Phoenix Comic Fest will open with new name, tighter security
May 23, 2018, 3:00 PM | Updated: May 24, 2018, 10:01 am
(AP Photo)
PHOENIX — There are two times of year when Arizona grown-ups publicly cavorting in superhero and sci-fi get-ups is acceptable. One of them is this week’s Phoenix Comic Fest.
Previously called Phoenix Comicon, the annual celebration will run Thursday through Sunday at the downtown convention center.
The good times at the festival will start a little differently this year than they have in the past.
After a heavily armed man was arrested on site opening day in 2017, convention goers will have to make their way through metal detectors and “enhanced security procedures” at all entrances.
Some of the tighter practices went into effect the day after the disturbance, including a ban on props brought in as parts of costumes.
Matthew Sterling, 31, was carrying four guns, wearing body armor and allegedly planned to kill police officers.
Props won’t be banned, but a policies page at the website said props and weapons would be checked “every and any time.”
While a clear-bag policy was not in place, organizers said it would be better to use them because any other type of bag was subject to more rigorous searches.
A Valley Metro light rail station would also be closed for part of the day on Thursday to help manage crowds.
Welcome aboard @PhxComicFest fans! Today, 3rd St/Washington station closed between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to help manage crowds going to @PhoenixConvCtr. Please remember to keep prop weapons and firearms at home. Stay safe by staying hydrated. https://t.co/ho1EQXsKKP pic.twitter.com/O6W7wKslCC
— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) May 24, 2018
The last-minute changes a year ago caused long lines when they were implemented.
But once attendees get inside, they will see what they came for: more costumes, panels, TV and movie stars, writers, games and a ton of goodies for sale.
Celebrities set to appear included William Shatner, Tim Curry, Michael Chiklis and Ming-Na Wen.
Attendance at the Phoenix Convention Center topped 80,000 over the four days in 2017.