Pride, Comic-Con set to draw in big crowds

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego will be playing host to the world over the next few weeks as Pride Week dovetails right into Comic-Con. The festivities are starting Saturday with hotels and restaurants in Hillcrest and downtown bracing for the crush of people.

“250,000 folks just watching the parade, 10,000 just in the parade,” said Jen Labarbera from Pride San Diego.

It is the 50th anniversary of San Diego Pride, and it is expected to be as busy as it has ever been.

And just as Pride ends on the 23rd Comic-Con picks up on the July 25 wielding the big news of major Hollywood studios reemerging at the con.

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“When you bring Hollywood back into the equation, you really get a heightened experience,” said Micheal Trimble, from the Gaslamp Quarter Association.

The 54th Comic-Con is expecting A-listers like Chris Hemsworth and Dave Bautista planning on making appearances. Trimble says downtown will be busier than ever.

“We are looking to have hotels full. We know that the parties are going to be booked in some of these hotels as well. I know that the overflow for the restaurants is great,” Trimble said.

Comic-Con this year is slated to be full of surprises, but there is no mystery when it comes to income potential for local businesses.

“It’s a business boost for everybody and it’s also great because the world is looking at San Diego,” Trimble said.

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