Toronto Police say they are ready to respond "swiftly" to any security threats around the upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Toronto.
They are also warning that Swifties without tickets to the Rogers Centre dates should shake off the idea of hanging out near the venue — as there will not be a fan zone.
"We're discouraging non-ticket holders from gathering outside the venue, as there will be no fan zones set up and we want to keep those areas as clear as possible," Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said in a statement released today in conjunction with a press conference.
What Pogue said was "shaping up to be an unforgettable nearly two weeks," will not be without challenges for Toronto's citizenry and its police service.
"You can expect to see a significant and visible police presence throughout the concert week," Pogue said, "including a significant number of officers deployed both inside and outside the venue to ensure the safety of all attendees and to assist wherever needed."
Some of Swift's concerts in Europe have been overshadowed by security threats, with three shows in Vienna, Austria, cancelled in August.
"While we can't go into operational specifics, I want to reassure everyone that we have robust systems in place to detect, assess and respond to any emerging threats, swiftly," Pogue said.
"We're confident that our comprehensive approach, combined with the support of our law enforcement and intelligence partners, will ensure that the concerts proceed safely. Should any issues arise, we're prepared to take immediate action to keep everyone safe."
Police offered the following points to keep in mind:
- There will be road closures and large crowds, so they highly recommend using public transit;
- Remember to be patient when leaving your event, as large crowds will all be exiting at once. Take your time and be alert to your surroundings;
- For Swifties, police are discouraging non-ticket holders from gathering outside the venue to keep those areas clear.
- Decide in advance where you will meet if a member of your group or family gets lost in the crowd — this is especially important for younger kids to know amidst all the excitement.
Taylor Swift will perform six sold-out shows at the Rogers Centre on Nov. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23.
