KC reflects on how bride-to-be Taylor Swift changed us: She’s ‘our people now’
A few days before Taylor Swift brought her historic Eras Tour to Kansas City for two nights in July 2023, the city of North Kansas City temporarily renamed two streets in her honor, creating a photo opp for fans.
The city hung two street signs at the corner of Swift Street and Armour Road.
One read “Honorary Swift Street (Taylor’s Version).” The other said “Honorary Cornelia Street,” a reference to her 2019 song of the same name.
Fans flocked to the corner.
Swiftmania took hold of Kansas City that summer, as it did in other cities where she toured.
But Kansas City had something those other cities didn’t have that brought her back.
His name is Travis Kelce.
And when the two became a couple nearly two years ago, Kansas City adopted the global superstar as its own, and vice versa through her many return visits to watch football, and bake sourdough bread.
On the eve of her wedding we asked three diehard Swift fans in Kansas City — and the folks at Union Station, which has hosted numerous Swift-related events for the public — to talk about Swift’s impact on Kansas City and themselves.
Here’s what they said.
Swiftie/Chiefs content creator Jordan Johnson, @SwiftieinKC
“My favorite thing about KC is how hard we love our people, and Taylor Swift is one of our people now. She became an unexpected ambassador for KC, introducing our city’s spirit, love and energy to audiences worldwide.
“Her presence only amplified what locals have always known; Kansas City has something special. Thank you Taylor and Travis for showing the BEST of our city, and CONGRATULATIONS! Wishing you both a lifetime of love and adventure.”
Alexis Greenberg, founder and past president of the KU Taylor Swift Society
“For me, Taylor Swift means connection. Throughout my life I’ve been lucky enough to bring some of my favorite people with me to her concerts, building lifelong memories that we reference often. I have introduced friends going through a breakup or other hard times to her music, helping them connect to their feelings and borrow someone else’s words to explain what they’re going through. And, I’ve been able to use her positive messaging and outlook on life to connect to others’ paths and stories.
“In college, Taylor Swift because a huge point of connection for hundreds of University of Kansas students. Youth and early adulthood can be a really difficult time to figure out what to tie your identity to, and aside from what you’re studying and where you’re from, having something exciting and lighthearted to talk about (music) brought so many of us Swifties together to build friendships and support one another.
“It was truly the best experience for me to build community through my love of Taylor Swift, and it means so much to me that Taylor and her music are still doing that at KU through the student organization I started.
“I attended the Eras Tour in Kansas City both nights, and it was so special to see this love story unfold right here in Kansas City.
“From Travis attending night 2 of the Eras tour to Taylor attending Chiefs games, Travis stopping at the State Line Road Trader Joe’s to allegedly buy ice cream for Taylor, to purchasing the new house in Leawood for extra privacy (and especially the engagement happening in that very backyard!), it has been so fun to see their relationship grow in the same places I grew up.
“Two things I’ve been a part of for my whole life? Taylor Swift’s fan base and Kansas City.”
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Kelley Thrasher, KC’s Taylor Swift tribute artist
“Taylor Swift’s presence in Kansas City has meant more to me than anyone could possibly know, it led me to finally lean into a career as her tribute artist that I never even knew could exist, and it’s brought me some incredible opportunities and experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
“I wish them the most perfect wedding day, and if they’re ever looking for a future nanny ... I come highly recommended “
Union Station officials
“Union Station has always been “Where Kansas City Celebrates.” As Kansas City’s living room, we’ve had the privilege of sharing in many of our community’s most memorable moments, and Taylor Swift has become an unforgettable part of that story.
“When Kansas City was announced as an Eras Tour stop, the excitement across our city was immediate. We knew Union Station had an opportunity to reflect that energy and create a place where fans could gather, celebrate and make memories together.
“What began with a special building lighting and fan photo opportunity quickly became something much larger.
“Over the past several years, Union Station has celebrated milestone moments throughout Taylor’s connection to Kansas City — from welcoming her first visit to Arrowhead Stadium to commemorating ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ album announcement and celebrating her engagement.
“Along the way, we’ve hosted fan photo experiences, screened ‘Taylor Swift The Eras Tour’ in our Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, and welcomed thousands of guests to sold-out Taylor Swift laser shows in the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium.
‘The response has been extraordinary.
“Images of Union Station illuminated in celebration have reached millions of people around the world through social media and national and international news coverage. More importantly, we’ve watched those moments bring people together here at home ...
“As a community landmark, Union Station reflects the moments that matter most to Kansas City. Travis Kelce has celebrated Super Bowl championships here alongside Chiefs Kingdom, and Taylor Swift has embraced Kansas City with remarkable generosity, helping shine an international spotlight on our city and contributing to its continued momentum.
“Everyone at Union Station wishes Taylor and Travis a lifetime of happiness. We look forward to once again lighting up Kansas City’s front porch to celebrate another joyful chapter in their story — and in ours.”
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