Glendale, Arizona, is changing its name to Swift City in honor of Taylor Swift launching the Eras Tour at State Farm Stadium with two sold-out performances on Friday and Saturday, March 17-18.
The temporary and symbolic rebrand takes effect Friday, the opening day of the tour, and lasts through Saturday.
The name Swift City was unveiled at a news conference on Monday where Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers read a proclamation laying out the case for Swift and Glendale in a series of sentences beginning with “Whereas” and referencing lyrics to several hits on his way to a closing involving the words “I do hereby declare.”
He then added that “all Swifties are encouraged to share their smiles ‘that could light up this whole town’ on all social media platforms because ‘the best people in life are free.'”
Glendale will have digital billboards along the freeways and in Westgate Entertainment District, where State Farm Stadium is, welcoming fans to Swift City.
The city worked with the stadium and Swift’s tour publicist to get the OK to use her ad/collage image on the new symbolic name city sign.
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The city also seized the opportunity to share some helpful tips for fans to know before they head to the concerts:
- Arrive early and stay late to avoid the worst traffic.
- Purchase parking in advance.
- Don’t rely on your GPS since it may not take road closures into account. Instead, follow directions on your parking pass and look for information on digital road signs.
- Rideshare pick up and drop off is in the Black Lot at Montebello and 95th avenues. If you’re entering the lot from Loop 101, you’ll be routed through the Loop 101 and Camelback Road traffic interchange.
- State Farm Stadium is a cashless venue.
- The stadium’s clear bag policy will be in effect.
- No lights of any kind will be allowed in the stadium.
More:Here are Taylor Swift fans’ best Eras Tour outfits, from bejeweled boots to mirrorballs
Taylor Swift-themed food and drinks at Westgate
The city also noted that Westgate bars and restaurants will have Swift-themed menu items including:
- The Lola: Eras-themed cocktails, food, photo ops and a DJ.
- LumberjAxes Axe Throwing Bar: Drink discounts for Swifties.
- Bodega: Themed cocktail, Midnight Rain.
- Carousel Arcade Bar: Themed cocktail, Lover.
- Salt Tacos y Tequila: Themed cocktail, Bad Blood.
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How Glendale, Arizona, got its name
For those of you wondering where Glendale got its name, there’s not a lot of agreement on the matter. That’s according to The Glendale Arizona Historical Society
“For decades, historians have tried to solve the mystery of why this community was named Glendale without any consensus,” the historical society writes on its website.
“Mr. W.J. Murphy, who built the Arizona Canal in 1883-1885 and in order to pay debts on the canal, sold land south of the canal, referring to the area as ‘Glendale.'”
It means wooded valley or glen.
In the 1893 Arizona Republican Columbian Edition, an ad by B.A. Hadsell, referred to as the founder of the colony, lauded the Glendale Temperance Colony of Quakers, Dunkards, Mennonites, River Brethren and other temperance people with all deeds forever prohibiting the manufacturing or sale of intoxicating liquors.”
Don’t worry, you can drink there now.
Until 1890, the historical society continues, the area was simply referred to in writings as “near Alhambra,” “near “Peoria, Arizona” or “northwest Phoenix,” sometimes called Westfield.
After the Arizona Canal was completed, Laura and W.J. Murphy in their love letters referred to their “Glendale Castle.”
In closing, the historical society notes, “Alas, the mystery will continue to perplex the historians.”
Reach the reporter at [email protected] or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley.
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