The NFL’s 2024 schedule has finally been released, and fans are buzzing with excitement. But what many might not know is that the league had to take into account an unlikely factor when creating the schedule: Taylor Swift’s tour dates.
As reported by Fox Sports, NFL VP of broadcast planning Mike North revealed that the league had to factor in Swift’s U.S. tour dates when making the 2024 season schedule. This is no surprise, given Swift’s massive global influence and devoted fan base.
The global superstar’s tour dates had a significant impact on the NFL’s scheduling decisions.
Swift is set to perform at Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the Miami Dolphins, on three consecutive days from Friday, October 18, through Sunday, October 20. She will then travel to New Orleans for three consecutive days of shows at the Caesars Superdome, the New Orleans Saints’ home field, from Friday, October 25, through Sunday, October 27. The final leg of her U.S. return wraps up at Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts, from Friday, November 1, through Sunday, November 3.
As a result, the NFL made sure to schedule games around Swift’s tour dates. For example, the Miami Dolphins will travel to Indianapolis to play the Colts in Week 7, while the New Orleans Saints will head to Los Angeles to play the Chargers in Week 8.
The NFL had to get creative with their scheduling to accommodate Swift’s tour dates.
Interestingly, Swift happens to have a concert in Toronto on November 14-16 and 21-23, coinciding with the NFL’s Week 11 schedule. The Kansas City Chiefs, whose tight end Travis Kelce is Swift’s boyfriend, are scheduled to play the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. While NFL VP Mike North denies that the scheduling was done to accommodate Swift, it’s hard not to wonder if the coincidence is more than just that.
Swift’s personal life may have played a role in the NFL’s scheduling decisions.
Regardless of the motivations behind the scheduling, one thing is clear: Taylor Swift’s influence extends far beyond the music world and into the realm of professional sports.
The intersection of sports and music is a fascinating one, and Swift’s impact on the NFL’s scheduling decisions is just the latest example.
