By Ali Yenchick
If you don’t know the significance of October 3, you must not have a teenage daughter.
Emerald Acres Sport Connection’s Taylor Takeover transformed October 3 into an all-out celebration of Taylor Swift’s album release, sparkling, spirited, and proudly Swiftie-coded from first chord to final confetti. The venue filled every corner with Taylor’s greatest hits, setting the tone for a night of community, creativity, and a little glitter.
“Our Taylor Takeover event was conceived as a bridge between our athletic roots and the broader community, inviting guests for non-sporting events to come enjoy our state-of-the-art facility,” said Tyler Yoder, General Manager. “We want Emerald Acres to be more than a place to play—it’s a place to gather, connect, and celebrate together.”
From the moment the doors opened, Swifties stepped into a curated wonderland. A lively friendship bracelet station brought attendees together to craft, trade, and swap messages inspired by the Eras, while photo ops with themed props turned the courtside into a Swiftie selfie studio. Younger fans found a cozy corner at the coloring station, and trivia sheets kept the brainy fun rolling to discover who was her number one fan. A catwalk invited guests dressed in Eras-inspired looks to strut their style. Volunteers added shimmer and personality with face painting and festival-style makeup, while giveaways kept excitement peaking—everyone received one raffle ticket, and VIP guests received two.
VIP admission, which sold out well before the event, delivered the extras: a complimentary buffet, a signature mocktail, a souvenir wristband, and reserved VIP seating. Taylor’s top fans enjoyed:
- Taylor Tots (haters gonna tate, tate, tate)
- Now that we don’t Guac — “Nachos” with guacamole, nacho cheese, and salsa
- This is why we can’t have nice wings
- AVeggies and seemingly ranch tray
- Ever S’mores, alongside complimentary mocktails.
It was a playful spread made for grazing, gabbing, and glowing.
The Café leaned all the way into the pun parade, also serving Invisible String (Cheese), Paper Rings (Onion Rings), Back to Decemburgers, and Enchanted to Meat you (Pulled Pork Mac ‘n Cheese) for purchase. Mocktail selections included Lavender Haze Lemonade and Bad Blood Punch with edible glitter, adding a gleam to every glass.
“The Taylor Takeover was an absolute hit,” said Yoder. “Our goal had been connection and value, and the response proved it. The turnout, vibe, and guest feedback collectively exceeded expectations.”
The night felt like a love letter to the Eras—approachable, stylish, and joyfully over the top in all the right ways. Between bracelet trading, runway moments, music-powered play, and café puns that deserved their own setlist, the Taylor Takeover kept guests smiling—and singing—long after the lights dimmed. Emerald Acres Sport Connection made space for fans of every age and era to belong, and it showed.
