Metrocon

Metrocon
METROCON logo.
StatusActive
GenreAnime, Video Gaming[1][2]
VenueTampa Convention Center
Location(s)Tampa, Florida
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated2003
Attendance12,153 in 2021[3]
Organized byTeam Dynamite Productions
Websitehttp://www.metroconventions.com/

Metrocon is an annual three-day anime convention held during July/August at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida. It is Florida's largest anime convention and organized by Team Dynamite Productions.[4][5] The convention evolved from meetups of AnimeMetro.com members.[6]

Programming

The convention typically offers an artist alley, autograph sessions, contests, dances/raves, LAN gaming, main events (such as the Anime Human chess Match, Costume and Cosplay Contests, Fantasy Masquerade, Fire Show, and Professional Wrestling), panels, tabletop game rooms, vendors room, video game rooms, and video rooms screening anime.[7][8][9][10] Metrocon also hosts a blood drive.[2] The convention brings $3.5 million to the area's economy.[11]

History

Metrocon was first held in 2003 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and after growth moved to the Tampa Convention Center in 2005.[12] The convention had issues in 2008 with rowdy attendees from the Red Bull Flugtag event also occurring at the Tampa Convention Center.[13] In 2009, the founder and CEO of Metrocon was arrested in Florida for violating Florida Statute 794.05 (unlawful sexual activity with certain minors) eight days before the convention. The conventions Director of Operations characterized the arrest as "an attack on the convention". The CEO stepped down from his position, with the Director of Operations and Head of Security taking over operations.[14][15]

The convention added a fourth day when unique attendance hit over 10,000, with the first occurring in 2015.[2][5][12] Game five of the 2015 Stanley Cup playoff finals was held during Metrocon 2015 at the Amalie Arena.[16][17] Metrocon 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[18][19]

Event history

Dates Location Atten. Guests
July 18–20, 2003 Crowne Plaza Hotel
Tampa, Florida		1,600Greg Ayres, Luci Christian, Vic Mignogna, Chris Patton, Gerry Poulos, Monica Rial, Don Rush, and Shadowfax.[20]
July 9–11, 2004 Crowne Plaza Hotel[21]
Tampa, Florida		2,400Greg Ayres, Katie Bair, Luci Christian, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Vic Mignogna, Monica Rial, Don Rush, Shadowfax, Doug Smith, and David L. Williams.[22]
June 24–26, 2005 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		3,600Greg Ayres, Johnny Yong Bosch, Luci Christian, Eyeshine, Lauren Goodnight, Cynthia Martinez, Vic Mignogna, Chris Patton, Monica Rial, Shadowfax, Doug Smith, John Swasey, and David L. Williams.[23]
June 2–4, 2006 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		4,000Greg Ayres, Steve Bennett, Johnny Yong Bosch, Luci Christian, Eyeshine, Lauren Goodnight, Kyle Jones, Cynthia Martinez, Marc Matney, Scott McNeil, Chris Patton, PikaBelleChu, PLID, Monkey Punch, Random Encounter, Christopher Sabat, seek, Shadowfax, Doug Smith, John Swasey, David L. Williams, and YURAsama.[24]
July 6–8, 2007 Tampa Convention Center[25]
Tampa, Florida		5,400Greg Ayres, Laura Bailey, Steve Bennett, Johnny Yong Bosch, Luci Christian, Ashley Clark, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Eyeshine, Lauren Goodnight, Yaya Han, Kyle Jones, Cynthia Martinez, Scott McNeil, Vic Mignogna, Random Encounter, Shadowfax, Doug Smith, John Swasey, and David L. Williams.[26]
July 18–20, 2008 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		Greg Ayres, Steve Bennett, Johnny Yong Bosch, Greg Cipes, Cipes and the People, Ashley Clark, Eyeshine, Lauren Goodnight, Yaya Han, DJ Heavygrinder, The Heroes Alliance, Scott McNeil, Random Encounter, Select Start, Shadowfax, Doug Smith, David Stanworth, and David L. Williams.[27]
June 19–21, 2009 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		Abney Park, ArcAttack, Ashley Clark, Brian Drummond, Yaya Han, Mark Hildreth, Scott McNeil, Kirby Morrow, Outland Armour, PikaBelleChu, Random Encounter, Shadowfax, Doug Smith, David Stanworth, Brad Swaile, and David L. Williams.[28]
July 23–25, 2010 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		6,665Robert Axelrod, Ashley Clark, Richard Ian Cox, Yaya Han, DJ Hellroy, KellyJane, Scott McNeil, Kirby Morrow, Outland Armour, Aaron Pabon, Pikabellechu, Random Encounter, Anna Rosato, RJ Schafer, Shadowfax, Spike Spencer, David Standworth, and TealPirate.[29]
June 17–19, 2011 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		7,477Max Brooks, Ashley Clark, Kara Edwards, Crispin Freeman, Yaya Han, Kyle Hebert, DJ Hellroy, KellyJane, Scott McNeil, Outland Armour, PikaBelleChu, Random Encounter, Shadowfax, Doug Smith, David Stanworth, Brad Swaile, TealPirate, and Terrance Zdunich.[30]
June 15–17, 2012 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		8,033Amelie Belcher, Ashley Clark, Richard Epcar, Crispin Freeman, DJ Hellroy, KellyJane, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Scott McNeil, PikaBelleChu, Doug Smith, David Stanworth, Takayoshi Tanimoto, and TealPirate.[31]
July 26–28, 2013 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		9,951Dante Basco, Amelie Belcher, Ashley Clark, D.C. Douglas, DJ Hellroy, KellyJane, Phil LaMarr, Scott McNeil, PikaBelleChu, Doug Smith, David Stanworth, TealPirate, and Janet Varney.[32]
July 11–13, 2014 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		11,776[33]Troy Baker, Dante Basco, Amelie Belcher, Richard Epcar, Brittney Karbowski, KellyJane, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Scott McNeil, Nolan North, PikaBelleChu, Random Encounter, Doug Smith, David Stanworth, Ellyn Stern, TealPirate, and Hynden Walch.[34]
June 11–14, 2015 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		Laura Bailey, Amelie Belcher, Robbie Daymond, KellyJane, Carrie Keranen, Laugh Out Loud, Russell Lissau, Scott McNeil, Erica Mendez, Nolan North, PikaBelleChu, Stephanie Sheh, David Stanworth, TealPirate, and Travis Willingham.[35]
July 21–24, 2016 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		Zach Aguilar, Amelie Belcher, Steve Bennett, Richard Ian Cox, Robbie Daymond, Haiden Hazard, KellyJane, Max Mittelman, Kirby Morrow, PikaBelleChu, Laura Post, David Stanworth, Brooke Stephenson, Eric Stuart, TealPirate, and Cristina Vee.[36]
August 3–6, 2017 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		11,604Steve Blum, Ray Chase, Robbie Daymond, Caleb Hyles, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Scott McNeil, Vic Mignogna, Max Mittelman, PikaBelleChu, Paul St. Peter, and Cristina Vee.[37]
July 19–22, 2018 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		Caleb Hyles, Jamie Marchi, Jason Marsden, Scott McNeil, Noise Complaint, Micah Solusod, David Stanworth, J. Michael Tatum, Jeannie Tirado, and Apphia Yu (Ayu Sakata).[38]
July 11–14, 2019 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		13,1353000 Brigade, Luci Christian, Kara Edwards, Geekapella, Jessie James Grelle, Caleb Hyles, David Matranga, Nerds Know, NoFlutter, Noise Complaint, Monica Rial, and Alexis Tipton.[39]
July 23–25, 2021 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		12,153Justin Briner, Chalk Twins, Ricco Fajardo, Caleb Hyles, David Matranga, Nerds Know, Emily Neves, NoFlutter, Noise Complaint, Anairis Quiñones, and Christopher Wehkamp.[3]
July 15–17, 2022 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		Felecia Angelle, Azazus, Tia Ballard, Chalk Twins, Clifford Chapin, Luci Christian, Ricco Fajardo, Caleb Hyles, Kaiju Big Battel, Kristen McGuire, Nerds Know, Noise Complaint, Megan Shipman, and Natalie Van Sistine.[40]
July 14–16, 2023 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		Kevin Bolk, Ricco Fajardo, Bridget Hoffman, Natalie Hoover, Caleb Hyles, Brittany Lauda, Erica Lindbeck, Brandon McInnis, Nano, Tony Oliver, J. Michael Tatum, Chris Tergliafera, Kirk Thornton, Kaoru Wada, and Jonathan Young.[41]
July 5–7, 2024 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		E. Jason Liebrecht, Emi Lo, Elizabeth Maxwell, Adam McArthur, Kristen McGuire, Trina Nishimura, Alejandro Saab, Alysan Tabbitha, Kaiji Tang, and Anne Yatco.[42]

Amano's World

In 2006, Metrocon held a second convention known as Metrocon: Amano's World, which featured the works Yoshitaka Amano, who is best known for his Final Fantasy character designs and Vampire Hunter D illustrations.[43]

Event history

Dates Location Atten. Guests
October 14–15, 2006 Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, Florida		Yoshitaka Amano, Steve Bennett, Lauren Goodnight, Random Encounter, and Doug Smith.[44]

References

  1. ^ Cascio, Josh (July 11, 2014). "Metrocon comes to Tampa Convention Center". FOX 13/WTVT-TV. Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Allman, John W. (June 11, 2015). "Thousands of cosplayers expected in downtown Tampa for Metrocon". The Tampa Tribune. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Metrocon 2021 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  4. ^ "Anime fans geared up for Tampa Metrocon". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on July 27, 2010. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
  5. ^ a b "Metrocon a sight to behold at Tampa Convention Center". Tampa Tribune. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
  6. ^ "Characters flock to METROCON event". Tampa Bay Online. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
  7. ^ "Anime, zombie fans to geek out at Metrocon 2011 in Tampa". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on June 19, 2011. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
  8. ^ "Anime fans can get into character at Metrocon". Tampa Bay Online. Retrieved September 14, 2012.
  9. ^ Allman, John W (July 10, 2014). "Metrocon merges anime and video games in downtown Tampa". Tampa Bay Online. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  10. ^ G-Rodiles, Salvador (August 2, 2012). "A look at Metrocon 2012". Japanator. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
  11. ^ Cascio, Josh (July 22, 2016). "MetroCon invades Tampa". FOX 13/WTVT-TV. Retrieved September 5, 2016.
  12. ^ a b "Costumes and characters descend on Tampa". FOX 13/WTVT-TV. Archived from the original on November 4, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
  13. ^ "The fallout from Flugtag". Creative Loafing Tampa Baby. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
  14. ^ "Metrocon Posts Statement After Founder's Arrest". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
  15. ^ Cerrato, Andres (June 16, 2009). "CEO of Metrocon arrested for allegations from jailbait". Japanator. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
  16. ^ Lewis, Bobby (June 12, 2015). "Comic convention, hockey fans share downtown Tampa". WTSP. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  17. ^ Kwak, Sarah (June 12, 2015). "Mental game now key as Stanley Cup Final becomes best of three". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  18. ^ "COVID-19 UPDATE: METROCON 2020 is canceled: see you in 2021!". Metrocon. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  19. ^ "Metrocon 2020 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  20. ^ "Metrocon 2003 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  21. ^ "Anime cartoon fans join forces at Metrocon convention". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
  22. ^ "Metrocon 2004 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  23. ^ "Metrocon 2005 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  24. ^ "Metrocon 2006 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  25. ^ "Where fantasy, fans converge". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
  26. ^ "Metrocon 2007 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  27. ^ "Metrocon 2008 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  28. ^ "Metrocon 2009 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  29. ^ "Metrocon 2010 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  30. ^ "Metrocon 2011 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  31. ^ "Metrocon 2012 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  32. ^ "Metrocon 2013 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  33. ^ "Just another summer weekend in Tampa … or was it Metrocon?". The Observer News. June 17, 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  34. ^ "Metrocon 2014 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  35. ^ "Metrocon 2015 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  36. ^ "Metrocon 2016 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  37. ^ "Metrocon 2017 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  38. ^ "Metrocon 2018 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  39. ^ "Metrocon 2019 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  40. ^ "Metrocon 2022 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
  41. ^ "Metrocon 2023 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  42. ^ "Metrocon 2024 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  43. ^ "Metrocon: Amano's World". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
  44. ^ "Metrocon: Amano's World 2006 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.

27°56′30.12″N 82°27′24.12″W / 27.9417000°N 82.4567000°W / 27.9417000; -82.4567000