CINCINNATI — Just like Cincinnati on Thursday night, the weather in the Tri-State isn’t always so “enchanted.” There is a possibility of storms this weekend that could affect not only Taylor Swift’s concerts, but also Cincinnati Reds and FC Cincinnati games.
City and county officials said Tuesday the Taylor Swift concerts will go ahead rain or shine, but there could be delays if there is lightning in the area. WCPO wanted to find out what the contingency plan is in case that happens.
“I’m so excited, I can’t wait, I’m so over the moon right now,” Swiftie Kabie Pachicano said.
To make sure she’s prepared, Pachicano heads to Paycor Stadium hours before the show.
“I know I’m going to be standing all day and have boots that aren’t going to be comfortable, but it’s going to be okay,” Pachicano said.
The forecast points to potential problems as storms are likely to roll into Friday and Saturday night.
“I’ve been trying to ignore it because I’m just hoping for the best — we have a plan, the show will go on even if it rains,” said Duane Haring, Bengals director of stadium and events operations, who said the only what could stop the show is lightning. “Should that come up, we have a plan to use all of our video messaging boards to communicate with fans at the stadium.”
WCPO has requested a copy of this weather emergency plan but has not received it. It’s unclear who is asking for the event to be postponed, and aside from communicating with fans via a video messaging board, WCPO has not received any further details.
“We drove all the way from West Virginia, like far West Virginia, so it can’t rain,” said Cara Henry.
Last month, Nashville’s Nissan Stadium delayed Taylor Swift’s concert for more than three hours due to a lightning strike in the area. The show ended around 1:30 a.m. with the song “Midnight Rain” by Taylor Swift, which lived up to its name.
“Ponchos, raincoats, positive thoughts,” said Amanda Robinson.
While the Swifties are hoping this won’t be a “cruel summer,” they are hoping potential storms will prove to be “sweet nothings.”
“I’ll bring a poncho just in case, but either way she’s obviously done some rain shows, so I think she’ll put it out there anyway,” Pachicano said.
Every visitor to the concerts should also check what they can and cannot take into the stadium. Similar to a Bengals game, you are not allowed to bring an umbrella into the stadium.
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