SAN DIEGO — Comic-Con is returning to Downtown San Diego this week, exciting local fans and people from across the country who are traveling to San Diego for the event.
The San Diego Convention Center's exhibit hall will be open Wednesday through Sunday. Here is a guide to attending Comic-Con 2024, from hours to transportation to tips from a super-fan.
When is Comic-Con 2024?
Comic-Con is Wednesday, July 24 through Sunday, July 28.
Exhibit hall hours:
- 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday
- 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday
- 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday
- 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday
- 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Parking and driving restrictions
The San Diego Convention Center, Port of San Diego and City of San Diego have placed temporary restrictions on traffic in the area surrounding Comic-Con. These restrictions will be in effect:
- 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 24
- 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 25
- 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 26
- 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 27
- 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 28
The section of Harbor Drive between First Avenue and Park Boulevard will be closed to all traffic, including cars, bicycles, scooters and skateboards, to create a safe place for pedestrians to gather.
Exhibitors and attendees who already have a parking pass for the Ace Parking garage underneath the convention center will be allowed to drive through.
Only attendees with badges will be allowed to access the convention center. This includes the front drive, terraces, sidewalks, Plaza Park area, and Ace Parking underground garage.
Trolley
To help attendees get to the convention and home, a special trolley line will run between Balboa Avenue Transit Center and 12th & Imperial Transit Center every 15 minutes Thursday through Sunday.
Comic-Con transportation options
Comic-Con will offer a free shuttle service with stops in downtown, Mission Valley, and hotels near the airport on Shelter Island and Harbor Island.
The shuttle will run from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A badge is required to access.
Here is the shuttle service schedule.
When to pick up your Comic-Con badge
Ticket sales for this year's Comic-Con are sold out. Attendee badges will be available to pick up during the following hours:
- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday
- 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday
- 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday
- 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday
- 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday
- 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Schedule, exhibitors
For the full 2024 schedule and list of exhibitors, visit Comic-Con's website here.
WATCH: Tips from a super-fan
Ted Tarris hasn't missed a day of Comic-Con in the past 30 years. He said it's like his Christmas.
"It's the most wonderful time of the year, the geeks take over downtown," said Tarris.
From movie memorabilia to autographs and action figures, Tarris is running out of wall space to hang up some of his stuff. Considering himself a seasoned Comic-Con veteran, he shared some of his pro-tips for a successful convention.
"Oh I have so many I don't even know where to begin, ok, number one shoes, good shoes, best shoes you can get," said Tarris.
You can walk anywhere from 8-12 miles a day, so having a plan to navigate that is necessary.
"Two, plan, you have to plan. Know what you're doing, have a spreadsheet, know where you are going to go and what you want," said Tarris.
Tarris starts planning a month in advance. He recommends the San Diego Comic Con unofficial blog for updates and checking the Autograph Alley website for updates on who is at certain booths.
"Three, have your eyes and ears open, I can't stress that enough. I don't know how much I missed in my life due to just walking past something," said Tarris.
With so much going on, it's almost impossible to see it all. So if you can't get into one event, don't stress.
"For every opportunity you miss, there is another one popping up. if you miss Hall H, there is 50 other opportunities happening," said Tarris.
The most important rule of it all? Go with the flow, and have fun!
"Most importantly, have fun, don't stress over things you miss out on cause there is always something else," said Tarris.
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