Malaga Raises the 'City' of San Diego Comic-Con

Spanning 80,000 square meters dedicated to comics, cinema, animation, literature, board games, gaming... The San Diego Comic-Con Málaga begins to transform the interior and, especially, the exterior of the Palace of ... Trade Fairs and Congresses of the capital (Fycma). It anticipates the arrival of no less than 100,000 attendees from September 25 to 28. Therefore, the organization of this event, which crosses the pond for the first time in its fifty-year history, has exceeded the limits of the large Fycma building and also spills over into the surrounding areas. This is the first time an event occupies the entire exhibition and conference space... And spills outside.

Pneumatic hammers, lifts, and cranes are in heavy use these days, both inside and outside the Palace, but the truth is that what is being prepared inside is not yet open to the public. There are a total of 60,000 square meters under cover, which have clearly become too small. Therefore, the event organizers have decided to create the 'Village' of the San Diego Comic-Con. A mix between an amusement park and a music festival that will take up 22,000 square meters in the parking area for the exclusive enjoyment of event attendees.

Initially, artificial grass will be laid down as per the norms, making the space more welcoming. Everything is now in place, and it's time to erect gigantic tents to provide the village with shaded areas and a large stage, because the 'Village' area will host multiple spaces for activities and performances that will delight, among others, fans of K-pop or Cosplay. And more, because it will also serve to present TV series, feature films, and editorial news. But above all, it will be a space dedicated to leisure and entertainment, what the organizers of the San Diego Comic-Con have called "activations."

These will be attractions or rides – taking advantage of the proximity to the fair for the license – that will make visitors 'fly', according to what this newspaper has learned from sources within the organization. Yes, like superheroes. The most striking, undoubtedly, will be the large hot air balloon that will dominate the space and will indeed take those who wish to try it to the heights. We repeat, at no additional cost other than the entrance fee, but always respecting the organized system of turns. The second option will win over attendees by the stomach, because the organization has planned a 'street food' area with as wide a gastronomic offer as possible, this one, however, at a cost, using a wallet that will be loaded onto the wristband that grants entry.

The event is finalizing its schedule and, for now, the least defined is that of the 'Village' where, of course, the most important thing will be the desire to disconnect from the conferences, talks, and workshops and to entertain oneself between one appointment and another. With a week left before opening its doors, San Diego Comic-Con Málaga expects attendees from more than 20 different countries during its four days. In the total 80,000 m2, which includes the main stage, Hall M - for Málaga -, with a capacity of more than 3,000 people, to which are added three more auditoriums, with capacities for 900, 600, and 200 people respectively. Spaces like 'Ludic Plaza', with more than 34 hours of programming and a total capacity of 1,200 people during the four days, will be the place to have fun and share with other fans the passion for board games.

San Diego Comic-Con Málaga will be an experience for those who have made pop culture their way of life. An event that opens its European branch in Málaga thanks to the agreement with the Junta de Andalucía, through Turismo Andaluz and the Agencia Digital Andaluza, and the Málaga City Council. This first international leap outside the United States is framed between the end of the August Fair and the celebration of the Comic-Con in California, which will be in November. The Málaga call has managed to take advantage of the end of the summer season on the Costa del Sol and, above all, the air connections to ensure full attendance.