Taylor Swift fans will be stopped from gathering outside her concerts at London’s Wembley Stadium, according to officials.
Swift fans have become known for “Tay-gating” the concerts, gathering outside to hear their favorite songs even if they don’t have tickets. But organizers of the five Wembley shows, scheduled to begin Thursday, said security will be beefed up outside the venue.
“To support with the safe entry and exit of everyone within the stadium, no one is allowed to stand outside any entrance or on the Olympic Steps at the front of the stadium. Non ticket holders will be moved on,” organizers wrote online.
“Tay-gaters” were the targets of a planned terrorist attack on “Eras Tour” shows in Vienna, according to authorities. Three teenagers, aged 17, 18 and 19, were arrested and accused of plotting a bombing and stabbing attack on Ernst Happel Stadium, which was scheduled to host three shows from Aug. 8-10.
Police said the attackers planned to detonate bombs and stab people outside the stadium, where around 30,000 Swift fans were expected to gather during all three concerts, not even counting the 65,000 paying customers at each sold-out show.
Authorities compared the plot to the 2017 Ariana Grande concert bombing in Manchester, which the plotters timed for after the show when thousands of people were pouring out of Manchester Arena.
In late July in Munich, an estimated 40,000 people gathered on a nearby hill to watch parts of the show and hear their favorite songs.
“Tay-gating” was also banned at the previous Wembley concerts from June 21-23. However, some fans still managed to hang out around the venue and hear the hits.
“Additional ticket checks will be in operation at points in and around the stadium prior to entry,” organizers warned ahead of the upcoming shows. “We kindly ask that only those with tickets or those visiting our merchandise megastore turn up to the stadium to avoid disruption to the local residents and businesses.”
The five Wembley shows, which conclude Aug. 20, mark the end of the European leg of the Eras Tour. Swift is scheduled to resume the tour on Oct. 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and continue through Dec. 8 at BC Place in Vancouver.
