PHILADELPHIA, May 11, 2023 – Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour is making its way across North America, with its next stop at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field for three sold-out shows from May 12-14. To welcome the superstar singer-songwriter, VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is taking a cue from Swift’s history of philanthropy (and her love for the number 13) by making a $13,000 donation to Rock to the Future – a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization supporting youth development and economic empowerment through free, student-driven music programs for the city’s youth. This contribution supports 13 months of music education for an entire class of students.

The donation was announced today on Visit Philadelphia’s social media accounts featuring students from the Rock to the Future program performing a cover of Taylor Swift’s hit song “Style.” To amplify the initiative, Visit Philadelphia has pledged an additional $13,000 to Rock to the Future if the video posts reach a combined 13K likes on TikTok and Instagram.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Visit Philadelphia to welcome Taylor Swift and the Eras Tour to Philadelphia in a meaningful and impactful way,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “We hope this effort serves as inspiration for other cities on her tour to give back to their communities as a way to honor Taylor Swift and her fans.”

To view the video – and to get involved – please visit: @Visit.Philly on TikTok and @VisitPhilly on Instagram.

“As the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection prepares to welcome Taylor Swift for the Eras Tour, Visit Philadelphia wanted to honor the global superstar and her long-standing philanthropic efforts while making a lasting impact on the youth of Philadelphia,” said Visit Philadelphia president and CEO, Angela Val. “What better way to do this than by making a donation to Rock to the Future in support of youth music education in Philadelphia.”

”Music education is crucial to the development of young people and supporting safe communities,” said Rock to the Future CEO, Jessica Craft. “Unfortunately, many youth lack access to creative opportunities due to funding inequities. With the support of Visit Philadelphia, youth in under-resourced areas will have access to the joys and benefits of Rock to the Future’s transformative music programs.”

The weekend of the Taylor Swift concert (May 12-14) is expected to be high-performing for Philadelphia’s tourism industry. Not only will Swift play three back-to-back sold-out shows at Lincoln Financial Field, but it is also the University of Pennsylvania graduation, which is causing significant compression among Center City hotels. According to TravelClick data, Center City hotel occupancy rates are expected to hover around 90% during the weekend, harkening back to pre-pandemic levels: the last time Philadelphia hit that metric in May was Memorial Day Weekend of 2019.

About Visit Philadelphia:

VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy. On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website, visitphilly.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages.

Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the site an effective trip-planning tool. Visitors can also find loads of inspiration on Visit Philly’s social media channels.

Note to Editors: For high-resolution photos and high-definition B-roll of Greater Philadelphia, visit the Photos & Video section of visitphilly.com/mediacenter.

About Rock to the Future:

Philadelphia-based nonprofit Rock to the Future provides free, transformative music programs for resilient young people in neighborhoods affected by poverty and violence. Starting with 13 participants in Kensington in 2010, Rock to the Future now serves hundreds of kids and teens each year through in-school, after-school, and summer programs at schools, community locations, and in the juvenile justice system. Their programs combine exciting, student-driven music programming – like learning guitar, bass, drums, piano, music production, original songwriting, and live performance – with education, mentoring, and social services support. Through music, youth build social and intellectual capital and life skills which supports high school graduation, professional pathways, peer relationships, and lifelong well-being. Thousands of community members celebrate the talents and achievements of local youth through dozens of free performances each year.  RocktotheFuture.org @Rock2Future