Indy expectations ahead of Taylor Swift concert weekend

INDIANAPOLIS -- Officials with Visit Indy have released a list of financial and attendance expectations alongside a number of other activities and events happening in Indianapolis ahead of the highly anticipated Taylor Swift concert weekend.

City officials say in addition to Swift's nightly concerts, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, there will be over 50 other activities and events downtown.

The Indy Arts Council is programming 13 downtown locations, including SPARK on the Circle, Hudnut Commons, Georgia Street, Lugar Plaza, and Bicentennial Unity Plaza with pop-up performances. 

There will also be food truck zones from noon to 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday on Maryland Street, adjacent to Hudnut Commons, and in the southwest quadrant of Monument Circle near SPARK.

Hall I of the Indiana Convention Center will be open to those with or without a concert ticket, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. 

Merchandise will be available on every level of Lucas Oil Stadium for concert attendees to purchase. 

Officials say the economic impact is anticipated to be a nine-figure number. 

City officials add that hotels are virtually sold out, and commanding three times the average daily rate compared to this time last year.

Officials say 89 percent of tickets were purchased by people outside of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area and 81 percent from outside the state. 

Officials also announced there will be a 34-story Taylor Swift decal installed on the side of the JW Marriott, 32 city street signs renamed in honor of Swift, and a dino-sized friendship bracelet at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum.

The city will also have a rideshare pickup zone on South Street between Missouri and West Streets operating from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Friday through Sunday. 

A parent pickup zone will be at a lot near Delaware and South Streets from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.