The Tampa Bay Comic Convention is a go for this July.
Yesterday, the company announced on Facebook that it will proceed with its July 10-12 dates. “Tampa Bay Comic Convention 2020 lives on,” the post read.
The annual convention that sees thousands of fans joining in the celebration of their favorite entertainment and comic book characters was granted permission to proceed by the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Fire Marshal, according to the post.
Like most events occurring in the coming months, safety measures will be in place such as mandatory temperature checks for entry, sanitation stations placed at high-traffic areas, increased disinfection procedures and limited interior space capacity.
With the venue confirmed, convention organizers can continue guest booking, artist alley invoicing (vendors) and special guest announcements, according to the post.
The Facebook announcement’s comment section seems divided on the event, with many concerned over the possible risk factors accompanied by having a large indoor convention and others excited for the event.
“Oh heck yea, I will be there! Awesome, that some people have the common sense to get back to normal!” wrote one commenter.
“It’s too soon,” wrote another. “All other cons are going for 2021. I don’t believe this will be a profitable opportunity. I love the con scene but I will have to pass.”
In related news, Metrocon, the state’s largest anime convention, canceled its July dates at the Tampa Convention Center and rescheduled for next year.
"It is with a heavy but compassionate heart that we have made the decision to cancel Metrocon 2020, scheduled previously for July 23-26, 2020, due to the continued concerns around COVID-19 and the impact the pandemic has had and will continue to have on the viability of large public events like ours," read a statement from Metrocon.
Tickets for Tampa Bay Comic are available on the convention’s website, starting at $60. Children 12 years or younger are admitted for free.
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This article appears in May 14-20, 2020.