News Summary
The annual Saboten Con, Arizona’s largest anime convention, returns to Phoenix for its 15th anniversary. Set for September 1-4, the event will feature panels, workshops, and musical performances under the theme ‘Legendary Rivals.’ With an impressive history of attendance, the convention aims to draw large crowds once again. Tickets start at $25, and various activities are planned to engage attendees, making it a must-visit for anime enthusiasts.
Phoenix, Arizona — The annual Saboten Con is set to take place from September 1-4, coinciding with Labor Day weekend, celebrating 15 years of anime culture. Organized by Monkey Paw Entertainment, the convention is the largest anime event in Arizona and is expected to draw significant crowds once again to the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix.
This year’s theme, “Legendary Rivals,” promises a packed agenda that includes hundreds of hours of programming, featuring various panels, workshops, and musical performances. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with notable guests from the anime and gaming industries, enhancing the convention’s reputation as a vibrant hub for anime enthusiasts.
Attendance at Saboten Con has been impressive in previous years, with the 2021 event welcoming over 23,000 unique attendees and achieving a total attendance count of around 50,000. Historical records showcase attendance levels rising, with over 13,000 tickets sold and nearly 38,000 in turnstile attendance reported back in 2018.
Individuals interested in attending this year can purchase tickets starting at $25. For those opting for full weekend access, badges are available for $60 at the door or $55 online. Registration opens daily at 10 a.m., while exhibits begin at 11 a.m., with the convention remaining open until 2 a.m. on Sunday and until 6 p.m. on Monday.
Attendees can look forward to a wide array of activities during the four-day event. Convention programming encompasses various cosplay workshops, panels featuring popular voice actors, and an extensive vendor hall packed with hundreds of vendors and artists, offering merchandise and unique art. Historical musical acts at previous Saboten Cons have included artists like Broken by the Scream, The Sound Bee HD, and the Silent Hill Band, contributing to the convention’s vibrant atmosphere.
Over the years, Saboten Con has established itself as a staple in Phoenix’s cultural calendar, attracting fans from all around. As it celebrates its 15th anniversary, the convention stands as a testament to the growing love and support for Japanese pop culture in the region.
For those seeking more information, details and updates can be found on the official Saboten Con website.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Phoenix to Host Nostalgic Live Music Events This August
Saboten Con Celebrates 15th Anniversary in Phoenix
Additional Resources
- Saboten Con Official Site
- AZCentral: Saboten Con 2024 Preview
- ABC15: Labor Day Weekend Events
- AZCentral: Saboten Con 2019 Highlights
- AZCentral: Overview of Saboten Con
- Wikipedia: Saboten Con
- Google Search: Anime Conventions
- Google Scholar: Anime Culture
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Anime
- Google News: Saboten Con
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
