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SALT LAKE CITY — The largest convention in Utah history wrapped up Saturday after playing host to the TARDIS, elves and hobbits, and a whole slew of superheroes.
Over 100,000 people convened at the Salt Palace Convention Center to celebrate all things nerdy at panels and in lines at Salt Lake Comic Con’s FanXperience, making it the largest Comic Con in North America per capita.
The Salt Lake Comic Con Facebook page is the most popular page in Utah, reaching more than 2 million people in a week, according to a news release.
“I’ve said all along that we have the best fans in the world right here in the Western United States, and they proved it again with their support and attendance at Salt Lake Comic Con FanX,” said Dan Farr, show producer and founder of Salt Lake Comic Con, in a written statement.
The FanX featured double the floor space of last year’s Comic Con, and featured high-profile guests like Sir Patrick Stewart, Karl Urban and Nathan Fillion. A new world record was created for the largest balloon sculpture built by one man.
“The fact that we exceeded attendance expectations proves that Salt Lake City is a focal point for Comic Con and pop culture and is further proof to the Comic Con world that Salt Lake is a major player in the industry,” said Bryan Brandenburg, Salt Lake Comic Con co-founder and vice president of marketing. “The increased success will serve as evidence moving forward that will attract celebrities, vendors and production companies, which in turn will help increase the overall fan experience as well as the visibility of Salt Lake Comic Con and Utah in general. Our aim is to offer a complementary convention to the annual San Diego Comic-Con International.”
By all accounts, FanX was bigger and better, and it's success raised the stakes for Comic Con Sept. 4-6. Tickets go on sale in May.
