More than 200,000. That's how many visitors + fans are expected to descend on downtown Indianapolis when Taylor Swift is in town for "The Eras Tour" next week (Nov. 1-3).

"One of the most exciting parts of this is really that people are going to have an experience from the moment they step foot into Indianapolis, and we know that's what we do best as a host city," said Taylor Schaffer of Downtown Indy, Inc. "And that's no different for something like this. We do it all the time for sporting events, for so many conventions."

It's been a big year for the city, from hosting the NBA All-Star Game to the Olympic Swim Trials to the Total Solar Eclipse to now rounding out the year with "The Eras Tour" — and this three-day event could surpass the others with an economic impact that's anticipated to be a nine-figure number.

So Swiftie or not, if you're in Indy, you'll feel the impact of Miss Americana.

IMPD, Downtown Indy, Inc. and Visit Indy shared all that the city has been doing to prepare for an event that is one of the city's wildest dreams — and we're shaking off everything you need to know.

Tourism impact

Given the fact that about 81% of tickets were purchased from individuals outside of the state, that means a huge impact for local hospitality. Virtually all hotels in the Indianapolis area are sold out and short-term rental bookings are up 207% compared to last year during the same weekend. IND even increased incoming flight seat capacity + added round-trip flights from key destinations for this event.

Only a few hours away from Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" kickoff. | Photo by Ronald S Woan via Wikimedia Commons

Fun for everyone

Different from other cities that have hosted "The Eras Tour," even if you don't have tickets to the concerts, you'll still have access to purchase concert merch. Hall I of the Indiana Convention Center will have official merch sales open to everyone from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday + 12 to 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

There will be more than 50 events around the city in addition to the nightly shows. The Indy Arts Council is hosting pop-up performances at 13 prime downtown locations, including SPARK on the Circle, Hudnut Commons, Georgia Street, Lugar Plaza, and Bicentennial Unity Plaza. Food truck zones will operate from 12 to 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday on Maryland Street, adjacent to Hudnut Commons, and in the southwest quadrant of Monument Circle near SPARK.

If you'll be downtown during Swift weekend, you'll want to plan ahead. | Map provided by Visit Indy

Traffic and public safety

IMPD is prepared for this event and has canceled scheduled days off for officers and adjusted staffing throughout the city to make sure there is a heightened police presence. Downtown Indy, Inc. will also mobilize the Clean Team and Safety Ambassador team, working extended hours and assigned to high-visibility areas. There will be a text service for public safety alerts, like the city has used for other big events like the All-Star Game. You can text INDYEVENTALERTS to 67283. It will only be used in case of emergency to send out mass alerts from the city.

Street closures around Lucas Oil Stadium will be similar to the closures we see for Colts games. A map will be produced by IMPD with more detailed street closures around downtown.

I-70 eastbound and westbound ramps to Meridian, Illinois, and West streets will be closed at 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Monument Circle will be closed to traffic Friday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
A rideshare pickup zone on South Street between Missouri and West streets will operate Friday-Sunday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
A parent pickup zone at a lot near Delaware and South streets will be active from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.