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday – 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Saturday – 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Sunday – 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Parking at NRG Park is available for $20 starting at 10 a.m., and no concert ticket is required to visit the merch truck.
Concert Duration
Taylor Swift’s performances typically feature 44 songs and last around three hours, including two secret songs that change with each show.
Opening acts
Beabadoobee and Gracie Abrahams will open for Taylor Swift at the Houston concerts.
Estimated stage time for Taylor Swift
Based on her previous shows in Tampa and Dallas, Taylor Swift is likely to take the stage around 8 p.m.
Bag policy
NRG Stadium enforces a clear bag policy with size limits of 12” x 6” x 12”. Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” are also permitted, with or without a handle or strap, and need not be clear.
Phone charger allowances
Portable phone chargers no larger than a credit card are allowed, but external battery packs for other items like light-up signs or costumes are prohibited.
NRG Go Portable Battery Rental Stations can be found in sections 105, 109, 124, 128, 348, 505, 511, 531, and 537.
Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets can be brought in as long as they are worn or in a clear bag and do not contain lights.
Empty Refillable Water Bottles
Not allowed.
Medical Supplies
Medically necessary items are permitted after inspection. Notify security staff before scanning.
Rideshare Pickup/Dropoff
All rideshare services will pick up and drop off passengers in the yellow lot off Main Street. A pedestrian bridge over Kirby connects to NRG Stadium.
Parent Drop-Off
Parents should use Gate 13 off Lantern Point Drive to access the Green Lot for drop-offs.
Parking at NRG Stadium
Parking lots open at noon on April 21, 22, and 23, with a $40 fee per space, payable by credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. All NRG lots (Blue, Orange, Green, Red, Purple, and Yellow) will be available, with ADA Parking in the Blue Lot. There is no pre-paid parking or in-and-out access.
Roof Status
The roof at NRG Stadium will be closed during the concerts.
Metro Rail and Parking Options
METRO rail is an alternative transportation option to the concerts, with more information available here. METRO will not offer special shuttles or Park & Rides but will open the South Fannin lot as a special event lot for $20 per vehicle. Drivers can park there and ride METRORail to the NRG Park stop for free.
Tips for Parents with Younger Children
Ensure children have an ID bracelet or your phone number written on their arm in case of separation in the crowded and dark stadium.
Special Recognition for Taylor Swift
While Houston has not yet revealed its plans to honor Taylor Swift, the city is working on a special tribute. Other cities have previously celebrated her in various ways, such as Glendale changing its name to Swift City, Arlington posting signs for Taylor Swift Way, and Tampa making Swift the honorary mayor for a day. In anticipation of Taylor’s arrival, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced on social media that NRG Stadium will temporarily be renamed NRG Stadium (Taylor’s Version) for the weekend.
So, Swifties, get ready to enjoy an unforgettable concert experience as Taylor Swift graces Houston with her incredible Eras tour. Remember to follow the guidelines, stay safe, and have a fantastic time celebrating the music of Taylor Swift!
Title image courtesy of taylorswift.com
