COMIC-CON 2025 TOUCAN TIP OF THE DAY
Toucan Tip #18: Hall H: First-Seating Wristbands and Guidelines
Not sure where to line up? Find out which end you’ll be at and get all the Hall H First-Seating wristband info and FAQs right here!
E. Sebastian © 2024 SDCC
The excitement of Hall H is like no other, but there are some important things to keep in mind before you head over. For safety reasons, Comic-Con does not allow early line-ups in Plaza Park or nearby areas until the official set-up is complete. This includes tents, canopies, and stanchions, which are estimated to be in place by Wednesday, July 23. That timeline may shift, so please be patient. Anyone in the area before everything is ready will be asked to leave, regardless of when they arrived.
In an effort to accommodate as many people as possible with the least amount of impact for all, please follow the rules below:
- Camping is not allowed.
- Absolutely no tents, canopies, inflatables, cots, beds, furniture, oversized coolers, space heaters, large fans, large umbrellas, chaise lounges, open flames, or anything of a similar nature of any kind as determined by the San Diego Convention Center.
- You are permitted to have one chair per person of relatively normal size. You may also use a blanket or sleeping bag, provided it is only taking up the space of one person.
- You cannot leave unattended personal items (chairs, sleeping bags, umbrellas, etc.)
as a placeholder in line. Someone must be present at all times. For those with wristbands. you can hold space for no more than 2 other wristband holders.
No facilities or services will be available in Plaza Park, so plan accordingly.
Restroom access will be available in Lobby G of the convention center from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM each night starting Wednesday, July 23. No other access to facilities will be available.
Please be kind and respect the grounds by disposing of trash in the appropriate receptacles. Please do not leave any trash or waste behind.
First-Seating Wristbands for Hall H
First-Seating wristbands are returning for Hall H and will be handed out the night before. These wristbands give you flexibility to plan your experience. You can wait overnight if getting a front section seat is important to you, or you can return in the morning for general seating and still know that you have a spot waiting for you.
To find out how to get a wristband and where to line up, check the Events Quick Guide. You will receive a copy when you pick up your bag and lanyard in the Sails Pavilion. If your badge was mailed to you, you can head straight to the Badged Member Bags, Books, and Lanyards line located near the Ballroom 20 Lobby by entering through Lobby E or the Lobby G escalator.
How Do First-Seating Wristbands Work?
To get first seating in Hall H, make sure to pick up your wristband the evening before. For example, if you are hoping to attend a Saturday panel in Hall H, you would need to get your wristband on Friday night.
Once your badge has been verified, Line Staff will give you a wristband and ask you to attach it securely to your wrist. When you return to enter Hall H, you will need to show your wristband and scan your badge to be admitted.
Once you receive your wristband, you have three options:
1. You may leave, get a good night’s rest, and return to the end of the wristbanded line before 7:30 AM. Please keep in mind that you must be there before 7:30 AM.
2. You may leave someone in your group to hold your place in line and return before 7:30 AM to meet them. You will be allowed to join them in line as long as you have your matching wristband. Please keep in mind that the line is grouped in lettered color “zones.” If your group wishes to enter together, all members of your group will need to get wristbands at the same time, so plan accordingly.
3. You may immediately line up for the following day’s first panel in Hall H.
If you decide to leave the line at any point, you may return to the end of the wristbanded line prior to 7:30 AM and still gain entry to the first panel of the day in Hall H. You do not need to wait overnight! If you return after 7:30 AM, you will have to go to the end of the Hall H line and may not receive first seating.
Note: You cannot leave unattended personal items (chairs, sleeping bags, clothing, etc.) as your placeholder in line. Someone must be present at all times. You can hold space for yourself and up to 2 other wristband holders 13 years old or older, and up to 2 additional children 12 years old or under with a child badge.
Where and How to Pick Up First-Seating Wristbands
First-Seating wristbands will be distributed at the front of the Next Day Line for Hall H. Distribution times vary each day. Please see the map above for the location of the Next Day Line (near the green flag).
To receive a wristband you will need your Comic-Con 2025 badge or barcode confirmation. Please note that IDs will be cross-checked, so the name on your photo ID must match the barcode confirmation.
DISTRIBUTION DATES / TIMES
- Wednesday, July 23: First-Seating wristband distribution for Thursday panels in Hall H will begin at 7:30 PM in the general Hall H line in Plaza Park.
- Thursday, July 24: First-Seating wristband distribution for Friday panels in Hall H will begin at 8:15 PM at the front of the Next Day Line.
- Friday, July 25: First-Seating wristband distribution for Saturday panels in Hall H will begin at 7:00 PM at the front of the Next Day Line.
- Saturday, July 26: First-Seating wristband distribution for Sunday panels in Hall H will begin at 7:15 PM at the front of the Next Day Line.
Please Note: First-Seating wristband distribution will continue throughout the night until all wristbands are distributed or until 7:30 AM the following day.
To address front-of-line crowding issues, our Line staff will begin distributing “line” wristbands to the first portion of the line each day to assist our staff in keeping track of the number of people in line at that time. This “line” wristband alone will not allow access into Hall H, it is only being used to assist our staff in monitoring the front of the line and will be replaced with the First-Seating wristband as they are distributed in the evening. These “line” wristbands will allow the wearer to save space for up to an additional 2 people as described above, until the First-Seating wristbands are distributed.
Remember, you do not need to wait in line overnight to receive first seating. Your wristband ensures first seating for the first panel of the day in Hall H. You are welcome to have someone hold your place in line. Please rejoin them prior to 7:30 AM. Otherwise, if no one is holding your spot, simply join the end of the wristbanded line before 7:30 AM.
First-Seating wristbands will only be used for the first panel of the day in Hall H. Once the wristband line has been let into the hall, individuals without wristbands will be allowed to enter as space allows.
FAQs
What is the First-Seating wristband for?
First-Seating wristbands give you first seating for Hall H and help ensure that people are not cutting in line. Gone are the days where you might go to sleep as number 100 in line, only to wake up and find yourself bumped to number 500 because others had saved spots for their friends. They also allow you to skip the overnight wait if seat placement is not a priority to you.
What does the First-Seating wristband do?
It shows our Line Management team, and you, that you are one of the people who will be admitted to Hall H for the first panel of the day. You will be able to estimate whether or not waiting in line is worth it to you, or if you should spend your valuable time elsewhere!
What about the disabled seating line?
First-Seating wristbands will be distributed to the disabled seating line. Please visit Deaf and Disabled Services in Lobby A for detailed information on ADA First-Seating wristbanding.
Can I leave the line and come back? Does the First-Seating wristband hold my place in line?
Having a First-Seating wristband does not hold your exact place in line. If you leave the line, someone in your group must remain to hold your spot or you will lose it. You must return to your group prior to 7:30 AM or you will be sent to the back of the entire Hall H line, even if you have a First-Seating wristband.
If my friend/family member is not able to wait with me before the First-Seating wristbands are distributed, can I save a spot for them in line?
While we do not recommend saving space in line, those waiting for First-Seating wristbands may save space for up to two others who are 13 years of age or older, as well as up to two additional children aged 12 or under with a child badge. Any additional people beyond those 2 will be asked to leave and join the end of the Next Day Line. You may not collect wristbands for members in your party who are not there in person. Any person wishing to receive a First-Seating wristband must be there in person at the time of distribution.
If I have a wristband, decide not to wait overnight, and do not have a friend hold my spot, will I still get into the first panel?
Yes! As long as you return prior to 7:30 AM you will receive first seating. You will however, be at the end of the wristbanded line.
What about my children?
In order for your child to receive a First-Seating wristband, they must be present with you at the time of distribution. Once they have a wristband, they may leave and you can save their spot in line, but they must be present when you get your wristband. Children must be badged to enter Hall H, please see our child badge policy.
If all First-Seating wristbands are distributed, what does that mean for me?
If you don’t have a First-Seating wristband, it means you’re not likely to get into the first panel of the day – that doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though! The great thing about First-Seating wristbands is you can see exactly how far you are from the last attendee with a wristband and decide if you want to wait or not.
Am I guaranteed a seat in Hall H if I have a First-Seating wristband?
First-Seating wristbands are issued to ensure that the holder receives first seating for Hall H, barring any unforeseen circumstances. We anticipate that all holders of wristbands will be able to get seating for Hall H if you follow the guidelines above. Comic-Con reserves the right to refuse entry to any person for any reason.
Can I give my First-Seating wristband to someone else if I change my mind about going into the panel?
No. While we appreciate your willingness to share, we ask that you do not give away your wristbands to allow those who have spent the time waiting in line the chance to enter.
My friend is coming later to stand in line with me. Can I get an additional First-Seating wristband?
To keep things as fair as possible, wristbands will only be given to those people present in line, while supplies last. Anyone who comes later will have to go to the back of the line. One wristband per person.
How does saving a spot in line work?
The Next Day Line will be grouped into “lettered color zones,” and corresponding color wristbands will be passed out for each zone. If your group is not together at the time of distribution, you may not receive the same color First-Seating wristband, and will be barred from entering together as a group. For example, if you are near the front of the line and receive a red First-Seating wristband, but your other friends farther back get blue wristbands, they will only be allowed to line up in the blue section and may not join you in the red section. Simply put, if you want your group to enter the hall together, make sure to stick together and get your First-Seating wristbands at the same time.
We have our First-Seating wristbands, how many people can we hold space for?
You may hold a place for up to 2 other wristband holders in line overnight, and they may return to meet you in the same spot before 7:30 AM as long as they have the correct color wristband for your group. Additional people beyond those 2 will be asked to rejoin at the end of the wristbanded line.
Can I get into the first panel of the day in Hall H without a First-Seating wristband?
We want as many people to enjoy the panels as possible, so if everyone with wristbands has entered Hall H and there are still seats remaining, we will let you in!
I have more questions, what should I do?
We’re always happy to answer any questions that you may think of! If you have additional questions before the event, please use our Contact form. Otherwise, just ask any of the Hall H Line Staff on-site in the light green shirts.
The Fine Print
First-Seating wristbands are issued such that the wristband holder will have first seating for Hall H (barring any unforeseen circumstances). We anticipate that all holders of wristbands will be able to get first panel seating for Hall H if they follow the guidelines above. Comic-Con reserves the right to refuse entry to any person for any reason.
Wristbands cannot be traded or sold. By receiving a wristband, you agree not to sell, trade, transfer or share your wristband. In the event that San Diego Comic Convention/Comic-Con International (SDCC) determines that you have violated this policy, SDCC has the right to cancel your badge(s) with no refund.
Comic-Con reserves the right to change any time or procedure for wristband distribution for any reason. Safety concerns, and requests from the San Diego Convention Center, fire marshal, police, city, or port may require we change these published plans.