Taylor Swift Concert Safety Concerns Eased as Fans Arrive at Wembley Stadium
When Taylor Swift canceled three concerts in Vienna last week after officials there foiled a terrorist plot, Swifties soon expressed fears about the pop star’s next shows, in London. Would Swift go ahead with the concerts at the 90,000-seat Wembley Stadium? Given the pop star once said that her "biggest fear" was a terrorist attack on one of her shows, some fans had doubts. Was it even safe to attend those London dates?
As Swifties arrived at Wembley Stadium on Thursday afternoon before the first of five concerts, worry seemed to have given way to excitement at the chance to see Swift perform the latest leg of her globe-spanning Eras tour. According to interviews with over a dozen fans, including many from the United States, all said that they felt safe attending the event.
Fan Perceptions of Safety
Kyle Foster, 46, who had flown from North Carolina with his partner and two daughters for the show, said he had not given it a second thought. "We didn’t think twice about coming," he said, adding that he felt confident that security would "be on high alert." Maya Arbad, 18, who had traveled from Dubai, had initially questioned the trip after learning about the foiled attack in Vienna. "But my dad said, ‘Let’s just do it. We’ve been waiting too long,’" she added.
Wembley Stadium Security Measures
Wembley Stadium already had strict security measures in place, including a ban on bringing large bags into the stadium. After the cancellations in Vienna last week, the venue also forbade ticketless Swifties from gathering outside the arena to soak up the atmosphere and exchange friendship bracelets. A senior security official said that the main suspect in Vienna was a 19-year-old man who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State after being radicalized online.
Security experts noted that large British theaters and arenas had greatly improved their security since the 2017 Grande concert bombing. A government-commissioned inquiry revealed numerous security lapses that led to the attack at Manchester Arena. The bomber, Salman Abedi, who had scoped the venue beforehand, spent over an hour hiding in a security camera blind spot. A member of the public also told a steward about a suspicious man with a bag lurking in a foyer, but guards brushed it off.
Improved Security Protocols
Reg Walker, the director of I.S.G. Security, which works at many of Britain’s largest entertainment venues, said that British security teams used to focus on managing the lines of people entering concerts. Now, operations extended to surveillance inside the venue, as well as at train stations and car parks, before and after shows. Wembley’s security, led by Steven McGrath, a former British counterterrorism official, was among the best, Walker said.
Visible Security Measures
On Thursday, the visible security measures were similar to those at any other major pop concert. A handful of police officers watched over the pedestrian promenades around the stadium while dozens of security staff in high-visibility jackets patrolled the gathering crowd. Although bags were banned in the arena, they were allowed in the stadium’s merchandise store – after a thorough search.
Fan Experience
Inside the stadium, fans could purchase Eras-themed T-shirts and sweatshirts, and even a Taylor Swift water bottle for 15 British pounds, or about $19, although a sign at the cashiers warned: "Water bottles are unable to be taken into the stadium." Jillian Hagner, 36, a hospital administrator from New Jersey, said that she had noticed fewer security personnel than at Swift’s North American shows. "I’m used to seeing a lot of police presence," she said. But that didn’t worry her, she said. British police would have canceled the show "if there was any risk," she added.
Conclusion
As fans arrived at Wembley Stadium, it was clear that while concerns about safety had been present, many fans felt confident in the venue’s ability to ensure their safety. The security measures in place, including the ban on large bags and the presence of security personnel, provided a sense of reassurance. Ultimately, it was up to each individual to decide whether or not to attend the concert, but with the measures in place, it seemed likely that the show would go on.
FAQs
Q: What security measures are in place at Wembley Stadium for the Taylor Swift concert?
A: Wembley Stadium has a ban on bringing large bags into the stadium, and has implemented additional security measures following the cancellations in Vienna last week.
Q: Has there been any increased police presence at the venue?
A: A handful of police officers are watching over the pedestrian promenades around the stadium, while dozens of security staff in high-visibility jackets are patrolling the gathering crowd.
Q: Are there any restrictions on what can be brought into the stadium?
A: While bags are banned in the arena, they are allowed in the stadium’s merchandise store – after a thorough search.
Q: How does Wembley Stadium’s security compare to other venues?
A: Wembley’s security is considered to be among the best, with a focus on surveillance inside the venue, as well as at train stations and car parks, before and after shows.
Q: Are fans concerned about their safety at the concert?
A: While some fans may have had initial concerns, many have expressed confidence in the venue’s ability to ensure their safety, and are looking forward to the concert.
