Comic-Con Threatens To Leave San Diego: 5 Reasons They Absolute Should 

I'm a San Diego neighbor and I agree on the price gouging, but as a desert dweller you're far too easily looking past the weather. Part of the reason people flock to San Diego is the amazing weather, and in Las Vegas a July event you're talking 110+ degree heat. Most people in the county are NOT used to that like we southwesterners are. You WILL melt. Even with a 3Xs larger convention center, you're talking 3Xs more nerd sweat to be shared. Also, us geeks aren't quite exactly in the best of shape. I personally, even being an SD neighbor, have never gone to ComicCon because it's too packed, but if you trade away the San Diego weather, I'll literally never want to go. I don't know that we geeks are down with the f-boi Vegas vibe. What should happen is the chamber of commerce stepping in and helping SDCC negotiate with the hotels. "Lower your rates or lose all that business" is a powerful negotiating tool when SD almost has no other big attractions anymore since the Chargers left.

As a Vegas Vlogger, that monorail does work and is connected to the Convention Center and runs all the way to MGM Grand

Hotel prices always go up during a huge event, no matter what city it is.

Hotel prices always gonna go up whenever theres an event Bigger the even, bigger the prices.

Move away from the prices and move into the heat. Lol

First they lose the chargers and now potentially Comic Con…

So it becomes another Vegas convention. No thank you.

I live in San Diego. Been a fan of comic con since I was a kid, but I agree with John. They need to move it to Vegas. The city infrastructure can’t support an event of that size and they haven’t made enough investments to improve this situation. Not enough hotels, mediocre restaurants, limited public transportation.

Okay but imagine their presentation being held at The Sphere in Vegas

I think one of the best things about ComicCon being in San Diego was because it wasn’t *another* convention held in Vegas, LA or NYC?

One other reason to move it to Vegas is, some of us that sit in the registration line for hours. Only to get the ALL TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!!!! Can maybe get a pass with more tickets available because the venue is bigger. Plus Comic Con will make more $$$

John has some really good points here and I appreciate comic con for considering their attendees and how difficult its been for them in terms of booking accomodation and tickets etc.

The weather in Vegas in July sucks. It is so hot. SAN Diego weather gets warmer and humid, but I would take that over 110+ heat in Vegas if I have to be out and about during the day.

It was literally just announced that comic con is staying in san diego till 2026

San Diego is a great city but it's not built for big events. Vegas is a much better option for hotels, food, and fun activities

I vividly disagree with one major point that John mentioned. You cannot escape the heat in Vegas. Odds are most people will be further away in hotels in the strip or outside it and the time outside your hotel to the convention center is not insignificant. Not every hotel is connected and you have to walk outside from anywhere from 5-20 minutes minimum. You absolutely HAVE to move it from the summer to fall or Spring. Winter is too cold as well.

So SD lost their nfl team & comic con. Sweet

San Diego’s only advantage is the weather

I personally love San Diego as well and a lot of the businesses depend on MLB and Comic Con to make there years just about. So losing Comic Con would be a massive blow to the local economy.

Just 2 things that bothered me a little. 1) They talk about better inner city transportation in vegas yet only mentioned taxis and uber? The other host even had to bring up the monorail. When people think of better inner city transportation they think public transit. 2) You say it takes you 2 to 2.5 hours to drive from burbank to vegas? Yah, if you're driving like 150 mph non-stop down the 15 freeway.

I live in San Diego....I do NOT understand why SD won't approve and make the Convention Center Larger!...it was supposed to "expand" like 10 years ago!...When SDCC threaten to leave back then!....Yup....Shoulder to Shoulder crowds inside.....Not a fun experience!...too bad SD wont fix these issues...

IDK. 1) Las Vegas is over 100°F-100°F. 2) The hotels owners WILL raise the prices. 3) Is still expensive.

I was at a convention in Vegas, two years ago and not only did the monorail go right to my hotel but it goes right to the convention center. Very easy to use so yes, the monorail does go to the convention center. And I agree with you about flights I live in Stockton, California just about the most out-of-the-way Podunk town there is and even we got a direct flight from our little airport to Vegas

Las vegas is worse by far, it is an ecological, humane and economical disaster. They should move to somewhere with a moderate to cold climate. Concerning the price, they can charge as much as they want as long as people as willing to pay.

I went to the LV convention center for LVLup expo. Theres no way SDCC could fit in there. LVconvention center doesn't even have a ballpark or concert facility within walking distance that SDCC uses. SDCC has a city wide trolley right in front with special lanes dedicated to SDCC weekend.

As a San Diego native, living here over 40 years, the City leadership “HATES” THE SAN DIEGO COMIC CON.

If they leave SD and go to Vegas they need have the con in the fall or spring too hot in the summer

I was in Hall H when Harrison Ford made his first appearance ever at any comic-con. This was before it got super-crazy.

Can't speak on the hotel situation, but in terms of crowds and terrible flows, silly morning lineups for Hall H, I've wondered why the CCI just didn't Petco across the street to host its Hollywood presentations. That would solve the lack of seats and make it more equitable for everyone who wants to see the Marvel presentation to be able to do so.

Moving to Las Vegas is really the best option. I love San Diego but the con is way too big for the area. Las Vegas is built for huge events all year long, plus it would be cool if Hall H moved to the Sphere

Some of the SD arguments I’ve heard is that offsites and activations won’t be as close to the conversation. Also that SD as a city embraces and changes it persona for comic con by wrapping trolleys, theming the gas light and downtown, whereas in LV it’ll just become another convention in the city for the weekend.

He's absolutely right. If Comic Con moved to Las Vegas, there's a good chance you can come there as a nerd and leave as a man.

Somebody mentioned L.A. for ComicCon . There already is L.A. ComicCon . Coming in October at the L.A. Convention Center .

So Las Vegas doesn't gouge with all the stupid Resort fees????? FOH

agreed with the comic con to LA, it can barely handle the crowd for Anime Expo (albeit getting inside this year was so much efficient and easy) but no way can they do it for Comic con

Another thing about the heat is that cosplayers like to take photos. Every con I've been to there are people doing photoshoots outside because they like the scenery so it is a factor for that.

COMIC CON ISN'T LEAVING SAN DIEGO

I don’t want it to go to Las Vegas. I think I would stop going.

I think John works for the Las Vegas Tourism Board as a side hustle

Having the Las Vegas Comic Con anytime around mid Apr when it's not too cold or hot would be ideal, also, the notion that John thinks that Vegas hotels on or off the strip and even in downtown won't price gouge, that is a bit naive.

I live in Las Vegas it's going to be too hot for costumes they would have to make it earlier or later in the year March or September

I live in San Diego. The MTS trolley is pretty good. I can park somewhere further north and trolley in w/ ease. You gotta know where to go.

I agree on all this! I haven't been back to SDCC because of all the restrictions of even getting a ticket, and God forbid you hit that ticket lottery, now comes the impossible challenge of planning your week with travel and housing... I just threw my hands in the air and stopped...

Vegas always gouges hotel prices during events! U see the hotel prices during the superbowl last year not to mention the resort fees they always charge.yeah might be mire hotels but dont act like vehas doesnt price gouge on rooms at high peak times.

Move it to Orlando! Convention space is massive and was well received during Star Wars Celebration. Plus you are in the middle of a tourist city that can occupy your family who may not want to be at the convention. Disney, Universal and SeaWorld are all within a few miles of the convention center

what about moving comic con to different cities every so often? Fyi, I've never been to comic con

The problem is every major city has its own con so moving it may not be so easy

Disagree with the transportation comment John, the MTS trolley in San Diego is extremely efficient during comic con and way more affordable than taking an Uber or taxi. You’d be a fool to not take it during comic con

Sadly if they leave San Diego it just won’t be Con anymore. You have other big conventions and they aren’t the same. I know a city like Vegas could fit everything that is at SDCC much easier but I highly doubt you would get anywhere near as many people to show up. Being on the waterfront in beautiful San Diego with all the things to do downtown and around the city is what takes SDCC to the next level and attracts more people, including celebrities. You think as many industry people would show up in Vegas? I think a change in venue instantly loses 30% f the attendance or more.

ooo they will definitely up the room rates for comic con trust me. Used to work at Aria actually. All the casinos and hotels jack up their rates for events and holidays.

"they're already there" i fucking died 🤣

I agree with moving it to Las Vegas, but they should also move the date to March-April so it's not so hot and so they can hype up summer releases. Late July is too late for that. They always have to talk about the next year's movies/shows. They can still do future announcements, but also have that year's movies/shows. Also, they should still call the main presentations Hall H as an homage to the past

L 😂 Vegas transportation is horrible, taxi and Uber aren’t great transportation. Japan has great transportation, the entire country. Hong Kong has great transportation.

First off the convention started in San Diego as San Diego Comic Convention in the 1970. It's inception is SAN DIEGO !! It's not like the superbowl or something where it can just move around It's literally San Diegos Comic Con so if u move it It's just a Comic Con in another city. The Actual San Comic Con intl museum is in Balboa Park in San Diego.

$1k for Motel 6 is crazy

The last time I went to SDCC was in 2016. And while I was lucky enough to get a pro badge and not have to pay for entry, my hotel was nearly $500/ night and it was over 30 min from the convention center. I LOVE Comic Con, but absolutely HATE how difficult it is to get around and the price gouging from hotels. I never got into hall H either. The line was hours long and outside in the hot sun. People camped out, overnight, in line at Hall H. It was so stupid.

I live in Las Vegas and it has a 110 plus in July. No!! Plus one of the attractions of SDCC is SD. This town does not need another convention. The Monorail is only ok and limited. This is the opinion of me who lives and grew up here. You do have valid points but my vote is no. Keep it in SD.

I went to LVCC for NAB and CES and goes on for blocks and blocks and it sometimes you need to take a cab from one hall to the next.

If you know you know, the bigger space just means the more space to sell for vendors and the bigger amount of attendees means hotel can sell their rooms for more. It's not going to fix anything but just allows more of everything to create the same issue. Also vegas heat just means more is going to be indoors in the main area for AC. Just imagine cosplaying in over 100 degree weather. 🤪🤪🤪 Also ces, the public don't care about it like how cci is. People don't go crazy talking about CES.

Anywhere else it goes, the hotels are gonna raise prices. No other city can do it better, let’s be honest

Secondly it wpuld be stupid to move to LV with all the costumes being worn who the hell wants to go to Las Vegas when it's 115 degrees outside????? There is enough events in Vegas per year for people to go to and alot of Kids go to Comic Con SD and Vegas isn't a city for kids.

Only one problem. Las Vegas is a desert. In the summer, we're looking at highs of 110+°F to lows of 90+°F. No thank you.

Agreed to a lot of these, but they will take advantage of the event and raise prices. It is the American Way.

I can’t believe you guys forgot about all the opportunities the sphere presents for advertising and showcases

You can actually never have to spend anytime outside in Vegas…

Comic-Con doesn't have the money to pay for a move elsewhere. The time to have done that was over almost two decades ago. Now? Now, it's easier for Marvel, D.C, and all others to go straight to the audiences they're looking to appeal to with their publications and shows and directly advertise. This cuts out the need for a large convention. It's like why E3 shut down. The games publishers decided why bother why they can go straight to the audiences.

As a native San Diegan now living in DFW for the past 10 years the very sad truth is SD is simply no longer equipped for Comic Con. In typical SD city management they have know this day is coming for years and have done nothing to address the core infrastructure needs. The SD Port Authority is a major issue as they only operate to keep SD beautiful not grow to the needs of the community!

I've used the public busses and monorail in LV. Public transit in LV cannot support SDCC numbers, not even close. Some nearby hotels connect underground\indoors to the convention center, but that does limit the number of rooms. To access public transit, you have to exit the convention center, and that's for the bus AND the monorail. And it's painfully hot in July. SDCC has 2-3x the headcount than NAB. Thankfully the roadwork for F1 was finished, so driving should be better going forward, but who knows. Traffic in LV sucks to begin with. Also, not sure SDCC goers handle meals, but there's nothing near the LVCC.

Move to Orlando. Much bigger convention center and airport. Way more hotels and activities to do at night. Plus Disney and Universal would absolutely throw money on it too.

Really 40 people on the San Diego trolley??? The Trolley has 4 or 5 trolley cars and the San Diego transit system dwarfs Las Vegas transit system the trolley line runs west to east county and from LA Jolla to Mexico border and the coaster and am track runs north up the coast to orange county and LA. Stop it with all this crap about that little ass Monorail that runs from MGM to convention center. I've been to conventions 3-4 times a year in Vegas M.A.G.I.C. (merchandising and garment industry convention) CES ,off-price show ,ASD,etc.... Vegas is a cement Jungle and an adult playground which is fine,but not for kids that want to attend.

I go to Comic-Con for work so my company would usually handle expenses such as hotels, but I've never been able to get a room through the system since 2008. I usually stay with relatives who live within driving distance, and it's easier to get a daily parking pass for about $40 a day. However, the pandemic return convention of 2022 was mellow enough that I was able to get a room through the system for the full duration, about over $400 per night, a mile's walk from the convention center. Even though I got approval to expense it, I still felt weird about justifying the cost, though I figured at least there would be some savings for not needing the parking pass. And what happens when I get to the hotel? There's an additional $40 per day cost to keep my car parked there. Ugh. No opportunity to nickel and dime guests left unexploited.

Hello all, lifelong Indiana resident here. Can confirm, Buttfuck Indiana Airport does have a direct to Vegas lol 😂

I grew up in San Diego I challenge the many more places to eat, the rest I agree with but there is a reason not to move to Vegas. Climate Change, if you say “yeah but air conditioning” just wait.

Stay in the region and move to the brand new convention center/hotel being built in Chula Vista. It’s a short trolley ride away from anywhere in SD.

Like Vegas isn’t going to price gouge

Nobody wants to be outdoors in that vegas heat

Las Vegas is too hot in the middle of Summer!

Las Vegas already hotels already price gouge year round!! Plus imagine being in full cosplay in 116 degree heat during the summer in Vegas?! Horrible take

I have friends who have gone to SDCC for years. They are getting tired of hall H access not being accessible to the community. I think this is their last year going. Like all conventions, halls/paths can get packed even in large spaces. The Con-crud is a real thing (wear a mask if possible). Vegas does have some really nice photogenic locations, but they’re spaced out or even a decent car ride away. Every city can and will increase room rates during conventions. Look at what happened during the F-1 week. Vegas isn’t the same as it was 10 years ago with higher rates, fees and taxes. Getting food on the strip is also getting a lot more expensive. So be careful what you wish for.

John is right. I live in San Diego and i stopped going because one I can’t get tickets anymore, and even if I do I can’t get into hall H.

Not the first time they’ve threatened this, I’ll believe it when I see it

You think Las Vegas hotels aren’t going to gouge prices if comic con goes there? Don’t be naive

They should have moved it to Anaheim when they had the chance. Bigger convention center, tons of hotels in the area, across the street from Down town Disney and Disneyland. Over all, better location.

Honestly, I think a Big City would work but Vegas in July sounds dreadful.. I think they should ake a page out of C2E2 and Star Wars Celebration's books. C2E2 has been very popular Con for the Midwest that has been held in McCormick place: one of the largest Convention Centers in the world for many years now. Chicago has Lake Michigan next to it, the tourism of the city would be boosted and the weather would be a lot better there than other venues during the summer. Accompanied by an abundance of Hotels available and one of the best Transit/ Transportation systems I've ever seen, I think it would be a perfect place to host the con.

I guess ill never go to san Diego comic con, not worth paying crazy hotel prices, i rather go to star wars celebration especially when it goes to Orlando

Las Vegas Convention Center is HUGE, Fountaine Blue next door adding a few thousand rooms is finally open adding to the huge Resort World Hotel across the street. rooms are typically cheaper during the summer months. The downside is the heat. But I will say I think it's going to progressively get more expensive as years go by.

$1000 at a Motel 6? Stop exaggerating

This is why you book rooms close to San Diego like 15-30 min drive. Or book them as soon as you get your passes online. I found so many rooms at decent prices when you the badge sale went up. Hotels aren’t the issue.

Or.... don't pay $1k a night because you want to stay in down town. Trolleys run all over town and you can stay 15-20 mins away with hotels for $200 a night

You think Vegas isn’t gonna be a shit show if SDCC goes there? It’s already packed as it is.

I just love that its by the water

The Las Vegas heat is terrible. The EVO Fighting Video Game tournament was just held in Las Vegas, and as good as the turn out was, walking outside from hotel to their venue was terrible. San Diego is willing to fight for Comic Con to stay in SD also, Comic Con brings their businesses so much more money

Comic Con should not leave San Diego the City should still have a comic con a year there. BUT unlike any other comic con New York, London, Etc SDCC is marketed as Comic Con International yet it's always in the same city in the same country. Comic Con International should actually be international now cause it would be cool to see that level of buzz it currently has in places like Japan, London, Australia, Canada, Germany etc also taking Comic Con International well International would open up more accessibility for an international audience not just a US audience.

Been going to San Diego Comic-Con for almost 20 years now. Comic-Con International has outgrown San Diego. Sure, the vibes are great. The energy in Hall H is amazing. But unless the reduce the number of available tickets, I think it's time to find a larger venue. Las Vegas as a host city makes perfect sense. They're built for this. I do feel however, if they do have a larger venue, studios would be less likely to show "exclusive" content during those panels. I don't think drones at an open air Petco Park are an issue. If time of year is an issue, CCI should just swap the dates for Comic-Con and WonderCon -- end of March, early April for Comic-Con in Las Vegas and WonderCon in July. Maybe alternate WonderCon years between Anaheim and San Diego.

Evo and comic con back to back weeks in Vegas is insane. Would work tho

Because Las Vegas hotels won't be expensive?

Hotels alone is a big reason why the con should move. You will ALWAYS find a hotel room. It might be a hotel room you won't like. You might feel a little unsafe. But you always find a hotel/motel.

2:34 *Geeks. Nerds are for scientists, while geeks are more for comic book enthusiasts, for instance.

D23 is doing their big presentations at the Honda Center this year

I don't know about Vegas. Average July temperature is 110 Fahrenheit. Even though most of it is indoors having tens of thousands of people packed in 110 degree weather sounds like torture.