Florida’s hottest anime convention returns to the waterfront! METROCON is taking over the Tampa Convention Center from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026.
Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer, a first-time attendee, or a Tampa local navigating traffic around Downtown, here is your official guide to everything you need to know for METROCON weekend.
For full programming schedules, guest announcements, and advance ticket purchases, visit www.MetroConventions.com. You can find the full schedule and make your personal schedule in the METROCON Official Event App, available on Apple and Android and updated for 2026.
Drivers in Downtown Tampa should expect higher vehicle and pedestrian activity around Downtown Tampa and S. Franklin Street throughout the weekend.
🎟️ Ticket & Registration FAQs
How much are tickets?
Pre-registering online in advance is the best way to save on ticket prices and skip extra lines.
- Adult Single Day Passes: Starting at $50
- Child Single Day Passes (Ages 6–12): $35
- Adult 3-Day Pass: $106
- Kids Under 6: FREE!
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes! Tickets will be sold at the door all weekend long. However, at-the-door registration is 100% cashless. Cash will not be accepted as a payment method for tickets at the event—you must have a credit card to purchase tickets on-site.
Can I pick up my badge early?
Yes! Pre-registered attendees can take advantage of early badge pickup on Thursday night, allowing you to bypass the Friday morning rush. (Note: Pre-registered single-day passes can only be picked up on the day they are valid, though Friday passes can be picked up Thursday evening).
💡 Pro-Tip: Buy your tickets ahead of time at MetroConventions.com to save money and lock in early pickup!
🕒 Convention Hours & Entrance
What are the general convention hours for METROCON?
- Friday, July 31: 10:00 AM – 2:30 AM
- Saturday, August 1: 9:00 AM – 2:30 AM
- Sunday, August 2: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where do I enter the building?
The main entrance for METROCON is through our Channel Entrance (located on the waterfront side of the building). Take the outdoor escalators up to the second floor, where you will find the main registration area to collect your badge.
How is the convention floor laid out?
- 1st Floor: Workshops, panels, and gaming areas.
- 2nd Floor: Registration, badge pickup, and main entry concourse.
- 3rd Floor: Exhibit halls, featuring 300+ vendors, arcade games, celebrity guests, and main events.
🚗 Parking, Transportation & Local Traffic Info
Where should I park?
On-site parking is available at the Tampa Convention Center Garage, Fort Brooke Garage, or Whiting Garage for a $20 flat rate.
You can also park at Pam Iorio Parking Garage on Friday and Sunday for $20, but please note that it will be closed Saturday for a Benchmark Arena Event.
Due to high attendance, garages will fill up quickly.
What are the best alternative transportation options?
Avoid downtown congestion and parking hassles by using local transit:
- FREE TECO Line Streetcar: Stop directly across the street at the Dick Greco Plaza Station (#10) for free rides between Downtown Tampa and Ybor City.
- Pirate Water Taxi: Arrive in style right along the Tampa Riverwalk directly behind the center.
- Rideshare & Drop-Offs: Designated drop-off/pick-up spots are located at 333 S. Franklin St.
- Local Options: Utilize DASH, HART bus routes, or city rental scooters.
🍕 Food & Dining Options
Whether you need a quick snack between panels or a full sit-down meal, you won't have to go far:
- Inside the Venue: Specialty concessions are located throughout the Exhibit Halls on the 3rd floor as well as on the 1st floor.
- Outdoor Waterfront Dining: Steps outside our doors on the Riverwalk, enjoy The Sail Plaza bar and Big Ray's Fish Camp Riverwalk for fresh food, drinks, and scenic views.
- Food trucks: A variety of food trucks will be parked directly outside the convention center.
- Sit-Down Dining: Visit Harpoon Harry’s Crab House directly across the street for full-service dining.