Get your friendship bracelets (and outfits!) ready, Denver. Taylor is in the “Mile High CiTay”! Are you ready for it? Denver Swifties are beyond excited about Taylor’s return to the concert stage in the Mile High City. The superstar performs at Empower Field at Mile High on July 14 and 15, 2023 — as part of her The Eras Tour. If you were fortunate enough to get tickets, you should be prepared for the best experience by knowing the stadium’s policies.
Image: Empower Field at Mile High
What bags or purses are allowed into the stadium?
One clear bag no larger than 12″ by x 6″ x 12″ or a one-gallon clear re-sealable bag.
In addition, a small clutch bag or purse no larger than 6.5″ x 4.5″ is permitted.
Each ticket holder, including children, may carry an approved clear bag and clutch purse.
Non-approved bags include the following: Backpack (including clear ones), binocular or camera case, tinted or printed pattern plastic bag, non-clear fanny pack, purse, seat cushion with pocket, oversized tote bag, diaper bag and mesh bag.
Image: Empower Field at Mile High
The following items are permitted into the stadium:
Clear bags that meet NFL bag policy guidelines
Additional clothing, jackets and blankets may be carried in hand
Keys, coins or other metal objects must be removed from your pockets and held in hand or in an approved clear bag
Diapers and wipes may be carried in an approved clear bag
Still-photography cameras with a lens that is 6″ or less in length, binoculars and cell phones may be carried in loosely or in an approved clear bag
One piece foam seat cushions under 18″ wide with no cover
Food of any kind contained in an approved clear bag
Unfrozen non-alcoholic beverages in a factory-sealed bottle
Portable phone chargers (no larger than a cellphone)
Small collapsible, umbrella strollers
The following items are NOT permitted:
Any bags which do not meet NFL bag policy guidelines
Seat cushions larger than 18″ wide or any seat cushion with zippers, pockets or concealable areas
Stainless steel water bottles, glass bottles, cans, frozen drinks of any type, coolers of any kind, thermoses or ice chests
Alcohol of any kind
Banners, signs or flags that are not event related or obstruct another patron’s view
Large golf-sized umbrellas
Laser pointers
Single purpose video cameras
Weapons (including knives), any item that may be used as a projectile
Any animal with the exception of a service animal
Electric or battery-operated apparel, including but not limited to blankets, socks, coats, sweaters, etc.
Any other item deemed inappropriate by Stadium management
What do I do, if I accidentally bring a prohibited item?
There are no provisions to check items at the gates. Fans will be asked to either take prohibited items back to their car or dispose of prohibited items at the gate. The stadium is not responsible for items left behind, lost, stolen or damaged.
For a fee, Binbox Lockers are available outside of Gate 8 (near the CO Sports Hall of Fame wall) and outside Gate 2 on the west side of the stadium to secure your personal items. Be prepared by downloadjng the Binbox app before you go to the show. The app will allow you check locker availability, reserve a locker and pay the fee. Lockers can be rented, when you arrive at the venue.
Parking Options
Parking lot opens at 2:30 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m.
Getting the concert can be its own adventure, so be prepared. You can review and print a parking map here.
Available on-site parking will be limited. Off-site parking is available at Riverside Church Denver, Denver Aquarium, Ball Arena and Auraria Parkway.
IMPORTANT: For the Taylor Swift concerts, Zoning Enforcement and Right of Way Enforcement by the City and County of Denver will be in effect. Parking restrictions will apply. Vehicles illegally parked in the neighborhoods surrounding Empower Field at Mile High may be ticketed and towed.
To avoid parking completely, use Uber, Lyft or other rideshare service to get to the show.
RTD Lightrail
BONUS: RTD is offering FREE fares all month long in July and August, including light rail.
You can also use the lightrail to get you to and from the show — the E Line and W Line. The Decatur-Federal Station provides the best access to the stadium. Be prepared by checking the RTD site for service updates and frequency.
Expect long lines (especially after the show), so be ready to wait for 45 minutes to an hour. (Note: Parking will not be available to RTD customers at the Decatur-Federal Station Park-n-Ride on July 14 and 15.)
The best option for a round-trip to and from the concert is to purchase a Day Pass for $6 (rail travel in 1 or 2 zones) or $10.50 (rail travel in 3 zones.)
Reduced Fares: The fare for a Day Pass is reduced for youth (ages 6 to 19) — $1.80 and $3.20, respectively. For senior Swifties (65+), individuals with disabilities and Medicare recipients the Day Pass is 50% off. Plus, active-duty members of the U.S. military ride for FREE on all RTD services.
Proof of eligibility is required for all passengers using discounted fare products.
For current fare pricing, click here.
Top Tips from Swifties Who’ve Attended the Show:
1. Wear comfortable shoes! It’s a long show and you’ll be dancing for more than 3 hours. Plus, with all of the time needed to get there early and waiting to leave the show, you could be on your feet for more than 8 hours. Some fans are bringing a pair of flip-flops in their bag or purse, so they can easily switch shoes — if the discomfort gets unbearable.
2. Bring an extra battery charger for your phone, especially if you plan on taking lots of video. Also, be sure to set your phone on Airplane mode to save your battery.
3. Bring ear plugs! This is more for all of the screaming fans around you.
4. Bring a bottle of water or empty water bottle. Again, it’s a long show and you’ll want to be proper hydrated. Remember, you’re allowed to bring in any non-alcoholic beverages into the stadium as long as they’re factory sealed and unfrozen.
5. Bring snacks. Once again, it’s a long show and many lines for food and beverage will be long. You’re allowed to bring in any kind of food into the stadium as long as it’s in an approved clear bag. Consider something quick and easy, such as trail mix, granola bars or nuts.
5. Plan for extra travel time. If you drive, traffic and parking will be challenging. As a result, allow for extra time — especially for Friday’s show because you will also be competing with commuters leaving work at the same time. Leaving the show will be equally chaotic, so expect to be waiting for a ride or sitting in your car for awhile. Many fans suggest having food or snacks waiting in your car because you’re going to be hungry.
6. Allow for extra time for tour merch. The lines for tour merch have been extremely long at every stop, with fans often waiting for more than an hour. Make sure to allow for extra time to wait in line. Many of the items can also be purchased online. In addition, there will be a merchandise truck outside of the stadium for convenience, as well as for those fans unable to get tickets.
For more information, check out Taylor Swift’s official tour page.
PS. RTD is free for the months of July and August!
These are very helpful tips!
These are so helpful! Thank you so much!
Does anyone have any tips for those of us who don’t have tickets. Where might the best place be to park/watch like other cities have? New to the area!
RTD service typically doesn’t run that late, so people may want to be cognizant of that. RTD has said they hope to expand service for that weekend like other cities have for the Eras tour, but no guarantees. Stay tuned!
Does anyone know what time the merchandise goes on sale outside the stadium?
If a family member is dropping us off and picking us up, is there a dedicated area for that?