Comic-Con to Stay in San Diego Through 2018
By Stuart Oldham
One of the largest pop culture conventions in the world is staying put, at least for another two years. Comic-Con organizers have reached a deal to remain in San Diego through 2018, sources confirm to Variety. An announcement is expected later this morning.
San Diego has been the home of Comic-Con since it first began in 1970, but with an average over 130,000 attendees in recent years, the event, held at the San Diego Convention Center, had begun to outgrow its Bayfront property.
Comic-Con organizers were strongly considering relocating to a larger convention center in Southern California, such as Los Angeles or Anaheim, when the current contract expires next year.
At the heart of the intense negotiations was San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer trying to convince dozens of local hotels to keep the cost down on their room rates, which tend to skyrocket during the always sold-out event.
A spokesman for Comic-Con was not available for comment.
The 46th edition of the annual confab kicks off next week.
