Taylor Swift fans in Lisbon received a mix of good and bad news ahead of her highly anticipated Eras Tour concerts. Concerns over a water bottle ban were alleviated, and Swift expressed her love for the city, despite some chaotic moments during the event.
Water Bottle Ban Controversy
Fans were initially alarmed by a directive from the Estádio da Luz stadium that banned water bottles of any kind. Given the length of the concert and the time spent queuing, this raised significant health concerns, especially after a tragic incident in Brazil where a fan died from heat exhaustion.
A fan account on X (formerly Twitter) played a crucial role in amplifying these concerns, urging fans to tag tour promoters and Swift’s marketing team to get the rule changed. The post went viral, and the stadium eventually allowed clear, soft plastic water bottles no larger than 50cl.
Taylor Swift’s Love Letter to Lisbon
After her second and final concert in Lisbon, Taylor Swift took to Instagram to express her gratitude. She wrote, “I left my [heart] in Lisbon. My first time in Portugal and you all made me feel like I was right at home.” She also praised the audience for their overwhelming love and passion.
In a video on X, Swift reminisced about her previous tours and expressed regret for not having performed in Lisbon earlier. She was visibly moved by the crowd’s energy and enthusiasm.
Chaotic Entry Conditions
Despite the positive developments, the event was not without its challenges. Fans described the entry process as chaotic, with long lines and confusion over gate assignments. The show was delayed, and security measures, including the initial water bottle ban, contributed to the disorder.
Fans reported being herded like cattle and facing bottlenecks at security checkpoints. The situation improved only after additional police and security personnel were deployed.
The tour will continue to Madrid and other European cities, leaving Lisbon with a mix of challenges and cherished memories.