Metrocon
StatusActive
GenreAnime, Video Gaming[1][2]
VenueTampa Convention Center
LocationTampa, Florida
CountryUnited States
First2003
OrganizerTeam Dynamite Productions
Attendance12,153 in 2021[3]
Websitehttp://www.metroconventions.com/

Metrocon is an annual three-day anime convention held during July/August at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, United States. 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 brought $3.5 million to the area's economy as of 2016, and about $3.3 million as of 2025.[11][12]

History

Metrocon was first held in 2003 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and after growth moved to the Tampa Convention Center in 2005.[13] The convention had issues in 2008 with rowdy attendees from the Red Bull Flugtag event also occurring at the Tampa Convention Center.[14] 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.[15][16]

The convention added a fourth day when unique attendance hit over 10,000, with the first occurring in 2015.[2][5][13] Game five of the 2015 Stanley Cup playoff finals was held during Metrocon 2015 at the Amalie Arena.[17][18] Metrocon 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[19][20]

Event history

DatesLocationAtten.Guests

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.[21]

Event history

DatesLocationAtten.Guests

References

  1. ^ Cascio, Josh (July 11, 2014). "Metrocon comes to Tampa Convention Center". FOX 13/WTVT-TV. Archived June 22, 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
  2. ^ Allman, John W. (June 11, 2015). "Thousands of cosplayers expected in downtown Tampa for Metrocon". The Tampa Tribune. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  3. ^ "Metrocon 2021 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2022-01-09.
  4. ^ "Anime fans geared up for Tampa Metrocon". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on July 27, 2010. Retrieved 2012-05-28.
  5. ^ "Metrocon a sight to behold at Tampa Convention Center". Tampa Tribune. Retrieved 2013-08-24.
  6. ^ "Characters flock to METROCON event". Tampa Bay Online. Retrieved 2012-05-28.
  7. ^ "Anime, zombie fans to geek out at Metrocon 2011 in Tampa". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on June 19, 2011. Retrieved 2012-05-28.
  8. ^ "Anime fans can get into character at Metrocon". Tampa Bay Online. Retrieved 2012-09-14.
  9. ^ Allman, John W (July 10, 2014). "Metrocon merges anime and video games in downtown Tampa". Tampa Bay Online. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
  10. ^ G-Rodiles, Salvador (August 2, 2012). "A look at Metrocon 2012". Japanator. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  11. ^ Cascio, Josh (July 22, 2016). "MetroCon invades Tampa". FOX 13/WTVT-TV. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  12. ^ Phillips, Blake (25 July 2025). "MetroCon 2025 returns to the Convention Center to take over Downtown Tampa". ABC Action News Tampa Bay (WFTS). Retrieved 6 August 2025.
  13. ^ "Costumes and characters descend on Tampa". FOX 13/WTVT-TV. Archived November 4, 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2013-08-24.
  14. ^ "The fallout from Flugtag". Creative Loafing Tampa Baby. Retrieved 2012-05-28.
  15. ^ "Metrocon Posts Statement After Founder's Arrest". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2012-05-28.
  16. ^ Cerrato, Andres (June 16, 2009). "CEO of Metrocon arrested for allegations from jailbait". Japanator. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  17. ^ Lewis, Bobby (June 12, 2015). "Comic convention, hockey fans share downtown Tampa". WTSP. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  18. ^ Kwak, Sarah (June 12, 2015). "Mental game now key as Stanley Cup Final becomes best of three". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  19. ^ "COVID-19 UPDATE: METROCON 2020 is canceled: see you in 2021!". Metrocon. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  20. ^ "Metrocon 2020 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2020-05-31.
  21. ^ "Metrocon: Amano's World". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2012-05-28.

Further reading