Eras Tour on the big screen: Pittsburgh theaters prep for Taylor Swift takeover

The Taylor Swift takeover is far from done — the pop superstar is taking her reputation to the big screen, and Swifties are descending on local theaters.

“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” is a film that captures the Pennsylvania native, now a global phenomenon, traveling and performing during the U.S. stint of her record-shattering Eras Tour that began in March.

She has sold out stadiums nationwide, including two nights in June at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.

For fans who can’t make it to a concert during Swift’s 20-month global tour, the movie might be the next best thing. It, too, is proving to be a popular draw. Advance ticket sales worldwide already have surpassed $100 million.

The film gives a personal look at Swift, a prodigy performing since she was 11, winning her first of 12 Grammys at 19 and continuing to break artistic ground. In the film, Swift reinterprets songs from all 10 of her albums, highlighting the different life phases her work shares.

Swifties are not the only ones excited for the film’s premiere Thursday. Theaters, bars and restaurants are joining in on the fun with specials and events.

The Manor, Squirrel Hill

The Manor Theater in Squirrel Hill is not only selling Eras film tickets but also encouraging a dress code for show attendees. According to the theater’s website, fans are asked to once again don their Eras Tour outfits and homemade friendship bracelets for a movie night.

AMC Classic theaters

The AMC Classic theaters in the Waterfront, Greensburg, South Hills, South Pike and Mt. Lebanon are quickly selling tickets. With each sale, they are giving away free mini Eras posters while supplies last.

They also will be selling exclusive popcorn tins and tubs along with a collectible cup. Each will sport the official design of the Eras concert tour.

Shorty’s Tap and Tacos, Waterfront

According to Burgatory Bar and Shorty’s marketing director Meredith Feiler, starting Thursday and running until Oct. 22, Shorty’s Waterfront location will be offering a four cocktail special.

Starting with a Cruel Summer Slush, Swifties can sip on a refreshing cherry lime slush with vodka. The restaurant also will be offering a You Need to Calm Down. Fans can unwind with the combination of tequila, aperol, coconut, passion fruit, lemon and orange. For those who get emotional during the movie, they won’t be alone with Lemon Drops on my Guitar, an elevated version of the classic lemon drop with citrus vodka, a sugar rim and cherry garnish. The fourth cocktail is a play on a mojito. The Me! Jito is a strawberry mojito but Shorty’s version of it.

Beginning Thursday, Pittsburgh artist Erik Greenawalt, known as The Chalking Dad, will display one of his pieces in front of Shorty’s Waterfront location, Feiler said. The piece will depict Swift in her “Shorty’s Era.” The art will ideally remain displayed through the weekend if weather permits.

“We thought installation would be on theme with everything Eras happening right now,” Feiler said. “Hopefully, the weather will hold out and we can keep the art up for as long as possible.”

Dependable Drive-In, Moon Township

The Dependable Drive-In in Moon Township will be showing the film starting Friday with special prices of $13.13 for children under 11 and $19.89 for guests 12 and older. Commemorative tickets with Eras Tour designs on them are available for purchase.

The concession stand will have its regular menu including burgers, hot dogs, pizza and popcorn, but according to the drive-in’s website, some extra emphasis will be put on the chicken tenders since they are Swift’s favorite.

Swift merchandise and souvenirs will be available at the concession stand while supplies last.

The Lindsay, Sewickley Borough

The Lindsay Theater in Sewickley Borough will be hosting a Taygate.

“Not everyone was able to attend Taylor’s show over the summer, and the film really extends the opportunity,” said Carolina Pais-Barreto Thor, CEO of the Lindsay Theater. “We’re taking every possible measure to make sure that this is the best possible night.”

Once guests have their tickets, they’re free to move around, inside or outside the building. Tables and chairs will be set up in the theater’s decked-out Community Room.

Thor said that she and her team consulted with Swifties to make sure they would host an event that fans would enjoy.

“We’ve been preparing for this for weeks,” Thor said. “We asked (Swifties) what we absolutely had to have and made it happen.”

Guests are encouraged to mingle, trade friendship bracelets at the designated station and grab concessions — with Eras film collectibles for drinks and popcorn, as long as supplies last. Official Taylor Swift merchandise will be sold there as well. A surprise photo station will be available.

The screening room will be divided into two sections. To maximize a good time for all attendees, those who prefer to sit will be sent to the front section of the theater, and those who want to sing, dance or stand will be in the back section.

Before the opening show, a game of Taylor Swift trivia will be emceed by local artist Frzy.

“I think people are looking forward to the communal experience — especially those who didn’t get to make the concert,” Thor said. “They want to be able to show off their outfits; they want to trade friendship bracelets. They want to display their Taylor Swift knowledge.”

The theater’s website advises that those taking advantage of the opportunity to “discover” Swift — and wishing for a smaller crowd — are encouraged to attend the afternoon or Thursday evening shows.

Burgatory

Starting Thursday and running through Wednesday, Burgatory will be serving a RED velvet cake milkshake (Taylor’s version) at all seven locations. The shake will serve as a nod to the franchise’s famous red velvet flavor but will include some extra bling garnishes such as gold and silver sprinkles.

“I like to say that the shake is bejeweled with the gold and silver,” Feiler said.

Also beginning Thursday, Greenawalt will display one of his chalk art pieces in front of the Burgatory Waterfront location, Feiler said. The piece will depict Swift in her “Burgatory Era.”