I've had the pleasure of writing and podcasting about Lexington Comic & Toy Con for the past six year. Six. Years?! It feels like just yesterday that I had my first table as Kentucky Geek Girl right across the street from Neil Kaplan. That was such a great experience for me because I was in a phase in my life where I was trying to be more outgoing and it certainly thrust me into the excitement of a pop culture convention.
I'm #blessed to have been a part of LCTC as an exhibitor for four years. I had the opportunity to meet so many people, including readers of KGG that I didn't even know! I closed up shop on the blog in 2016, but I attended that year with Leila, my podcast co-host. Being on the other side of things was strange! I waited in line for Brent Spiner for two hours or so and when I finally had the chance to meet him I was so nervous that I stuttered and he could tell that I was not in any place to make proper conversation. He told me to "Be well." I was elated!
This year, there are some fantastic guests lined up including Matthew Mercer, most recently of Overwatch (McCree) and Critical Role. I'm personally excited to see Jonathan Frakes (Riker of Star Trek: The Next Generation) and John Barrowman (Doctor Who, Torchwood, Arrow). By expanding into Rupp Arena and taking over the entirety of Lexington Convention Center, LCTC is able to bring in even more guests including Tara Strong, Doug Jones, and EG Daily.
One thing that I was impressed with is that they're working extremely hard to streamline the ticketing process. In years past, it has not been easy, with lines of people not knowing exactly what to do. Advanced check-in is being strongly encouraged this year. The center will open up tomorrow, Thursday, March 8 from 9a until 8p. If you're around and can pop in, it's advantagous so you can avoid the lines to pick up tickets on Friday, but especially Saturday and Sunday when the traffic is heaviest. Con-goers will need to enter through High Street, which will help control the flow of traffic.
Parking will be $10 in the High Street parking lot. There may be some street parking around, especially because the St. Patrick's Day festival won't be happening, but most lots will be around $10. You can always take an Uber or Lyft and avoid parking altogether. Follow those links to get free rides and help me earn them too!
I'm also impressed with how much signage you can already see in pictures being taken of the lobby and ticketing area. I always think it's better to have too much information than not enough. You can also download the LCTC app. You can create you own to-do list, access the floor map, and more.
The app and website has information about photo-ops, the con schedule, and even has a list of autograph prices. With tens of thousands of guests expected this year, planning ahead is key. It's really hard to wander at this point while shoulder-to-shoulder with other nerds.
If cosplaying, be sure to check your weapon. The con is also making use of Rupp Area's metal detectors.
Cell service is tough in the convention center, but there is free WiFi in lobby areas. Check in with friends via iMessage or Messenger to find out where they are, because SMS text messages may get delayed.
Making a plan and figuring out where you want to go ahead of time goes a long way!
If you go....
Lexington Comic & Toy Con
Friday, 1:00PM – 9:00PM (3-DAY VIP PASS HOLDERS ONLY) & 4:00PM- 9:00PM (GENERAL ADMISSION)
Saturday, 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Sunday, 10:00AM – 4:00PM
After hours events are planned for Friday and Saturday nights!
TICKET INFORMATION
3 DAY VIP FULL WEEKEND PASSES (FRIDAY-SATURDAY-SUNDAY)
SPECIAL EARLY PRICE $65 if purchased before 3/4/18
$80 if purchased on or after 3/5/18 or at the door
Children 10 and under are FREE with paid parent or guardian.
There are NO REFUNDS on admission tickets
2 DAY SATURDAY -SUNDAY PASSES
SPECIAL EARLY PRICE $50 if purchased before 3/4/18
$60 if purchased on or after 3/5/18 or at the door
Children 10 and under are FREE with paid parent or guardian.
There are NO REFUNDS on admission tickets
SINGLE DAY TICKETS
Adult single day tickets purchased in ADVANCE before 3/4: Friday ($30), Saturday ($35), and Sunday ($20)
Adult single day tickets on or after 3/5 and at the show: Friday ($40), Saturday ($45), and Sunday ($30)
Children 10 and under are FREE with paid parent or guardian.
There are NO REFUNDS on admission tickets
Children 10 years of age and under are FREE with a paid parent or guardian. You do not have to purchase a ticket for a child 10 years or younger, just let us know that your child is with you when you check in at the show.
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