As music fans flock to Miami-Dade this weekend, road closures in both Miami Gardens and Wynwood are expected to snarl traffic, particularly with the influx of Taylor Swift concertgoers.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stop at Hard Rock Stadium is drawing a wide range of fans, including families like the Lunenfelds from New Jersey, who are attending their third Swift concert.
“Her music reminds me of being 16 again, the angst — it’s nostalgic,” said Heddy Lunenfeld, attending with her two daughters, Fiona, 13, and Lexi, 9.
“It takes me back to when I was 16 and feeling all those feelings that all girls feel when they hear Taylor Swift,” said Lunenfeld.
Fiona, following in her mom’s footsteps, shares the same appreciation for Swift’s music.
“We kind of grew up listening to her, and her music is nostalgic and just really good,” she says.
The family, fresh from seeing the Eras Tour in Brazil, is eager to enjoy the South Florida concert experience.
Their excitement is shared by many who’ve flocked to South Florida for the concerts, filling up hotels like Loews Coral Gables. Felix Llibre, the hotel’s Director of Sales, highlighted the concert’s economic impact: “We are seeing a huge impact for the concert when you look at the lift in occupancy compared to the same weekend last year. We have a number of reservations for the concert.”
The Loews Coral Gables has even planned a “Swiftie Sunday Brunch,” complete with themed cocktails, dishes, and live music, to cater to Swift fans staying at the hotel. “We are super excited to be sold out tonight,” Llibre added.
However, the influx of visitors means traffic will be affected across the county. Drivers should prepare for closures around Hard Rock Stadium, including:
Turnpike ramps and exitsNorthwest 199th Street between Northwest 27th Avenue and Northwest 14th Court
Miami Gardens residents can bypass the closures with a city-issued resident pass or a driver’s license showing a local address. They are also allowed to use the on-ramps to access the Turnpike.
Meanwhile, in Wynwood, III Points Music Festival is causing further disruptions, with streets closed through Sunday at 8 a.m.
Click here to read Hard Rock Stadium’s information guide on what fans should expect on concert day.
Swiftie Sunday Brunch
For those either wrapping up a weekend of Taylor Swift mania or preparing for her final Miami show, Loews Coral Gables Hotel is offering a special “Swiftie Sunday Brunch.” The hotel will transform its regular Americana Kitchen brunch into a themed event featuring live music, signature cocktails inspired by Swift, and specially crafted dishes.
Local poet Ryan Ashley will also be on hand to create personalized prose for guests, inspired by Taylor Swift’s latest album, The Tortured Poet’s Department.
The brunch will take place on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live entertainment from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children under 5 eat free.
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