TOP 15 OFFSITE EXPERIENCES AT SDCC 2017

San Diego Comic Con 2017

Some excerpts provided by SDCC 2017 scheduling guide.

Author: Ariel Landrum

San Diego Comic-Con 2017 may be the best year yet – from longer panels in Hall H to various exclusives on and off the convention floor. Regulars of the convention often plan their trip about a month in advance by following blogs, scoping updates on the SDCC site, and checking social media. They plan routes, review times, and decide what is a must and what is a bust.

Though the primary stop is the convention center, whose main hall features the panels, artists, and celebrity guests everyone is eager to see, sometimes it’s good to branch out. SDCC is doing just that by expanding its active zones from the harbor to Petco Park. Therefore, People of Con compiled a list of Offsite Experiences for anyone adventurous enough to enter the light. Most events don’t even require an SDCC badge to participate!

Below are People of Con’s Top 15 Offsite Experiences

(in order by date and time)

1. Amazon Prime Presents: The Tick Takeover

Every hero must face their destiny. Are you ready to face yours? Embark on a multi-room immersive experience that brings the world of The Tick to life! Whether you’re in the mood for an action-packed adventure or you’d rather relax, charge your phone, and stream, Amazon Prime’s The Tick Takeover has you covered. Join us for custom-created promotional items, unique photo takeaways, an interactive 20-ft. animatronic Tick head, and an overall experience that’s sure to be NEAT!

WHERE Corner of 1st Avenue & Martin Luther King Promenade
WHEN: Thu., Fri., Sat., 7/21–7/22: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM • Sun., 7/23: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

2. The Netflix Experience
Step into the world of Netflix at the Hilton Gaslamp for a one-of-a-kind experience with a sneak peek of upcoming original films and series, exclusive giveaways, and more! Visit the Upside Down with Stranger Things, get immersed into the world of the new film Bright, and dive into the streets of New York City with The Defenders.

WHERE: Hilton Gaslamp Hotel, 401 K St.
WHEN: Thu.–Sat., 7/20–7/22: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM • Sun., 7/23: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

3. AMC’s Deadquarters

Don’t miss AMC’s Deadquarters, the official fan zone of The Walking Dead, and Fear The Walking Dead at Comic-Con International. Located directly across from the Convention Center (just off 4th Ave.) and open daily Thursday-Sunday. Stop by and test your swing at the Negan Batting Cages, score a chance to meet cast members, and so much more.

WHERE: Martin Luther King Promenade, in front of the Hilton Gaslamp Hotel (4th Ave. and L St.)
WHEN: Thu.–Sat., 7/20-7/22: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM • Sun., 7/23: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

4. FOX X-Gene Screening Station

Fox will host an X-Gene Screening Station in honor of Marvel’s The Gifted at the Hilton Bayfront Lawn, where Comic-Con attendees can be tested for the X-Gene. At the station, each person will be laser-scanned and then complete a cheek swab genetic test with a nurse. Once registered, fans will either receive an “I Got Tested” sticker or an “M” sticker if they are found to carry the Mutant Gene. Those with the special gene can also share and post a photo in an exclusive “Wanted” poster. (Others will still have social media bragging rights in the form of an “I Got Tested” backdrop.) Six weeks after testing, fans will get additional information about their genetic profile online.

WHERE: Hilton San Diego Bayfront Lawn, 1 Park Blvd.
WHEN: Thu.–Sat., 7/20–7/22: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM • Sun., 7/23: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

5.  Zenescope Entertainment Holding Gelato Eating Contest

Zenescope Entertainment is partnering with San Diego’s Gelato Paradiso to offer three specialty gelato flavors based on Zenescope’s comic book titles. Gelato Paradiso will also be giving away a Limited Edition Comic Con souvenir cup with every purchase of a Zenescope flavor while supplies last. The first ten attendees bringing souvenir cups to their booth each day will receive a free limited edition metal print. But the real news is that Zenescope is hosting a “gelato eating contest” at Gelato Paradiso on Saturday, July 22, at 3 PM. The winner, presumably eating the most gelato, will receive a four-day badge to San Diego Comic-Con 2018 and a Best of Zenescope Pack.

WHERE: Gelato Paradiso, 789 W Harbor Dr.
WHEN: Thu.–Sat., 7/20–7/22: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sun., 7/23: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM; Contest Sat., 7/22: 3:00 PM

6. Mr. Robot

Mr. Robot will be represented at San Diego Comic-Con this year with an offsite experience, allowing attendees to receive their own E Corp card, loaded with E Coin cryptocurrency. The E Corp card, which can also be opened online at e-coin.com, can be used throughout San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter for food, drinks, and other surprises at participating retailers (TBA). Best of all? You can also visit the show’s infamous Red Wheelbarrow BBQ next door to the Bank of E and present your E Corp card for a BBQ meal.

WHERE: E Corp’s Bank of E, 327 4th Ave., between J Street and Island Avenue
WHEN:  Thu.–Sat., 7/20–7/22: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM

 7.  FXhibition

This Summer, FX bends the boundaries of Comic-Con’s reality and invites fans to enter FXhibition 2017. Visitors will immerse themselves in the mind-altering world of Legion in the Sessions Mixed Reality Experience, suspend the rules of normal in the Atlanta Shop Shot, and succumb to the twisted terror of American Horror Story as they stare deep into the hypnotic AHS Zoetrope.

WHERE: Hilton San Diego Bayfront Lawn, 1 Park Blvd.
WHEN: Thu., 7/20: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM • Fri., 7/21: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM • Evening Programming: 8:00–10:00 PM • Sat., 7/22: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM • Sun., 7/23: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

8.  Adult Swim

Adult Swim is back at San Diego Comic-Con this year with their Adult Swim On the Green Experience, which features free games,  activities, many giveaways, live-streaming, and more. New this year, AdultSwim.com will be live broadcasting your favorite streaming shows, including Fish Center, Stupid Morning Bullshit, Williams Street Swap Shop, Development Meeting, and more, all from Adult Swim On the Green. Celebrity guests will be stopping by throughout the convention to chat all weekend. Fans will be treated to live screenings of some of the latest series and pilots each night. Also, be sure to be on the lookout for the Rickmobile to nab some Rick and Mortyswag.

WHERE: 5th Avenue Landing and Convention Way
WHEN: Thu.–Sat., 7/20–7/22: 1:00 PM–6:00 PM

9. IMDboat

The IMDboat will be docking at San Diego Comic-Con this year with host Kevin Smith – and you’ll have a chance to hop on board. Select fans who post photos to their social media accounts using the hashtag #IMDboat at the check-in (located in front of the boat, which is docked right behind the convention center) will have the opportunity to come aboard and enjoy the first deck of the boat from 2 PM-4 PM as space allows. IMDb street teams will also provide information about how to access them as they distribute swag bags and interact with fans. Affiliate restaurants in downtown San Diego will also be distributing IMDb trivia coasters. Fans who post the correct answers to the questions featured on the IMDb trivia coasters to one of their social media accounts (along with the #IMDboat hashtag) will also be eligible for entry. Space is limited; during this time frame, fans will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

WHERE: 5th Avenue Landing Behind the Convention Center
WHEN: Thu.–Sat., 7/20-7/22: 2:00 PM–4:00 PM

10. Vikings Funeral

An event to honor Ragnar Lothbrok and other beloved characters who have recently risen to Valhalla. Lookout Friday afternoon for a clan of warriors from the hit series Vikings. They’ll carry the corpse of a fallen warrior through the Gaslamp Quarter to his funeral from Noon to 5:45 PM. The funeral ceremony will then commence at 7:00 PM in Embarcadero Marina Park South, featuring an appearance by the cast and a burning 45′ Viking longship in the bay!

WHERE: Embarcadero Marina Park South
WHEN: Fri., 7/21: Ceremony Starts at 7:00 PM

11. Official Dragon Ball Fan Bash

GeekChic Promotions is hosting the Official Dragon Ball Fan Bash at San Diego Comic-Con! Tickets go on sale June 8th! Admittance is ALL AGES from 7-9 pm, then 21+ after 9 pm. Admission levels include Level 1 Battle of Gods $15 (admission, autographed photo, DBZ airbrushing by Marky Make Up). Level 2 Power Up Transformation $20 (Level 1 + Swag Bag). Level 3 Super Saiyan 3 $25 (Levels 1&2 + exclusive commemorative DBZ/SDCC t-shirt). PLUS…we’ll have Jenga Trivia, Pin the Tail on Goku, dollar raffles, prizes, and amazing DBZ Cosplayers!

WHERE: McFadden’s San Diego, 731 5th Ave.
WHEN: Fri., 07/21: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

12. The Impractical Jokers Block Party

The Impractical Jokers will be throwing their 2nd annual Block Party at Petco Park this year on Saturday, July 22, on the Field. They’ll be kicking the day off as early as 11:30 AM when you can join truTV for a Block Party featuring exclusive merchandise from Spencers (including a new line of Impractical Jokers action figures), a White Castle food truck, Wheel of Doom tattoos, and a set from DJ G Money. It will also feature a Virtual Reality High Wire Experience, where fans can get a first-hand VR experience walking the same tightrope the Jokers crossed during their 100th episode; a Pseudo Sumo ring where you can try your hand at wrestling; and a Rodeo Clown mechanical bull. Note the event is open to the public on a first-come/first-serve basis, and no badge is required.

WHERE: Field at Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd.
WHEN: Sat., 7/22: Event is from 11:30 AM–8:30 PM; 5:00 PM–6:00 PM autograph signing with the Jokers; 7:00 PM–7:45 PM a live presentation of Impractically Speaking: the Impractical Jokers Live Web Show; 8:00 PM–8:30 PM an exclusive viewing of a never-before-seen episode of Impractical Jokers.

13.  Flex Your Rex

Are you flailing your tiny T-Rex arms? Because we are. Flex Your Rex — the parade of inflatable T-Rex cosplayers — is returning to San Diego Comic-Con to wander the streets of San Diego like the dinosaurs of old. This year they will also be joined by the first annual Pikachu Posse, full of inflatable Pikachu cosplayers.

WHERE: TBA (In the Gaslamp area, most likely)
WHEN: Sat., 7/22: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM

14. Screen Junkies

Party with the Screen Junkies crew and participate in a live taping of this event. A surprise special guest will appear and participate in the mayhem. Tickets to participate in the taping are $15; otherwise, RSVP for the party on a first come, first serve basis. The event is for 21+.

WHERE: House of Blues, 1055 5th Ave.
WHEN: Sat., 7/22: Taping is from 6:00 PM–10:00 PM • Party is 10:00 PM–12:00 am

15. Atomic Blonde Screening

Atomic Blonde is a film featuring actress Charlize Theron as she tries to save MI6 while the Berlin Wall crumbles behind her in David Leitch’s action-heavy spy flick. Based on a graphic novel by Antony Johnston, attendees have a chance to see a screening themselves to enjoy this rock-em-sock-em power woman safe the day. Note that seating is first-come, first-served and open to all SDCC badge holders ages 21+.

WHERE: UA Horton Plaza, 475 Horton Plaza
WHEN: Sat., 7/22: 8:00 PM–10:00 PM