Taylor and Travis sugar rush: Is there any treat more tempting?

BY GAVIN PATRICK / Multimedia Journalist

Halloween is a time for people to pretend that they’re someone or something else -- at least for one night. It can serve as an escape from reality, and perhaps, bring out a different side of ourselves.

One of the most popular couples-costumes in 2023 -- and surely, 2024 -- was Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Because of course -- most people would do anything to be as happy, as cool, as talented, as stylish and as famous as those two. Right?

Well, one thing Swift and Kelce can’t do is escape from reality.

One thing people have in common nowadays -- Tayvis stan or not -- is seeing those two in the headlines almost every single day. Personally, as a 19-year-old, I have never seen such extensive media focus, fanaticism and obsession on a celebrity couple in my lifetime. That is until I opened social media on Sept. 24, 2023, to find that Swift had pulled up to the Chiefs game against the Chicago Bears to see her boyfriend play football for the first of many times.

Since then, “Swift mania” has completely manifested into the NFL world, and her relationship with the superstar tight end has arguably  become the epicenter of popular culture. The two really are a perfect match for lights and cameras, almost like peanut butter and chocolate is for Reese’s cup lovers.

So, in honor of that (I guess), and while everyone is out trick-or-treating this Halloween, let’s take a look at some of Swift and Kelce’s latest whereabouts.

US Open (Sept. 8)

The super-power couple headlined the list of celebrities in attendance for the 2024 US Open men’s final.

The two were caught on video walking hand-in-hand into the arena. Kelce, per usual, showed off his eccentric fashion style -- sporting a “Gucci” green-and-red-striped bucket hat -- while Swift kept it simple with a red-and-white-dotted skirt and sunglasses.

Kelce’s superstar quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, was also in attendance alongside his wife, Britney Mahomes. It served as a fun double-date for the close-knit bunch, three days after the Chiefs’ opening night win against the Baltimore Ravens.

Swift attends Chiefs’ first three home games (Sept. 5, 15 and Oct. 7)

Speaking of that game, Swift was in attendance to watch Kelce defend the Chiefs’ Super Bowl banner on Sept. 5, as well as the team’s two subsequent home games against the Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints -- all of which the Chiefs won.

Swift’s last appearance on Oct. 7 was particularly noteworthy because of her fashion choice. Her face was decorated with red body glitter freckles, which instantly sparked a new trend among fans (as she tends to do). Sales of the Fazit-brand makeup patches Swift wore spiked 2500% in the hours following the game, according to TODAY.

I thought everything wasn’t about her, but I guess it is.

Yankees/Guardians playoff game (Oct. 14)

With the Chiefs on a bye week and Swift having four days before starting the final leg of “The Eras Tour,” the two linked up again in New York City to see the Cleveland Guardians play the New York Yankees in Game One of the American League Championship Series.

Kelce, a Cleveland native, was rooting hard for the away team, hoping to see his Guardians get a step closer to their first World Series appearance since 2016. He sat cozied up with Swift in the suite alongside friends, including comedian Jerrod Carmichael.

The night was rather low-key, but not to be left concealed, Swift was (of course) seen planting a kiss on Kelce’s cheek. And later, Kelce covered both of their faces with his hat (like a smooth operator) as they puckered up. All while, at one point, Swift’s song “Welcome to New York” played over the PA… totally coincidentally.

Kelce’s “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?” premieres (Oct. 16)

The new game show was recorded in the spring, avoiding conflicts with Kelce’s football schedule, and premiered on Amazon Prime Video on Oct. 16.

New episodes come out every Wednesday through Feb. 12, with Kelce as host. The show features contestants trying to answer 11 questions, ranging from a first to sixth grade-level, with the help of celebrity guests. If they answer every question correctly, they win a grand prize of $100,000.

In a 4-minute promo posted to Prime Video’s YouTube page, Kelce dives into what fans can expect from the show. One thing for certain, he said, is that his exuberant personally will be on display.

“It’s always gonna be a party when I’m involved,” Kelce said. “I can guarantee you that.”

For what it’s worth, Kelce even got a visit from Swift one day on set, according to one of the show’s celebrity guest panelists, Garcelle Beauvais.

Swift shouts out Kelce (again) at her Miami “Eras Tour” shows (Oct. 18)

Kelce could not attend Swift’s three-day stand in Miami, but she was sweet to acknowledge his spirit.

Any Swiftie would know what the first tribute was -- changing the lyrics of her song “Karma” to “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs.” But there was a second tribute that was much more subtle.

Swift was seen wearing “T” initial earnings throughout her performance, which she hadn’t worn before to the shows. Although both of their first names start with a T, some believe it was a subtle tribute to her boyfriend. Because why else would she wear them?