The Baltimore Ravens are one game away from the Super Bowl, but all eyes could be on an off-field MVP when the Kansas City Chiefs play at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday. Yes, we’re talking about Taylor Swift—who else would it be?
In case you missed it, the singer/songwriter/mega-celeb has been in a whirlwind romance with Chiefs tight end/podcaster/experimental fashionista Travis Kelce. Their relationship debuted at a Chiefs game in September, and Swift has since attended more than ten games, including those on the road. (Kelce also got a shout-out at a concert when Swift changed the “Karma” lyrics to “karma is the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me.”) She’s typically spotted in a box with members of the Kelce crew—most recently a shirtless Jason Kelce, who may have dethroned TJ Oshie when it comes to miscellaneous debauchery—or friends in her celebrity squad.
Most importantly, it may be the only chance for local Swifties to catch a glimpse of the musician, who hasn’t performed in Maryland since the 2018 Reputation tour. As you may recall, Swift famously snubbed the region for her Eras tour—not once, but twice. Sure, she won’t be performing on stage, but does the distinction really matter to diehard Swifties? After all, we’re talking about a group of people who swarmed an intimate rehearsal dinner upon hearing Swift would be there.
Even the whisper of a Taylor appearance could lead to a mad dash for game day tickets, which go on sale Tuesday, January 23, at 10 AM. Warriors who battled in the Taylor Swift Ticketmaster Disaster of 2022 can put down their swords: Rather than floundering in a waiting room, hopefuls can enter a lottery to receive two tickets. As for angry football fans—the “dads, Brads, and Chads,” to use Swift’s own words? Sorry in advance, but you might just have to “Shake It Off.”
(Worth noting: It has yet to be confirmed that Swift will actually be at the game but her tour is on hiatus, she’s become a fixture at Chiefs games, and flying everywhere via private jet has a funny way of making travel less of a schlep.)
Beyond the pre-game brouhaha, Swift’s presence at NFL games has led stadiums to capitalize on her stardom. At yesterday’s Buffalo Bills game, concessions included “Bad Blood” fries and “Karma quesadillas”—and Swift wasn’t even there to cheer on the home team. We think Baltimore could be a little more creative than our peers up north: What about “Picture to Berger (Cookie)” and “Death by a Thousand Crabs”?
Meanwhile, the Ravens are trying to capture some star power of their own. Last month, linebacker Patrick Queen tweeted at Dua Lipa, writing that he had a suite and jersey for her at a game. If the pop star showed up on Saturday, the AFC Championship could feel more like a Grammys’ red carpet rather than the typical tailgate.
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Northeast DC.
