Comic-Con International Opts to Stay on in San Diego Through 2018
July 2, 2015
Just days before Comic-Con International kicks off its annual convention, San Diego likely is breathing a huge sigh of relief, with its biggest event signing on to stay in the city through 2018.
With 130,000 attendees expected July 8-12 at the San Diego Convention Center, the event has grown so large, there was talk that it might move somewhere else when the current contract expired next year.
But, even with hotels booked for miles around and the halls filled to the brim with exhibits, the show will stay put.
“We are thrilled to be the home for Comic-Con International for two additional years,” said Carol Wallace, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation, which oversees the center.
She added, “We have had a successful partnership since 1991 and we look forward to continuing our shared success.”
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 economic impact is significant to San Diego and the surrounding area:
• Regional Impact: $135.9 million
• Direct Attendee Spending: $80.4 million
• Tax Revenues: $2.8 million
• Attendance: 130,000
The show started in 1970 in a hotel in San Diego with just 100 attendees. Now, besides the massive attendance, the event also has more than 460,000 square feet of exhibit space and last year had 700-plus separate events.
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