Tighter Security This Year At Newly Renamed Phoenix Comic Fest

By Holliday Moore
Published: Wednesday, May 23, 2018 - 10:54am
Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2018 - 12:19pm

Phoenix Comicon attendees
Tracy Greer
Phoenix Comicon attendees react to the prop weapon ban on May 26, 2017.

On Thursday this week, downtown Phoenix will get its geek on with comic fans heading to the convention center for Phoenix Comic Fest.

Revelers will notice several big changes, for one, it's no longer called "Phoenix Comic-Con." Organizers dropped the Con in the name in favor of Fest earlier this year as San Diego's event organizers demanded licensing rights.

Beyond that, they've streamlined admissions and cosplay policies, tripling the number of redemption stations and replacing magnetic wands with walk through metal scanners before fans enter the venue.

"Bag checks at every station, prop checks being outside the secure zone, and everything tagged and checked before it comes into the security checkpoint," said Kristin Rowan with Phoenix Comic Fest.

Last year, fans were forced to forego costume props after security stopped a heavily armed man threatening to harm a performer.

Rowan said the tighter security measures should move quickly and allow fans to bring in just about any prop.

Phoenix Comic Fest begins Thursday, March 24, and ends Sunday, March 27, at the Phoenix Convention Center. Admission entry fees are $20 to $45, and full event passes cost $80.