Mayor Todd Gloria kicked off this year’s Comic-Con International at the San Diego Convention Center, highlighting the convention’s economic impact on the region. Comic-Con, a cornerstone in the pop-culture and entertainment industry since 1970, runs from July 25 to July 28, with a preview night on July 24, at the San Diego Convention Center. 
 

This major event not only boosts San Diego’s local economy, but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s cultural identity. 

“Comic-Con is an iconic event that brings people from all over the world to San Diego for four days of unforgettable fun,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “This convention not only celebrates creativity and innovation in popular arts, but also generates significant economic benefits for our local businesses, community and the City itself — the hotel room taxes that these visitors generate make up a healthy portion of our City’s budget.”  

Comic-Con 2024 is expected to have a significant economic impact on the San Diego region, estimated to attract more than 135,000 attendees over its four-day run. The event is projected to generate a regional impact of more than $160 million, which includes both direct and indirect spending by visitors.  

This influx of activity benefits a wide range of local businesses, from hotels, restaurants, and attractions to AV companies, printers, designers, photographers, transportation providers, caterers, grocery stores, dry cleaners, and gas stations. Attendees alone are expected to spend $96.5 million directly.  

The event is also expected to generate approximately $3.2 million in taxes for the City of San Diego, with hotel and sales tax revenues supporting essential city services for the community. 

Comic-Con is the largest comic book and popular-arts convention of its kind in the world. Comic-Con's exhibit halls feature more than 460,000 square feet of floor space and more than 1,000 exhibitors each year. In addition to the exhibit floor, the event features more than 2,000 hours of programs, workshops and events covering nearly every aspect of the popular arts. 

“San Diego is the Comic-Con Capitol of the world. It benefits our small businesses, generates jobs, and contributes millions of dollars to our local economy. Not only is it a staple in our region, but it is a staple for comic fans across the globe where people of all ages can interact with some of their favorite heroes while enjoying local hotspots,” said Assemblymember Tasha Boerner. “I am excited to welcome you all to my home. I hope you all enjoy San Diego as much as I do.” 

“The energy fans bring to Comic-Con and San Diego every year is unmatched,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn. “Downtown serves as a perfect backdrop for fans to experience local hotels, restaurants, and shops that all benefit from the sold-out convention.” 

Notable guests attending this year’s Comic-Con include Will Ferrell, Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Coolidge, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Jason Derulo, Charles Ardai, Rodney Barnes, Daniel Clowes, Gerry Conway, Naomi Novik, Julia Wertz, Liz Climo, Jo Duffy, Patrick McDonnell, Christopher Paolini, Dan Santat, and Bryan Talbot. Notable exhibitors and booths include Marvel, Lionsgate, Lucasfilm, Boom! Studios, IDW Publishing and Image Comics. 

Since its inception, the convention has been housed in a variety of different venues, but Comic-Con has really grown and flourished in its current location at the San Diego Convention Center. The Convention Center is an economic driver in its own right: In fiscal year 2023, 101 events including Comic-Con generated a record-breaking economic impact of $1.4 billion on the region.  

“Comic-Con is so much more than an event,” said Rip Rippetoe, President and CEO, San Diego Convention Center. “It’s a tradition, an iconic brand, a nonprofit serving local needs, an economic engine, and—perhaps most significantly—a community. With a partnership spanning over three decades, our Convention Center team looks forward to hosting the international Comic-Con community once again.” 

“We are looking forward to another great Comic-Con,” said David Glanzer, Chief Communications & Strategy Officer of the San Diego Comic Convention. “After a couple of non-traditional conventions, this year is shaping up to be one to remember. We're excited to once again welcome the world to San Diego for Comic-Con." 

The Comic-Con programming schedule is available through the free Comic-Con App, which can be downloaded through the App Store and Google Play. The App will include live updates, a complete program schedule, an interactive map, special guest bios and more. 

“Comic-Con International transforms San Diego into the epicenter of popular arts and culture, filling our convention center and streets with colorful characters, enthusiastic fans, and an energy that is indescribable,” said Julie Coker, President and CEO, San Diego Tourism Authority. “The impact of Comic-Con drives all areas of tourism, generating jobs, delivering millions in tax revenue, and supporting businesses and hotels from downtown to the inland corridor. We're proud to celebrate this homegrown success story and look forward to many more chapters.” 

The City of San Diego’s Police and Fire-Rescue Departments have committed additional resources to ensure the safety of visitors both inside and outside of the Convention Center. The City’s public safety departments do everything possible to make sure big events like Comic-Con are safe for everyone.  
 
“Comic-Con is a convention unlike any other, where every person can play the hero if they choose,” Police Chief Scott Wahl said. “Public safety is top of mind anytime we have an event of this magnitude. Our teams have been working closely with Comic-Con International, the San Diego Convention Center, and our partner agencies to ensure a safe event for all. The San Diego Police Department is ready to enjoy in the excitement that Comic-Con brings this week!”  
 
“As in past years, the Fire-Rescue Department’s goal is to provide a safe environment for conference attendees,” said Deputy Chief Robert Logan. “Our emergency medical services division and fire inspectors work closely with event organizers so that the appropriate resources are available on site and fire codes are followed.” 

To create a safe, pedestrian-only space during Comic-Con 2024, the San Diego Convention Center, City of San Diego, and Port of San Diego announce temporary Harbor Drive closures from July 24 to 28, 2024. Comic-Con attendees are encouraged to allow plenty of extra time for travel and consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services to avoid potential delays.