San Diego Comic-Con packs hundreds of thousands of people like little sardines. It’s uncomfortable, sweaty, and not the best way to spend a weekend. It’s above all else… crowded. Comic-Con is over three and a half months away, but there’s already some doubt about it returning to San Diego this year. The people behind Comic-Con, however, are hopeful about its chances.
Comic-Con: 2020
Comic-Con is in wait and see mode at this time. They have no plans to cancel the four-day event, which brings loads of tourists and business to downtown San Diego. Seriously, good luck finding a seat at a good restaurant that weekend.
Will San Diego Comic-Con host 135,000 people again from July 23rd to the 26th? On Twitter, the people behind San Diego Comic-Con provided an update and a quote from Christopher Reeve:
“To our amazing Comic-Con and WonderCon fans: We understand how difficult the current climate has been for all of us and appreciate your continued support through these trying times. No one is as hopeful as we are that we will be able to celebrate #SDCC2020 together come July. As we continue to monitor the situation with local authorities, we will post updates on our social channels! Until then, remember: ‘A hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.’ — Christopher Reeve.”
How much is exactly at stake if San Diego loses Comic-Con this year? $150 million. Attendees end up spending around $88 million in total, with hotels and sales tax alone scoring $3 million.
As for the coronavirus, there’s now a total of 849 cases in San Diego and 15 deaths. San Diego Comic-Con won’t make their final decision until June about whether to cancel. In the meantime, the epic San Diego convention center has already been closing upcoming events and making plans for the future. Right now, the city of San Diego intends on turning the convention center into one of their emergency centers to stop the spread of the coronavirus among the homeless community.
Will Major Studios Show Up?
Right now, major studios aren’t even thinking about Comic-Con. They’re too concerned about the theatrical business and when they can resume shooting on all their paused projects, including the next Batman and Matrix films.
Plus, if the coronavirus is still a risk come July, would studios really have talent flying in and out to promote their movies and shows? Even if it’s the smallest of risks by then, it wouldn’t be worth it anyway. Increasingly over the years studios have become less reliant on Comic-Con as a tool of promotion.
For the cost of hotels and travel, it’s an investment studios don’t always see their money back on. Movies have made huge splashes at Comic Con, like Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and yet the buzz didn’t help at the box-office. So many movies have experienced the Comic-Con high and come down fast. Over the last few years, more and more studios have been skipping Comic Con. It’s just not what it was once to major studios, except typically Marvel. They always rock that nerd palace.
Why Go to Comic-Con?
Of course, there’s far more to Comic-Con than just movies. While Hall H and the major movie panels are seen as the big event, so much more enjoyable activities go on during Comic Con. It’s all about the cool booths and the more specific, nerdy panels with creatives not pushing or promoting anything. There’s a lot of nerd joy at Comic Con to enjoy, despite the crowds, the heat, and the overall exhausting experience.
