GalaxyCon draws thousands to downtown Raleigh: 'Fun to be around'
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Massive crowds descended on downtown Raleigh as GalaxyCon returned to the Raleigh Convention Center, bringing celebrities, vendors, cosplay enthusiasts and a significant economic boost to the city.
Organizers expect more than 50,000 people to attend the convention through the weekend, which has become one of Raleigh's largest annual events.
"Seeing people doing their own thing is beautiful," said attendee Peyton Stephenson. "It really doesn't matter who you are, if you're energetic or isolationist, it's fun to be around."
From movie and television stars to professional wrestlers, attendees spent Friday exploring exhibit halls packed with memorabilia, artists and celebrity appearances.
"My youngest son is in his final semester at NC State," wrestling legend Mick Foley said. "I was able to see him last night for dinner."
Foley was part of a group of well-known wrestlers, including Jake "The Snake" Roberts, that had booths set up in front of the Exhibit Hall.
For many fans, the event is as much about community as it is entertainment.
"Meeting people of the same interest. Meeting celebrities who are your idols," said Makr Fifkov. "And in general, meeting people (and) making friends. That's what's the most important."
Others traveled long distances to participate. Cody Griffis drove about 14 hours from Vermont to attend.
"I've got friends down here I wanted to visit as well, so I figured I'd come down, check it out," Griffis said.
"I can tell you we'll have somebody represented, at least one person from all 50 states every year. It's a goal to make sure we hit (it). Did that person from Hawaii come? Do we have a person from Alaska?" said GalaxyCon President and Founder Mike Broder. "We generally get (attendees) from about 10 to 12 countries."
GalaxyCon generates an estimated $10 million economic impact for the region through spending at hotels, restaurants and local businesses.
Organizers expect that impact to grow as Raleigh advances plans to expand the Raleigh Convention Center. The project is expected to add nearly 300,000 square feet of space, including flex halls, meeting rooms and a ballroom.
"We can bring in more people. We can have more attractions. There are things we lost over the years we can bring back. There are things we want to add that we can make bigger," said Broder.
Broder also pointed to additional downtown development projects that could support growth, including the planned Omni Hotel and renovations to the Sheraton hotel, which will eventually become a Westin.
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Fans said the expanded facilities could create even more opportunities for artists, exhibitors and attendees.
"It'll give more space to discover new people and new artists," said attendee Jaden Gaskin.
GalaxyCon runs through Sunday and has already secured an agreement to return to Raleigh annually through 2031.
Foley, who has worked the event in the past, is excited for the weekend crowds.
"Sometimes, your best interactions with fans come when you're not as busy because you have more time. I encourage people to come on out," Foley said.
