Mayor Gloria Announces Comic-Con Will Remain in San Diego Through 2030

SAN DIEGO - Mayor Todd Gloria today announced a new agreement with Comic-Con International to keep Comic-Con in San Diego through 2030, ensuring the world's premier pop culture convention will continue calling San Diego home for years to come.

The announcement was made alongside Comic-Con International, the San Diego Convention Center, the San Diego Tourism Authority and regional leaders as they officially kicked off Comic-Con 2026 at the San Diego Convention Center.

Since 1970, Comic-Con has grown from a small gathering of comic book enthusiasts into a global cultural phenomenon that attracts fans, creators and artists from around the world. Today, it is one of San Diego's signature events, generating significant economic activity while helping define the city's cultural identity.

"Comic-Con belongs in San Diego, and today's announcement ensures this incredible tradition will continue here through 2030," said Mayor Todd Gloria. "This agreement is the result of years of partnership and reflects our shared commitment to the fans, creators, businesses and workers who make Comic-Con unlike anything else in the world. We're proud to welcome everyone back to San Diego for another unforgettable year and excited about the future we're building together."

Comic-Con 2026 is expected to attract more than 135,000 attendees during its four-day convention, following Preview Night on July 22. The event is projected to generate more than $160 million in regional economic impact through direct and indirect visitor spending.

More than 61,000 hotel room nights are expected to be booked during Comic-Con, with visitors projected to spend more than $95 million at local hotels, restaurants, attractions and businesses, supporting thousands of jobs throughout the region. Comic-Con is also projected to generate approximately $3 million in hotel and sales tax revenue for the City of San Diego, helping fund essential neighborhood services.

"We are both excited and thrilled to remain in San Diego through 2030," said David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer of Comic-Con. "We are grateful to the City, Tourism Authority and the many hotels who have joined in offering increased room blocks at competitive rates that can keep tens of thousands of fans returning to Comic-Con in San Diego for years to come."

Comic-Con is the largest comic book and popular arts convention of its kind in the world, featuring more than 460,000 square feet of exhibit space, more than 1,000 exhibitors, and over 2,000 hours of programming, workshops and special events celebrating comics, film, television, gaming, publishing and the arts.

"With its global reach and audience, Comic-Con has become an enduring part of our city's identity. Each year, Comic-Con draws worldwide attention to San Diego, supports thousands of jobs, drives business throughout the region, and generates millions of dollars in hotel and sales tax revenue that fund essential City services for San Diegans," said Mardeen Mattix, President and CEO of San Diego Convention Center. "Tourism powers San Diego, and Comic-Con's decision to stay in San Diego through 2030 is a significant win for our economy and our community."

The San Diego Convention Center remains one of the region's strongest economic engines. In fiscal year 2025, it hosted 92 meetings and conventions that generated a record $1.57 billion in regional economic impact, with Comic-Con continuing to serve as one of its premier annual events. Before today's announcement, Comic-Con had confirmed plans to stay in San Diego through 2027.

"Over the next few days, San Diego will once again find itself at the center of the entertainment and pop culture world," said Daniel Kuperschmid, President and CEO of San Diego Tourism Authority. "While attendees come here for Comic-Con, the experience extends far beyond the Convention Center. Fans, creators, studios and media are filling our hotels and restaurants, exploring our arts and cultural institutions and attractions, and taking part in activations and special experiences across the city. That energy creates tremendous exposure for San Diego, and the agreement to keep Comic-Con in our destination through 2030 ensures those benefits for our visitor economy will continue for years to come."

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.

The City of San Diego's Police and Fire-Rescue departments have dedicated additional personnel and resources throughout Comic-Con weekend to help ensure residents and visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience.

"Comic-Con brings hundreds of thousands of people into downtown over just a few days," said Deputy Chief Shawn Takeuchi. "Our officers work closely with our public safety partners and event organizers to keep everyone safe while ensuring people can enjoy everything Comic-Con and San Diego have to offer."

To create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment during Comic-Con 2026, Harbor Drive, adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center, will be temporarily closed from July 22 through July 26. The closure is a partnership between the San Diego Convention Center, the City of San Diego and the Port of San Diego.

Visitors are encouraged to allow extra travel time and consider using public transportation or rideshare services when traveling to and from downtown.