Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour came to Clemson on Friday night, complete with sparkly outfits, glow sticks and friendship bracelets that lit up the streets of downtown Clemson. The Swift Society hosted their sixth Eras Night at 356 Sushi, drawing a crowd of excited Clemson Swifties. This event marks two years of the club hosting Swift-themed nights where her music and influence are celebrated with an evening filled with scream-singing and Swift-themed goodies.
Eras Nights are known for their enthusiastic turnout, and this Friday was no exception. 356 was transformed into a glittering Swift-inspired wonderland, full of concert classic sparkly wristbands, glow sticks and a themed drink menu. Highlights from the drink menu included “Lemon Drops on My Guitar” and “Tortured Tequila Department” — clever nods to some of Swift’s most popular songs and albums.
The evening simulated the iconic tour by starting with music from Gracie Abrams, who opened for Swift on select U.S. tour dates. Then, the space transitioned into a full Swift experience with the “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” film playing on the venue’s many screens. Foam glow sticks, handed out at the beginning of the night, added to the ambiance and mirrored the light-up bracelets seen at Swift’s shows. The crowd quickly turned into a sea of glitter and colorful lights as guests sang, danced and celebrated Swift’s biggest hits.
One of the standout features of the Eras Nights is their inclusivity, especially for students and guests under 21. “We host events that people under 21 can come to,” said Swift Society President Reid Shultz, highlighting the club’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Patrons under 21 were able to enter before 11 p.m. with a $5 cover fee, ensuring that everyone could join the celebration.
With crowds ranging from 500 to 800 people per event, organizing such a popular night is a significant logistical challenge. “From the venues I’ve seen downtown, I feel like none of them are truly ready for this level of capacity,” Shultz observed, noting the challenges of finding spaces that can handle the enthusiastic turnout. However, 356 Sushi has proven to be a reliable partner. “356 Sushi is easy to work with and has great communication. There is just a very large understanding of how much demand these events have,” Shultz said.
With two years of hosting these popular events, the Swift Society has become a well-oiled machine. “It was just natural,” said Shultz on planning these nights. He credited the previous administration with the seamless transition of contacts and knowledge. “I got the contact for 356 Sushi from the prior administration, and they were like, yes, we want to do this and work with you all,” Shultz said regarding his transition into president in April last semester.
The growing popularity of the Swift Society is evident not just in the turnout at their events but also in their membership numbers. With over 1,000 members in their GroupMe and 785 sign-ups on Tiger Quest, the club has reached the ranks of Clemson’s most popular organizations. “I believe we got over 200 people to sign up at Tiger Prowl alone,” Shultz shared, underscoring the overwhelming interest from students. “It’s a good issue to have,” the club leader reflected.
Even with its membership numbers growing exponentially, the Swift Society remains dedicated to its core mission: providing a safe and enjoyable space for fans to gather and celebrate their love of Taylor Swift. The club takes particular care to ensure a comfortable environment for its predominantly female membership. “I am a man, but the majority of our members are women, and we want to make sure they feel safe and comfortable,” Shultz said. “It’s one of the safest nights downtown, but it’s oddly one where you are packed shoulder to shoulder screaming music.”
For Shultz, the best memories with the Swift Society involve moments like these, where the club brings together a community of fans to share in the joy of Swift’s music. “There’s a level of deep timelessness to her music,” Shultz said, reflecting on Swift’s lasting impact. As the club continues to grow, Shultz encourages those interested to get involved. “I recommend for anyone who is genuinely interested in doing Swift Society to apply to exec,” he urged. With plans for more events on the horizon, the Swift Society is not slowing down anytime soon.
To learn more about the Swift Society’s upcoming events, check out:
Instagram: @swiftsocietyatclemson
Tiger Quest: https://clemson.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/swiftsocietyatclemson
