A Look Back at Taylor Swift's Journey

(Reading, PA) - This weekend, renowned singer and songwriter Taylor Swift will take the stage in Philadelphia, at Lincoln Financial Field, in front of over 70,000 fans.

Swift's rise to fame has been an incredible story to follow. But, what many may not know, is her ascend to one of the greats began about 90 minutes west of Philadelphia. Reading, Pennsylvania, home of the Fightin Phils, but also home to Taylor Swift. Her journey kicked off at a Reading Fightin Phils game.

The first time Swift appeared at a Reading game was completely unplanned. She was at the game as a part of a youth acting group, that was performing the show "Grease" in Reading. Reading was hosting a 50s theme night and the group came out that night dressed as the characters from "Grease". Prior to the game, the group sang songs from the production behind home plate.

But, that same night the scheduled anthem singer did not show up. About two minutes before the anthem, Fightin Phils General Manager Scott Hunsicker was talking with Swift and her parents when they realized there was no anthem singer. At that time, Swift has never performed the anthem, but she quickly ran through it with her mom, then decided to give it a shot. Swift crushed the anthem and it wouldn't be the last time she sang at a Reading game as she returned to sing later that season.

Swift came back the following year and sang the anthem again and then the following year the R-Phils helped her book and promote her first ever solo concert in a large venue. Over the years, she would continue to come back and sing the anthem.

From there, Swift hit it big and the rest is history. She had sent the R-Phils multiple platinum albums to thank them for helping launch her career. The last time she sang the anthem at an R-Phils game was in 2007, when she was 18. She also sang the anthem at Citizens Bank Park prior to game three of the 2008 World Series.

Now, just across the street from Citizens Bank Park, she'll spend three nights performing to a total of 200,000 fans. Her rise to stardom has been incredible to follow and it all began in our backyard, here in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Also, join us for Swifties Night on Saturday, July 1, when Reading takes on the Richmond Flying Squirrels at 6:45. It will be an awesome night recognizing Taylor Swift and all of her accomplishments, featuring plenty of Taylor Swift music and a Carpenter MEGA Blast Fireworks Show, the largest fireworks display in stadium history. The night will conclude with a Taylor Swift theme post-game concert with local singer-songwriter Stephanie Grace, Tickets to that game remain available!

So many more local singers look to get their start at FirstEnergy Stadium each night and you can come out to catch many local singers and the R-Phils in action. Get tickets to all games, including Saturday night's Carpenter MEGA Blast Fireworks Show at rphils.com/tickets, by calling 610-370-BALL or in-person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office.

The 2023 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.