Ed Sheeran Brings Weekend in Tampa to Close with 70,000 Fans at Raymond James Stadium

Global superstar musician Ed Sheeran had a busy weekend in Tampa!  Starting on Friday, Ed visited Middleton High School in Tampa and donated guitars from his new line to the music department, contributing to the local community. He gave a “tiny” concert as Ed put it. He spent time with the teens taking selfies, signing autographs and giving them tickets to his Saturday night show at Ray Jay. A day these music students will never forget!

Next up was his intimate show at Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall on Friday night where he played Billboard’s current number one album “Subtract” in its entirety to crowd of over 2,000 diehard Sheeran fans. Honest, emotional and fun, Ed gave his all for 2 hours in the beautiful venue that we are lucky to have in Tampa Bay area. His supporting act Ben Kweller was the perfect opener for Ed! Looking forward to Ben doing a tour of his own, a great musician.

Saturday afternoon started with parking lots opening at 2:00 pm at the Buc’s Stadium for the “Mathematics Tour”.  There was a brief rain event that put things on hold temporarily. Traffic was heavily congested all afternoon. There was an official merch trailer open for fans to grab t-shirts and vinyl among other tour stuff outside the stadium for those that couldn’t go to the show or before they went in to the show.  Gates opened at 4:30 pm with the early crowds pouring in.  The music started at 6:00 pm with the English female singer, Dylan.  Next was singer Khalid, who has had hit duets with Ed, Billie Eilish and Halsey as well as his own hits “Better” and “8Teen”. 

Am amazing stage set up for this tour! A stage in the round that rotates as well as setting off pyro and great visuals above the stage on all sides.  Giant guitar picks serve as screens in all compass points of the stadium.  The countdown started at the 10-minute mark which kept the crowd’s attention to the stage. There was audience participation with “The Wave” making its way around Raymond James. The screen around the stage lifted at 8:30 pm to Sheeran in a Tampa t-shirt, black cargo pants and multi-colored tennis shoes   He had the crowd in the palm of his hand from the first notes of “Tides”.  He played a 26-song set that included a duet with Khalid (Beautiful People) and a cover of Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” along with the hits like “Shape of You” and tracks from “Subtract”. He played both with the band and solo. Running the stage, beat boxing, standing stationary as the stage moved to allow for everyone to view him and for him to see the Tampa Bay crowd who has embraced him and his music.

Thanks for stopping by Ed, till we see you next time! Here is Ed’s setlist HERE.

Vicky Sullivan Photos