UPDATE! Phoenix ComiCon Revises the Weapon Ban

In response to the man armed with real weapons that police arrested on site Thursday, the Phoenix Comicon issued a press release banning not just fake guns or weapons, but ALL props of any kind.  There has been a lot of misunderstandings on the extent of this ban, so we have posted the entirety of the statement below.

In light of recent events, Phoenix Comicon, in cooperation with the Phoenix Convention Center and the Phoenix Police Department, will be implementing enhanced screening to ensure the safety of all our attendees. This screening includes three dedicated access points, no longer allowing costume props within our convention or the Convention Center, and other methods as determined in conjunction with the Convention Center and Phoenix Police Department. We anticipate some delays as you are entering the building and we encourage you to carry as little as possible to make the process easier.

These new policies will take effect starting tomorrow, Friday, May 26th.

The three access points for entrance into the Convention Center with those who have a valid badge:

West Building entrance at 2nd Street, between Washington and Monroe.
Third Street at Washington
Third Street at Monroe

For those who need to collect their badge from registration you will ONLY be able to use the access point at Third Street at Monroe.
Con on Third will no longer be open to the public, and will require a valid badge to enter.

Costume props will no longer be allowed on-site. All costume props should be left at home, in your car, or in your hotel room. This includes costume props for staff, crew, costuming groups, panelists, and participants in the masquerade ball. Any panels or activities impacted by this change will be updated on the website soon.

All costume props are no longer allowed, including foam and cardboard props, shields and sabers. Purchased props will be wrapped by the vendors and must remain so while they are on-site. We encourage you to take your purchases to your car or hotel as soon as possible after purchase.
We understand these are last minute changes as a result of recent events.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our patrons and we look forward to a great event.

Matthew Solberg
Convention Director

Is this a proper reaction to the threat, or is this going overboard?  Do these restrictions make you and your family feel safer?  Sound out below!