San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced on January 14 that Comic-Con International, the popular pop-culture convention, signed a new agreement ensuring the event will remain in San Diego through 2027. According to Inside San Diego, this agreement solidifies Comic-Con’s continued presence in the city, where it has been held for more than 50 years.
“Comic-Con is part of San Diego’s identity, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to announce that it will remain here through 2027,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “This event is not just a celebration of creativity and fandom—it’s a major economic driver for our city, supporting local businesses and showcasing San Diego on a global stage. We’re proud to continue this incredible partnership and look forward to welcoming fans from all over the world,” the Inside San Diego report said.
Comic-Con draws more than 135,000 attendees annually and garners extensive national and international media coverage. As per the Inside San Diego report, the four-day convention is considered a significant event in the entertainment industry, featuring panels, exhibits, films, and games. Activities extend beyond the convention center to hotels, the San Diego Public Library, and the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park. Last year, the event attracted nearly 2,000 media representatives from 26 countries.
“Comic-Con is the most famous convention in the world and the largest event we host at the San Diego Convention Center. We never take it for granted,” Rip Rippetoe, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center, told Inside San Diego. “We appreciate the Comic-Con team and all our partners who contribute to a successful event year after year.”
Before the latest announcement, Comic-Con had confirmed plans to remain in San Diego through 2026. “We are excited to stay in San Diego for the next few years, which is made possible, in large part, by the many hotels that offer competitive rates and meeting space,” said Comic-Con spokesperson David Glanzer. “It is vitally important to maintain affordable hotel rates for the tens of thousands who visit San Diego for Comic-Con each summer and, while it came down to the wire, we are grateful for the additional hotels who came on board to allow for this agreement to be signed,” as reported by Inside San Diego.
The economic impact of Comic-Con extends beyond tourism. The Inside San Diego report stated that the event produced an estimated regional impact of more than $160 million in 2024 alone. It also generated more than $3 million in hotel and sales tax revenues, which benefit San Diego residents through funding for public safety and infrastructure projects.
“San Diego and Comic-Con are a shining example of what can be achieved when our tourism community works together,” said Shawn Dixon, San Diego Tourism Authority’s board chair. “We thank the Comic-Con International team for their hard work and commitment to ensure Comic-Con remains a San Diego institution,” the Inside San Diego report said.
The 2025 Comic-Con is scheduled for July 24-27, with a preview night on July 23.
Source: Inside San Diego
