BERLIN — Swifties are about to take over the German city formerly known as Gelsenkirchen, where American superstar Taylor Swift will perform three Eras Tour shows later this month.
In honor of the singer, the city changed its name to “Swiftkirchen” — at least temporarily — to welcome the tens of thousands of fans who are expected to attend their shows on July 17, 18 and 19, German news agency dpa reported.
A yellow city sign bearing the new name — which roughly translates to “Swift Church” — was unveiled Tuesday by Swift fan Aleshanee Westhoff, who suggested the name to the city’s mayor and started a petition a few weeks ago. . Mayor Karin Welge thanked the teenager for the “great idea” in a letter accepting the proposal.
The Swiftie sign is emblazoned with a pink portrait of the pop icon and is located in the city center. Several other signs “in very frequented locations in Gelsenkirchen” will be placed in the coming days, city spokesman Markus Schwardtmann told dpa.
One of Germany’s poorest cities, Gelsenkirchen is a former coal mining town that never recovered from the decline of its main industry. The Ruhr city is known for its football team and a huge stadium that occasionally attracts international artists like Swift.
And there’s more to come in the German city of Swiftie.
The American singer will also receive her own stone on the Gelsenkirchen Walk of Fame, alongside local notables such as football coach Rudi Assauer and writer Ilse Kibgis, and during her concerts, the city will host open-air parties with karaoke performances. A “Taylor Swift tram” is already running, dpa reported.
Other fan attractions are being planned but kept secret for now. “There will be lots of surprises, big and small, so Swifties will have plenty to discover in Gelsenkirchen,” said Schwardtmann.
Swift’s shows in Gelsenkirchen are sold out and will take place at the Veltins-Arena at the Schalke stadium, which has space for up to 70,000 Swifties. Other Eras Tour shows are planned for Hamburg and Munich.
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