Queensland’s love story with Taylor Swift is set to continue tomorrow when the Taylor Swift reputation Stadium Tour hits The Gabba.
Minister responsible for major venues, Mick de Brenni said, “on the night we’ll have about 2,300 staff working across a range of areas, including security, event operations, catering and hospitality, to ensure the event runs smoothly.”
Mr de Brenni said he was pleased to see entertainment content at the iconic sporting venue, maximising the use of the asset.
“Every time an event like Taylor is held here, it keeps stadium revenues turning over, delivering an overall lower ticket cost to all events – and that’s good news for music fans and sports fans alike,” Mr de Brenni said.
”Logistics in and around the venue are a significant challenge for the venue operators, transport and police.
“By the time my daughter is old enough to come along to a Taylor show, the Gabba Cross River Rail Station will be fully operational, but in the meantime some forward planning is still required to get to and from the venue.
“Taylor fans already know she’ll put on one hell of a show, but they might not have thought about their plans for how to get to the Gabba on time. he said.
“We are helping out with free public transport to and from the venue, and designated areas for drop-offs and pick-ups. Just make sure you plan ahead and consider checking out some of the great local cafes and restaurants in the Gabba precinct as part of the experience.
“Sports fans have also been assured that turf protection is being applied and an ‘end of ground’ rather than ‘centre of ground’ stage configuration would better protect the iconic Gabba wicket.
“The Gabba is undergoing a complete transformation, with around 15,000 square metres of high tech turf-protection over the surface area of the field, including the wicket,” he said.
The Gabba manager Blair Conaghan said The Gabba is the perfect fit for the ten-time Grammy winner’s only Queensland performance.
“Taylor Swift’s recent tour of America was described by Rolling Stone as her ‘finest yet’, and what’s really exciting for Queensland fans is that we’ll be getting those same sets and props that ‘wowed’ the fans overseas,” Mr Conaghan said.
“It’s taken around four days for crews to build the stage, and we’re expecting preparations to really ramp up today with the start of production load-in.
“We’ll also be installing additional food and beverage stands as well as portable food trucks, stocked with 5,000 glasses of champagne, 7,000 glasses of wine and a variety of food and beverage choices.
“This concert is truly not to be missed, so we need concert-goers to pay attention to the conditions of entry and arrive early, so that no one misses a beat,” Mr Conaghan said.
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Take public transport – Free with your ticket from 12pm. There is no parking at the venue.
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Arrive early – gates open at 5:30pm, with the show beginning at 7:00pm.
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Print your ticket- mobile tickets will not be accepted.
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Know your gate location- you must enter via the designated gate on your ticket.
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Bags under A4 size only- larger bags will not be allowed into the venue.
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Keep your hands free for dancing- leave the fairy lights, large banners, professional cameras and artist gifts at home.
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Got the Tay-shirt? – Merchandise for all artists available at a number of sites outside the venue, with eftpos facilities available.
For concert information, visit www.thegabba.com.au.
For public transport information, visit the TransLink website at www.translink.com.au or contact the call centre on 13 12 30.