Are you going to San Diego Comic-Con 2019?
For almost all of you, you probably can’t definitely answer that question – yet.
But that’s all about to change, as Comic-Con International has revealed that Returning Registration for San Diego Comic-Con 2018 — the online badge sale in which general attendees who attended in 2018 get a first shot at scoring a golden ticket, formerly known as Preregistration — will take place on Saturday, October 13 at 9AM PT.
In order to be eligible for Returning Registration, as previously mentioned, you must have attended San Diego Comic-Con 2018 as a general attendee (press, trade professionals, volunteers, and other special groups will have their registration at a later date).
While for several years, attendees had to “validate” their badge in order to prove they attended, since CCI implemented an RFID badge system, we can all bypass that particular step in this process.
On the day of the sale, beginning at 8AM, you’ll be able to log into the EXPO Logic Registration Waiting Room, where you’ll need your Registration Code and the EXPO Logic Waiting Room link (both of which you can find in the “Registration Info” tab once you’ve logged into your Member ID, and it will also be e-mailed to you, at least 48 hours prior to the sale), your Member ID, last name, and credit card information. Beginning shortly after 9AM, the waiting room will randomly sort you into an order to purchase budges – in a system basically identical to last year’s system.
During the sale, attendees will be able to purchase up to three badges – including one for themselves (though you’ll need the last name and Member ID of anyone you’re purchasing for, and each person must also be eligible for Returning Registration on their own, so you won’t be able to purchase for any “new” attendees). Start buddying up now.
Just like with last year, CCI will be utilizing both RFID technology in badges, as well as physically mailing them to those who enter a U.S. domestic shipping address (which you can verify and change in your Member ID under “Contact Info”, and you’ll need to verify by May 13, 2019). Attendees will still need stop by at some point during the convention to pick up your bag, Souvenir Book, Events Guide, and lanyard – and those who enter an international shipping address and child registration (for those under 12) will also still have to pick up their badges onsite. Just like with last year, Comic-Con will be shipping badges out to domestic addresses individually, rather than to the buyer only (and remember, international attendees — you can enter a US address for shipping!).
As always, this sale does not guarantee that those who are eligible to participate walk away with a badge. For years now, the demand by those wanting to attend the pop culture behemoth has far outweighed the actual number of badges available. CCI is always hesitant to relay actual numbers, but we roughly estimate that there are around 55,000 badges up for grabs in Returning Registration — which would put your odds of scoring one somewhere around 50%.
Compare that to the roughly 6% chance of getting a badge in Open Registration (which doesn’t have a date yet) — the online badge sale that will launch at a later date and is open to anyone and everyone provided they have signed up for a Member ID — and you begin to understand why this sale can sometimes feel like a life-or-death situation. In the world of Comic-Con badge sales, any advantage helps.
Prices to attend this year are up slightly. That means a four day badge with Preview Night will run you $291, compared to last year’s $276. There will also be a $7.50 handling fee per attendee.
Here’s a look at 2019 prices:
As always, you can also join us on our Live SDConCast during the sale, as we discuss any common error messages, thoughts about the new policies this year, why girl scout cookies and wine are the best after-badge-sale self-medication, and much more.
Open Registration – the badge sale open to everyone – will take place at a later date. Sign up for a Member ID and make sure you’re opted in to receive e-mails if you haven’t already.
Welcome, folks, to San Diego Comic-Con 2019.
