Several tables with black and yellow beads and string greeted students and community members at the Wichita State women’s volleyball game against the University of Colorado.
The tables were for fans to make friendship bracelets as part of the “Taylor Swift Tailgate” for the game’s Taylor Swift theme. The pre-game event also included a photo wall and trivia about the popular artist.
The tailgate was self-proclaimed Swiftie and freshman Sheccid Banuelos’ first WSU volleyball game, and she was impressed by the activities available.
“I think it’s a great way to start off my experience,” Banuelos said. “I think it’s really fun, especially the bracelet-making station because it’s cute.”
Sophomore Caleb Anderson, another Swiftie, also appreciated the atmosphere of the tailgate.
“I stepped inside for a second and heard all of the songs and that was interesting,” Anderson said. “I’m definitely excited to make some bracelets.”
Banuelos explained the significance friendship bracelets play in the Taylor Swift fandom.
“There’s actually a song on her new album, ‘Midnights,’ called ‘You’re on Your Own Kid,’” Banuelos said. “There’s a line that basically says, ‘make the friendship bracelets,’ and the fandom kind of ran with that and did that for the whole (Eras) Tour. They made them for every show.”
Even those who did not consider themselves Swifties, like freshman Breanna Leach, were able to enjoy the festivities.
“I didn’t know that (Taylor Swift) was the theme, to be honest,” Leach said. “But I think it’s cool because she is making like billions of dollars on her tour right now. It’s definitely very fitting for the time. It’s very positive. Everyone seems really happy.”
