Tourists flocked to downtown San Diego this weekend for the first in-person Comic-Con event since its forced cancellation in 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of superhero, science fiction, and fantasy fans attended the event at the waterfront San Diego Convention Center for the first time since 2019. The Comic-Con museum, located in Balboa Park, is in walking distance from downtown San Diego condos.
Despite never having to cancel an event since their launch in 1970, governments closed nonessential businesses in an attempt to slow the spread resulting in 2020’s in-person event being cancelled. Comic-Con held an online virtual event in its place, but fans of the conventions didn’t agree that it was an adequate substitute, many choosing to skip out on 2020 altogether.
Fans missed the live event so much, in fact, they set up a memorial for it near the convention center with an altar, flowers, and handwritten messages mourning its cancellation.
Attendees were required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status and prove either that they are vaccinated or that they received a negative COVID test within three days of the event. Fans anxiously awaited outside verification tents before entering the convention center. Fortunately, San Diego’s beautiful climate was on full display, with summer-like temperatures in the mid-70s.
Comic-Con was not the only major event in the state. With 64% of Californians fully vaccinated, people are able to get out and do the things they love to do. The Los Angeles Marathon was held last month after being cancelled last year. Downtown San Diego also has a number of holiday events planned for December.
As people begin returning back to their regular routines, they will begin traveling to their favorite vacation spots. With everything that downtown San Diego has to offer, the city is expecting the local economy to benefit financially from tourism. With the new threat of a COVID-19 variant, however, certain precautions may be in place for businesses to remain open. Before attending an event, make sure to check out the precautions online so that you’re fully prepared.