Philadelphia renames radio station in honor of Taylor Swift

The city of Philadelphia is preparing for Taylor Swift’s arrival on Friday, and one radio station has decided to rename itself in honor of the singer.

The broadcasting company Audacy has announced that Philadelphia’s 96.5 TDY (WTDY-FM) will be temporarily renaming themselves “Ninety-Swift-Five T-A-Y” beginning on Thursday, May 11, at 9 AM ET until Monday, May 15, 9 AM ET.

The move will see the radio station exclusively playing Taylor Swift songs, and they will also change their logo and all of their social media platforms, with the tagline “Taylor’s Hits”.

“We’re celebrating @TaylorSwift bringing #TSTheErasTour to Philly by playing Taylor Swift songs 24/7 on Ninety Swift Five T-A-Y!” the radio station said on Instagram.

The radio station is going full Taylor Swift mode

“It’s an exciting time for our stations as we welcome Taylor Swift back to Philadelphia,” said David Yadgaroff, Audacy’s senior vice president and market manager. “TDY will celebrate this amazing weekend by showcasing Taylor in a special way. We can’t wait to turn TDY into T-A-Y, Taylor’s Hits!”

Taylor Swift was born in West Reading, Philadelphia, about 90 minutes away from Philadelphia.

The radio station will also be meeting with fans outside the Lincoln Financial Field before each show with Swift-inspired karaoke, named “Taylor-oke”, and a Swift photo booth complete with props representing each era explored throughout the tour.

They will also be holding a contest for fans for a chance to win a pair of tickets before each show.

Fans will be able to tune into the new Swift-themed radio station on the air and via the Audacy app and website.

How else is Philadelphia celebrating Taylor Swift?

Visit Philadelphia has made a donation of $13,000, Swift’s lucky number, to Rock to the Future in honor of Swift.

Rock to the Future is a non-profit organization that provides students impacted by poverty and violence with free music education programs.

The donation will support 13 months of music for an entire class of students.

“Music education is crucial to the development of young people and supporting safe communities,” said Jessica Craft, CEO of Rock to the Future.

“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.”

Taylor Swift sent roses to a fan

Swift also paid back the community by sending four dozen roses to Ripleigh’s Creamery, a Philadelphia-based ice cream founded by 16-year-old Ripleigh Maring, who created eight new flavors for the Eras Tour back in April.

“Ripleigh, I’m so sorry I couldn’t make it out to your ice cream shop. I’m sure Karma is amazing,” Maring read in the note Swift sent her.

“You are so creative. Keep working hard to pursue your dreams. Love, Taylor.”