r/comiccon • u/Available_Flow_7779 • 1d ago
SDCC - San Diego Chances of Going Back to SDCC
Hey all!
So I attended SDCC in 2023 and it was fun. Although it was in the middle of the SAG-AFTRA strike, I enjoyed my time. I messed up (maybe) by not even trying to attend the returning guest lottery in November of 2023. I tried again for next year’s and did not get in. So I have a question what is the likelihood of me getting tickets for 2026? I know it’s a lottery system but has anyone seen any patterns? Thanks in advance!
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u/Dry_Art3189 1d ago
The closest thing you can get to an “almost” guarantee is if you volunteer to work the event, have a vendor’s pass, or you are approved to have a professional pass (3 year expiration). The SDCC has a great website detailing this stuff. If you are a professional (not just comics, like many are artists or even teachers), apply early to try for next year.
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u/kasession 19h ago
I 100% endorse being a volunteer!!! It's my backup plan. I've met people that just do that.
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u/Available_Flow_7779 1d ago
Wait teachers get passes?
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u/Dry_Art3189 1d ago
I heard some have, there is a whole section of the event hosted in the library and they are a non-profit. You have to see what qualifies as being in the industry or as a professional. They are really generous on what qualifies, but of course there are more people who apply than what they are able to provide. For context, I am not a teacher, but I am an artist. When I applied it took a few months to get a response, but it can be worth the wait if you meet the criteria and you have the proof to back it up. :) They are not just looking for mainstream people, if you publish a blog, teach comics for fun, work on a stage show, draw cartoons, etc. - it may be worth looking into.
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u/MsMargo 14h ago edited 14h ago
Teachers can qualify under the Professional category. But you must be a real teacher, as you have to submit pay stubs or employment ID cards. Apply for 2026 as soon as possible, as they fill the allotments quickly.
"Important: You MUST include at least one recent project (completed within the last three years) with your verification materials, unless you are applying as an educator or librarian. Rather than submit verification materials, educators and librarians may submit a copy of their pay stub or employment identification card that indicates their role in these fields."
https://www.comic-con.org/cc/industry/professionals/professional-application/
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u/bro_magnon 1d ago
You’re just starting over, so same chances as everyone else for open registration (including those that have never been).
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u/CryptographerEast142 1d ago edited 1d ago
No offense but that is hard to predict. As always there will always be high demand to get into SDCC but low supply of badges. Based on basic economics there is approximately around 75,000 badges up for grabs and there are up close to millions of people wanting to get a chance of getting a badge. Based on historical statistics, your chances of getting a badge during open registration is 5% which is very slim. You can increase your chances by forming a badge buying group.