Comic-Con International, the pop-culture mega convention that has called San Diego home since it was founded 45 years ago, will be staying in San Diego through 2018. San Diego’s largest convention, which attracts more than 130,000 attendees to the San Diego Convention Center, was contracted through 2016.
“We are thrilled to be the home for Comic Con International for two additional years,” said Carol Wallace, president & CEO, San Diego Convention Center Corporation. “We have had a successful partnership since 1991, and we look forward to continuing our shared success,” she added.
The announcement, made by San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, capped a successful effort by San Diego’s hospitality industry to retain the signature event. The mayor took a direct role in helping secure the convention for an additional two years.
Comic-Con International is the San Diego Convention Center’s largest event of the year and is estimated to generate the following economic benefits for the San Diego region:
- Regional Impact: $135.9 million
- Direct Attendee Spending: $80.4 million
- Tax Revenues: $2.8 million
- Attendance: 130,000
Comic-Con International 2015 Event and Parking Information
WHAT: The 46th annual Comic-Con International event will be held at the San Diego Convention Center, 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego. The event draws approximately 130,000 attendees and is SOLD OUT. There is NO ONSITE REGISTRATION and pre-paid parking at the convention center is SOLD OUT.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 8, 6-9 p.m. is Preview Night. Preview Night badges are also SOLD OUT. Thursday, July 9 – Saturday, July 11, exhibit hours are 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. and on Sunday, July 12, exhibit hours are 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
PARKING: Onsite, pre-paid parking at the San Diego Convention Center is SOLD OUT. There is NO ENTRY for vehicles without pre-paid parking passes at the convention center. Pre-paid parking at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel is also SOLD OUT. Learn more about parking and public transportation options.
SHUTTLE: A FREE shuttle is available with service between various hotels and the convention center, including hotels in downtown, Mission Valley, Shelter Island and Harbor Island. Shuttle service runs Wednesday, July 8 from 3 p.m.-12 a.m. and 24-hour service begins at 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 9 and runs continuously until Sunday, July 12 at 7 p.m.
TROLLEY: Comic-Con attendees are encouraged to ride the Trolley to avoid traffic and parking downtown. A special expanded Green Line service will be running during Comic-Con, connecting Qualcomm Stadium and Mission Valley directly to downtown. There is free parking at Qualcomm Stadium. At Hazard Center, free parking is available on the lower level (in the evening on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; and all day on Saturday and Sunday).
COASTER: Comic-Con attendees coming from North County are encouraged to take the Coaster.
