The Other East

Otakon is a very large event that draws over 20,000 people to Baltimore City every year. This year there is the adding incentive of a mini-X Japan performance by Yoshiki and Sugizo. Recently Otakon has gone out of its way to avoid scheduling the convention during Baltimore Ravens(NFL), or Baltimore Orioles (MLB) games because the stadiums are on the same street as the convention center and within eye-shot of each other. Previous cons took place during games and traffic and hotel situations were less than desirable.

It was thought that this year was good to go, but now an exhibition match has been scheduled between the football clubs Manchester City and Inter Milan for July 31st at 8pm. This is the second day of the convention which takes place between July 30th and August 1st. The performance is, as of now, taking place on July 31st. This will cause problems for anyone that hasn’t booked a room yet and needs one.

While most people consider football/soccer a second tier sport in America, last year a similar event drew around 75,000 and booked the hotels around the convention center/stadium complex solid. Luckily I live near the convention center, so I don’t have to worry about a hotel, but the commute is going to be interesting. The metro train in Baltimore stops running relatively early so driving is necessary for most local con goers. This should be interesting.

Tags: baltimore, otakon, X Japan