The San Diego Comic-Con is officially canceled, marking the first time in fifty years the convention is not being held.
The event is scheduled to return in 2021 to the San Diego Convention Center from July 22-25.
The decision was made as a result of concerns regarding the coronavirus and the shut down of California.
“Continuous monitoring of health advisories and recent statements by the Governor of California have made it clear that it would not be safe to move forward with plans for this year,” said a statement by Comic-Con on its website.
“Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures and while we are saddened to take this action, we know it is the right decision,” said David Glanzer, spokesperson for the organization, in a statement. “We eagerly look forward to the time when we can all meet again and share in the community we all love and enjoy.”
Comic-Con issuing refunds
SDCC also announced that individuals who purchased badges for Comic-Con 2020 will have the option to request a refund or transfer their badges to Comic-Con 2021. All 2020 badge holders will receive an email within the next week with instructions on how to request a refund. Exhibitors for Comic-Con 2020 will also have the option to request a refund or transfer their payments to Comic-Con 2021 and will also receive an email within the next week with instructions on how to process their request.
Last week also saw the San Diego Tourism Authority offer that hotels have agreed to waive any cancellation fees for attendees, with Comic-Con also confirming those attendees who booked hotels through Comic-Con will get refunds.
“In the next few days onPeak, Comic-Con’s official hotel affiliate, will be canceling all hotel reservations and refunding all deposits made through them,” the event confirmed. “There is no need for anyone who booked through onPeak to take any action, including trying to cancel their reservations online or contacting the company via phone as the process will be handled automatically. Those who booked rooms through onPeak will be notified when refunds have been completed.”
Around 135,000 people attend the San Diego Comic-Con each year.
