Mayor Todd Gloria and other local leaders 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 24 to July 27, with a preview night on July 23, at the San Diego Convention Center. This major event boosts San Diego’s local economy and plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s cultural identity.  

“Comic-Con is San Diego’s annual blockbuster – filled with action, imagination, and a massive supporting cast,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “I love the costumes, the creativity, and the cultural energy it brings – along with the tax dollars that come in when visitors enjoy themselves in our city. Because when out-of-towners dine, shop and stay in hotels, San Diegans get smoother roads, better parks, and improved city services. That’s a Hollywood ending for everyone.” 

Comic-Con 2025 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 $96.8 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.  

“San Diegans can be proud that this world-class event is again drawing visitors from around the globe to our city,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents Downtown. “This international celebration of creativity, storytelling, and community puts San Diego on the world stage and boosts our economy to the benefit of every city resident.” 

Comic-Con is the largest comic book and popular-arts convention of its kind in the world, with more than 460,000 square feet of exhibit 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 and features celebrities from film, television, publishing, gaming, and other arts industries.  

Since its inception, the convention has been housed in a variety of different venues, but Comic-Con has 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 2024, 80 meetings and conventions, including Comic-Con, generated a record-breaking economic impact of $1.5 billion on the region.   

“We’re deeply grateful to Comic-Con for continuing to call San Diego home,” said Rip Rippetoe, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center. “As our largest convention of the year, Comic-Con draws more than 135,000 attendees, welcomes media from over 20 countries, and generates economic activity for businesses and attractions across our region. Beyond the numbers, it’s a beloved tradition that brings people together and connects our city to the world.”  

“We’re very excited for this year’s Comic-Con as we welcome fans and professionals from every area of popular art, making this weekend in San Diego the focal point for all things artistic and creative,” added David Glanzer, chief communications & strategy officer of the San Diego Comic Convention, “ 

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 shows what’s possible when a community comes together,” said Daniel Kuperschmid, president and CEO of San Diego Tourism Authority. “Comic-Con, our hotel partners, and tourism community collaborate to transform San Diego into a global destination for creativity and imagination. This collective effort creates an experience that celebrates our city’s welcoming spirit and proves why San Diego remains the perfect home for the world’s premier pop-culture event." 

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.   

To create a safe, pedestrian-only space during Comic-Con 2025, the San Diego Convention Center, City of San Diego, and Port of San Diego announce temporary Harbor Drive closures from July 23 to 27, 2025. 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.