NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) — Following Taylor Swift’s final concert at Caesars Superdome, fans poured into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Monday, October 28, eager to return home.
Despite efforts from TSA and airport staff to manage the crowd, long lines extended beyond the airport’s exit doors, giving travelers time to reflect on their experiences in the city.
“Everyone has been amazing—so nice and kind. The food is great,” said one traveler. “Red beans and rice, gumbo, fried tomatoes. New Orleans is such a great city.”
Greater New Orleans, Inc. reports that over 160,000 visitors came for the three concerts, contributing more than $500 million to the local economy. Nearly 200,000 concert tickets were sold, with fans averaging $1,300 spent on lodging, food, merchandise, and other expenses, according to a U.S. Travel Association study.
“I think about the musicians working at bars and restaurants who had extra gigs because of this event. I also think about the artists who sold more pieces of art this week,” said Walt Leger, president and CEO of New Orleans & Co.
With hotels reaching full occupancy on Friday and Saturday, the Swift concerts rivaled the $900 million economic impact typically seen during Carnival, according to tourism officials. The event also introduced a younger audience to New Orleans’ rich culture, including its food, music, and architecture.
“We weren’t ready for how much her fans would love being in New Orleans, but they did,” said Matt Wolfe, senior vice president of communications at GNO Inc.
Mike Hoss, a spokesman for ASM Global, noted that the Caesars Superdome team prepared by attending Swift’s Miami shows to better accommodate fans. This advance planning was key to the event’s success.
“Every venue hosting Swift shows wants to stand out for her. Draping the Superdome in four friendship bracelets helped make that happen,” Hoss said.
Among the concertgoers was the DiBartolomeo family from New Jersey, who traveled for the concert as a special gift for their youngest daughter, Adriana. She described attending a Taylor Swift show as a dream come true.
“Going into restaurants and hearing my favorite songs and seeing everyone come together is magical,” Adriana said. “I was surprised by how many people showed up.”
Her sister Nina expressed gratitude for the trip. “I’m trying to make up for it as much as I can,” she said, recounting how she helped their mother after a night of dancing.
Visitor Victoria Woods also praised her experience in New Orleans. “You felt comfortable everywhere you went. The energy was very positive,” she said. “I attended the Eras Tour in Fort Worth, and it was completely different. The city didn’t embrace her like they did here.”
Hoss explained that a $450 million renovation at Caesars Superdome for Super Bowl LIX meant Swift couldn’t perform in New Orleans earlier on her Eras Tour, but she was determined to bring her show to the city.
“She wanted to keep us in the loop,” Hoss said. “She didn’t have to come to New Orleans, but she chose to. That bond is real.”
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