As the countdown clock approaches zero, the energy in the stadium reaches a fever pitch. Fans jump up and down, hearts race and cameras flash around the stage, waiting to capture the main event of the night: Taylor Swift. Everyone awaits that magical moment when Swift takes the stage and blows them away.

Swift kicked off her tour March 17 in Glendale, Ariz., to an enthusiastic crowd of 70,000. The pop sensation put on a show-stopping performance complete with elaborate costumes, intricate choreography and stunning visuals. Fans were thrilled to hear her perform tracks from her latest album “Midnights,” as well as some of her biggest hits from over the years. Swift’s energy and charisma shine on stage, making her one of the most beloved performers.

For many fans, Swift’s music has been a constant source of inspiration and comfort throughout their lives, speaking to people in times of heartache or during rough times. The Eras Tour celebrates Swift’s career, spanning decades of chart-topping hits and record-breaking albums. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they are determined to make the most of it by screaming their hearts out.

The enthusiasm was infectious, and it was clear that everyone was there to have a good time. Fans of all ages decked out in outfits inspired by her albums, lyrics and music videos. From the iconic “Junior Jewels” T-shirt from the “You Belong with Me” music video to the pastel colors of “Lover,” the crowd brought their A-game when it came to fashion. Fans were seen trading friendship bracelets and complimenting each other’s outfits. Freshman Sam Reiter plans to attend the Eras Tour concert in Kansas City on July 8. 

“I’m most excited to dress up because I like my outfit, and I’m excited to see her live. It certainly doesn’t feel real yet, so I bet the real excitement will hit me as it gets closer,” Reiter said.

Swift’s opening acts for the first two shows of the Eras Tour were GAYLE and Paramore. GAYLE, a rising pop singer, brought her unique sound to the stage, energizing the crowd with catchy beats and powerful vocals. Paramore followed with their brand of high-energy rock that had fans jumping and singing along. After their last song, “Ain’t It Fun,” lead singer Hayley Williams recalled her experience with Swift to the crowd. 

“I don’t know if I would have made it without someone like Taylor being a beacon of hope. She fights for other artists,” Williams said.

Swift’s first entrance was a visual spectacle, with three gigantic screens dominating the stage. Among the many features of these screens was a giant countdown clock, which added to the anticipation and excitement of the crowd. When the clock finally reached zero, the bracelets that every audience member received lit up pink, signaling the show’s start. Then, with a mesmerizing display of colorful graphics and dancers entering the stage adorned in large feathers, Swift is revealed from behind the feathers. First, she sings, “It’s been a long time comin’,” marking the start of the show with “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” followed by “Cruel Summer.”

The stage design in State Farm Stadium was genuinely show-stopping. The stage was massive with a rising platform in the center. Its stunning array of props and decorations brought each song to life uniquely and memorably. Swift included large set pieces such as a cabin in the woods, a large dining room table and even a fake car. What set the stage apart was the lighting. The light sources were expertly positioned to create a sense of depth and perspective, making the stage feel larger than it already was. The colors and patterns of the lights changed with each album, adding an extra layer of emotion and intensity. It was an unforgettable display of showmanship that left everyone feeling like they were in the front row.

Senior Grace Putnam attended Swift’s performance in Glendale, despite fearing there would be no chance after complications with the Ticketmaster sales debacle. 

“I have been to every tour of hers since 2012. I thought the whole experience was awesome and her best tour yet. The setlist was the best I have ever heard. She played at least two songs from each album, with a lot of songs from albums she hasn’t gotten to perform yet,” Putnam said.

Many fans, including myself, expected Swift to perform her songs in album order during the concert; however, I was pleasantly surprised when she mixed things up and performed various tracks in an unchronological order. Swift’s ability to effortlessly transition from one song to another demonstrated her versatility as an artist and dedication to giving her fans a unique experience. One of the most striking things about the concert was that she had a different outfit for each album, which not only added visual interest to the show but also nodded to Swift’s evolution as an artist over the years.

Swift is known for her amazing showmanship, and her first nights of the tour were no exception. During these shows, Swift took the time to connect with her audience through touching speeches that left the crowd feeling inspired. Whether she was reflecting on her journey or encouraging her fans to pursue their dreams, Swift’s words resonated deeply with everyone in the room.

One of the highlights of Swift’s concert was the performance of songs from her new album ”Midnights.” The album had only been released a few months prior, so fans were eager to hear the songs live for the first time on tour. Swift closed out her concert with a bang, performing the hit song “Karma,” to the crowd’s delight. Swift pulled out all the stops for the grand finale — a fiery display lit up the arena as confetti cannons showered the audience with colorful paper. It was a fitting end to an incredible show, and the audience left the arena buzzing with excitement.

The Eras Tour concerts had been a whirlwind of emotion, but as the final song ended, fans knew it was time to say goodbye. The crowd slowly began to disperse, but many lingered in the venue, savoring the last moments of the night. Some chatted with friends and fellow fans, sharing their favorite moments from the show. Others took one last look at the stage, still buzzing with the energy of Swift’s incredible performance. The Eras Tour was everything I hoped for and more. For anyone lucky enough to score tickets, you won’t be disappointed.