Mayor Todd Gloria opened Comic-Con International 2024 on July 24 at the San Diego Convention Center. The city expected more than 135,000 attendees over the four-day show, which ran July 25 to 28 after Preview Night.
The studios are back
The 2024 show marked a full comeback. In 2023, the SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike kept HBO, Netflix, Marvel, DC, Sony and other big studios away from Comic-Con. In 2024, the major presenters returned to the largest stages for Comic-Con’s 55th edition.
Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Will Ferrell were among the most anticipated guests.
Economic impact
City leaders projected a regional impact of more than $160 million in direct and indirect visitor spending. The mayor noted that hotel room taxes from Comic-Con visitors make up a meaningful share of the city’s budget.
The Convention Center is a major economic engine on its own. In fiscal year 2023, its 101 events, including Comic-Con, generated a record $1.4 billion in regional impact.
Who was there
Gloria was joined by Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, Convention Center CEO Rip Rippetoe, San Diego Tourism Authority CEO Julie Coker, and Comic-Con’s Fae Desmond and David Glanzer. The mayor’s dog, Diego, came in costume, a kickoff tradition.
Getting around
The city, the Convention Center and the Port of San Diego closed Harbor Drive from July 24 to 28 to create a pedestrian-only zone outside the venue.
What came next
In January 2025, Comic-Con signed an agreement to stay in San Diego through 2027. That deal was later extended to 2030.
Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Preview Night | July 24, 2024 |
| Main show | July 25–28, 2024 |
| Expected attendance | 135,000+ |
| Regional economic impact | $160 million+ |
| Edition | 55th |
| Big story | Studios return after 2023 strikes |
Frequently asked questions
When was San Diego Comic-Con 2024? Preview Night was July 24, 2024, and the main show ran July 25–28.
Why was Comic-Con 2023 smaller? The SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike kept major studios such as HBO, Netflix, Marvel, DC and Sony from presenting.
How many people attended SDCC 2024? More than 135,000, with a regional economic impact of more than $160 million, according to city officials.
