Taylor Swift - Just in time for the concert kick-off: Gelsenkirchen becomes "Swiftkirchen"
The city of Gelsenkirchen will be the venue for Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" in July, and in honor of the musician, the Ruhr region city will give itself a new name. In preparation for the three concerts of the singer, the city will receive a new sign with the title "Swiftkirchen" in the city center. Tens of thousands of Swift's fans, who are expected to gather around the shows on July 17, 18, and 19, will be welcomed by the sign.
The sign was unveiled by Swift fan Aleshanee Westhoff from Emmerich. The student had started a petition a few weeks ago and suggested the name. Mayor Karin Welge responded with a thank-you letter, writing, "What a great idea, Gelsenkirchen, temporarily renaming itself 'Swiftkirchen'."
More Surprises Planned Due to Taylor Swift Concerts
City spokesperson Markus Schwardtmann announced that several other signs "at highly frequented locations in Gelsenkirchen" would follow in the coming days.
The city has prepared more for the fans, according to its own statements. A "Taylor-Swift-Tram" of Bogestra is already in operation. In the Gelsenkirchen district of Buer, the US singer is also expected to receive her own stone on the Walk of Fame, alongside celebrities such as Schalke legend Rudi Assauer and author Ilse Kibgis. Around the concerts, Gelsenkirchen then invites to the open-air party "Taylor Town" with karaoke in the city center.
Further actions are initially to remain secret. "There will be many small and large surprises, so that the Swifties in Gelsenkirchen have a lot to discover," Schwardtmann shared.
Swift's concerts in Gelsenkirchen mark the start of the German leg of the "Eras Tour." The sold-out shows will take place in the Veltins-Arena on Schalke, with up to 70,000 so-called Swifties expected in the arena per night. Following shows are scheduled in Hamburg and Munich.
- The "Top news" outlets are buzzing about Taylor Swift's decision to temporarily rename Gelsenkirchen as "Swiftkirchen" for her "Eras Tour" concerts.
- Apart from music, Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) headlines also highlight Swift's impact on society with her upcoming performances.
- The city of Gelsenkirchen, famous for its football club Schalke, will be transformed into a hub for Swift's music fans and 'Schalke' devotees alike during the tour.
- The local German-language newspapers are filled with "Headlines" about Taylor Swift's musical era, 'Emmerich' resident Aleshanee Westhoff's proposal to change the city's name, and the anticipation for the concert series.
- Swift's "Music" resonates well beyond the boundaries of the USA, with the Staatsbanchen-Kasse in Gelsenkirchen accepting payment with a custom Swift-themed banknote for tickets to "Taylor Town" and the concerts.
