Photos+Review: Taylor Swift at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field

Written by joe on May 23, 2018

Over 50,000 “Swifties” filled Seattle’s CenturyLink Field. Attendees traveled from all over Washington, Oregon, Canada, and even other nearby states, to witness the visual spectacle that is Taylor Swift’s 2018 Reputation Tour. Attendees were no casual fans either, as many recreated past outfits by Swift and made homemade car costumes in reference to one of her latest tracks “Getaway Car.”

With three stages, a full band, dancers, stage props, a large and moving screen behind her main stage, pyrotechnics, fireworks, costume changes, and so much more – Taylor Swift is still able to take this huge scale of a show and transform it into a personal setting. Prior to entering the arena, fans are given bracelets to put on that light up with various colors and patterns throughout the show. Later Swift spoke to the crowd, saying she had requested the light up bands be handed out so she could see every member of the audience even in the top row. Though the set was heavy on her latest album, Reputation, and featured large scale production and sounds as the album does, she performed a few medleys and tracks solo on her guitar and piano. One of the smaller side stages was treated to acoustic performances of “Dancing With Our Hands Tied” and “Holy Ground,” and some time after returning to the main stage she performed a medley of “Long Live / New Year’s Day” on her piano.

No special guests were in attendance and Camila Cabello did not perform in Seattle due to an illness, but the audience was still captivated and Swift ensured to deliver everything she could in her two hour set. The Reputation Tour is a huge success and reflects the growth and evolution of the artist. The tour features hits of each of her albums mixed in, broken down, revamped, or played in its original stylings. Whether Taylor is at the forefront of a dance number, or taking the stage solo, she commands the attention of her devoted fan base. Stadium shows are known for their grand displays, but Swift’s Reputation will be remembered for some time for it’s mesmerizing display and redefinition of the capabilities of a stadium show. That is, until she outdoes herself once again in her next tour.

Pictures and words by Joe Hernandez (@thisisbroseph / joe hernandez photography)