After weeks of disappointment, Alexis Abou-Chalha and her friend thought their dream of attending Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” in Toronto was over. Having been waitlisted for tickets, they had all but given up hope—until Ticketmaster unexpectedly released additional seats just days before the concert series began.
“We were both waitlisted, and it was so disheartening,” Abou-Chalha shared. “By the time it was two weeks before the shows, we had kind of accepted we weren’t going. But then, when more tickets were released last week, I rushed to Ticketmaster. My friend couldn’t get in, but I managed to grab tickets in the queue.”
Their persistence paid off, and the pair scrambled to prepare, crafting friendship bracelets and picking out outfits for the event.
Abou-Chalha and her friend secured their seats for $600 each—a hefty sum, but one they considered relatively reasonable given the demand. They also saved on accommodations by taking the GO Train to the venue.
Not all fans were as fortunate. Some reported spending thousands on tickets, travel, and accommodations. For example, Steffani King of Stouffville estimated her total costs for the concert experience, including tickets, lodging, and supplies for bracelet-making, at $1,450. Meanwhile, North York’s Brian Fernandes paid $2,065 for a resale ticket alone.
Despite the price tag and last-minute nature of their plans, Abou-Chalha is ecstatic about attending Swift’s second Toronto show on Friday night.
“Honestly, it feels surreal,” she said. “I think once we get downtown, it’ll hit us. It’s been such a whirlwind, but we’re so excited to finally be going.”
Taylor Swift’s six-show Toronto series has drawn immense demand, with fans clamoring for the rare chance to see the global superstar live. CTV News Toronto reached out to Ticketmaster for details on the number of tickets released since Nov. 5 and how many have been sold, but the company has yet to comment.
For many fans, the “Eras Tour” is more than just a concert—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth every penny.