Headed to San Diego Comic-Con? Here’s everything to know before you go
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego Comic-Con is right around the corner and fans headed to the convention are anxiously anticipating its return.
For those that are headed to the convention this weekend, FOX 5/KUSI has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Comic-Con to help make your experience as smooth as possible.
If you still have a question about the event that is not covered here, check out Comic-Con’s official website here.
What is the badge policy?
Everyone entering San Diego Comic-Con events, whether it’s in the main convention halls or the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel, will be required to have their badge visibly on their body.
Comic-Con badges are all equipped with radio frequency identification technology, so guests will simply need to tap their badge over a scanner at the entrance gate and wait for the light to turn green. When leaving, fans will similarly need to tap the scanners to allow for re-entrance.
Every badge is also connected to the Comic-Con Member ID account. Each attendee, including children, needs to have a valid badge with a unique ID number. Badges are not transferrable. You may also be required to show photo ID by a staff member to confirm identities.
Can you replace a badge? If you lose your badge, no problem! Comic-Con officials say attendees can replace their badge at the Attendee Badge Solutions Desk in the convention’s registration area for a nominal fee.
I don’t have a badge. Can I still go?
Unfortunately, those without a valid badge will not be permitted into Comic-Con and badge sales are closed for the year.
Don’t be duped: Badges listed on re-sale websites are not valid for entry, as admission is non-transferrable.
However, that does not mean you have to miss out on all the fun. There are plenty of activities happening outside the Convention Center that do not require a badge, from immersive activations to fan meet-ups. FOX 5/KUSI has complied some of those opportunities here.
Getting to the Convention Center
Driving and parking
Comic-Con attendees who plan to drive to the event will likely need to plan their routes and desired parking lot ahead of time — traffic will be backed up throughout downtown and parking will likely be hard to come by without some advance thinking.
Road closures will be in place for all vehicular traffic along Harbor Drive from First Avenue to Park Boulevard. This closure also limits access for bicycles, scooters and skateboards to Harbor Drive throughout the convention. ADA mobility devices and emergency vehicles will be allowed.
The front of the Convention Center, including its stairs and surrounding sidewalks, will also be limited to only Comic-Con attendees beginning at 7 a.m. throughout the convention.
According to organizers, a parking reservation plus a valid badge or confirmed registration will also be needed to access the center’s underground Ace Parking garage. At this time, the lottery for the underground lot is closed.
However, there are other lots throughout the downtown area that still have reservations open for parking:
101 West Broadway Garage (Begins at $32.95/day)
655 W Broadway (Begins at $32.95/day)
707 Broadway (Begins at $27.95/day)
Diamond View Tower Special Events (Begins at $42.95/day)
Hard Rock Hotel Valet (Begins at $87.95/day)
Horton Pacific Garage (Begins at $32.95/day)
Iqhq – Radd (Begins at $32.95/day)
MTS-501 station (Begins at $42.95/day)
Padres Parkade – Special Events (Begins at $32.95/day)
Park It on Market (Begins at $37.95/day)
San Diego Central Library (Begins at $37.95/day)
To book a spot at one of these locations or to get more information about other convention parking options, attendees can visit Ace Parking’s website.
No badge to San Diego Comic-Con? Check out these events instead
Taking public transit
Comic-Con attendees who want to avoid parking can use public transit to get to and from the convention with relative ease.
Locally-based attendees, or those staying at a hotel near a transit center, can hop on the MTS Trolley and ride it all the way down to Comic-Con. The Trolley has two different stations nearby: across from Hall A at the Convention Center Station and near Hall D at the Gaslamp Station.
An added bonus: “contactless” payment options are now available for all MTS passengers. More about how to use the Trolley to get to Comic-Con can be found here.
Those who need to journey from a little farther away can take the COASTER Commuter Train or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to get to the convention. Both stop at the Santa Fe Depot, a short walk away from the Convention Center.
Staying at a hotel? San Diego Comic-Con offers a free shuttle service for attendees to a number of locations around the downtown area. The shuttle runs every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day. More information about the shuttle can be found on the convention’s website.
What time does the Convention Center open?
The Exhibit Hall will open to attendees daily starting at 9:30 a.m. Doors to the Exhibit Hall will close around 7 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Exhibitors and Programs
The Exhibit Hall is where fans can find hundreds of booths, featuring fan tables centered around beloved properties and studios, artisans, comic-book publishers, games and more. A map of the Exhibit Hall’s layout and a list of all booths in the space can be found here.
Pro tip: The Exhibit Hall is one of the parts of the convention with the most foot traffic throughout the weekend. Organizers say attendees should be sure to keep to your right while navigating the floor and follow all aisle signs.
As far as programming goes, the schedule for this year’s convention has been released for fans to plan their days at the convention. This year, the trademark panels featuring celebrities and their highly-anticipated projects is set to make a sensational return following last year’s strikes.
FOX 5/KUSI has compiled a list of the most exciting programs on this year’s schedule, from star-studded Hall H and Ballroom 20 panels to niche, hidden gems. For fans that want to chart their own path, Comic-Con has a couple buildable schedule options, including the MySchedule feature and the official Comic-Con app.
How do I get into a certain panel?
To obtain entrance into a panel, you will need to get in line ahead of time. Some panels might be harder to get into due to high demand, so guests are encouraged to get to the Convention Center and get in line early.
For the first Hall H panels of the day, attendees may need to obtain a “Next Day Line” wristband, also called a “First-Seating” wristband, allowing them to gain entry. Overnight camping for these panels is not allowed.
Wristband distribution begins at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday for Thursday’s panels, 7:30 p.m. on Thursday for Friday’s panels, and 8 p.m. Friday for Saturday’s panels at the green flag at Embarcadero Park South. More information about the “First-Seating” wristband distribution can be found on Comic-Con’s website.
Comic-Con schedule: Marvel Studios returns, plus other exciting panels
What can I bring to the convention?
Most bags aside from rolling carts and luggage are allowed into Comic-Con, although there are items that are prohibited from entry.
Among the banned items is outside alcoholic beverages, devices that can be flown like drones or balloons, promotional distribution materials, bicycles, scooters, hoverboards, live-streaming equipment (live-streaming is prohibited inside the convention), fireworks, selfie sticks, cigarettes and vaping devices. Pets, aside from service animals, will also need to be left at home.
All bags may also be subject to search by security to make sure these prohibited items do not make their way into the convention.
Pro tip: Wondering what to bring to make sure you’re ready for the day? Comic-Con has a suggested check list for attendees!
Are there rules about cosplay?
Comic-Con attendees are highly encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters throughout the weekend. However, there are a couple rules that cosplayers need to abide by.
The most important rule for cosplayers is that functional props or weapons are not allowed as part of a costume. Simulated or costume weapons can be let in, but they need to be inspected daily at the Costume Props Desks, located in the lobby of Hall E and in Lobby C2.
According to Comic-Con organizers, approval by the prop safety officers will be based on the following criteria:
All cosplay must abide by Comic-Con’s Code of Conduct.
No functional or sharp-edged props or weapons are allowed at Comic-Con.
All costume props must conform to state and federal law.
Replica projectile costume props must be rendered inoperable and covered with brightly-colored caps.
Functional (real) arrows must have their tips removed and be bundled and zip-tied to a quiver.
Certain props may need to be tied to your costume in such a way that they can’t be drawn. Our Prop Safety Officers will make these determinations.
Costumes featuring stilts must be approved at the Costume Props Desk.
Realistic cosplay of first responders and/or security is not permitted.
At certain times, due to crowds and safety issues, oversized costumes may be asked to leave the Exhibit Hall and/or programming rooms.
According to organizers, security will escort cosplayer to the Desk if elements of their costume are not already tagged with approval.
Have a great time at Comic-Con San Diego!
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