The San Diego Convention Center, the City of San Diego and the Port of San Diego have announced a new traffic route that creates a pedestrian-only experience during Comic-Con International.
Harbor drive will be closed to vehicle traffic (including bikes, scooters and skateboards) between First Avenue and Park Boulevard during Comic-Con, with the exception of shuttle buses and emergency vehicles. Cars will be screened for Convention Center parking garage access at First Avenue. A second screening location will be at Park Boulevard.
Only badged members (attendees of Comic-Con) may access the front drive, stairs and surrounding sidewalks of the San Diego Convention Center.
“These new initiatives have been in the works since August 2017,” said Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation. “Our goal is to improve the safety and security of the event by allowing for more walking room on our front drive, limited vehicle traffic and clear access for emergency vehicles.” “This decision is a joint effort by the San Diego Convention Center, the City of San Diego, the Port of San Diego and the organizers of Comic-Con,” said Josh Layne, director of public safety for the Convention Center. “These security and safety initiatives are designed to protect crowds and alleviate congestion issues in and around the Convention Center.”
By closing Harbor Drive, shuttles will be allowed to load and unload passengers directly from the street.
Any exhibitor or attendee with a parking pass for the Ace Parking garage directly underneath the San Diego Convention Center will be allowed to drive through. All other drivers will be diverted away from the Convention Center. When is this happening?
Harbor Drive will be closed to traffic (including bikes, scooters and skateboards) on the following days and times:
Wednesday, July 18 (3 to 9 p.m.);
Thursday, July 19 (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.);
Friday, July 20 (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.);
Saturday, July 21 (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.);
Sunday, July 22 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Harbor Drive will reopen to traffic after the hours listed above.
There will still be access to the waterfront for pedestrians via the Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge, along the sidewalk near the Hilton Bayfront. If you have questions related to the street closures, contact Barbara Cosio Moreno at [email protected] or 619-525-5253.