Saboten Con is back at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix for another great year of panels, cosplay, and shopping. Saboten starts Friday, September 2 and goes all the way to Monday, September 5. Here is everything you need to know for Arizona’s largest anime convention.
Badges and Pick Up
If you can buy your badge ahead of time, it will save you a few dollars. Here are the options available and the current prices. Taxes/fees not included in the prices shown.
Otaku – $450 ($500 at the door)
- Full access all non-paid events during the convention
- Free access to one café each day
- VIP Convention merchandise pack
- Private mixer with convention guests and select staff
- Premiere seating for all main events
- Early access to the vendor hall
Full Event – $60 ($65 at the door)
Friday – $25 ($30 at the door)
Saturday – $35 ($40 at the door)
Sunday – $35 ($40 at the door)
Monday – $20 ($25 at the door)
Children 12yr and younger – Free w/paid adult
If you purchased your badge ahead of time, you can pick up your badge starting Thursday (the website has conflicting times, the official announcement says Thursday at 4PM, the hours listed say Thursday at 7PM).
Registration Friday – Monday will be open at 10AM to also pick up your badge or purchase one.
Parking
Saboten Con announced earlier in the week that were unable to secure a partnership with one of the downtown parking garages but there are a few options. If you are actually staying at the Sheraton, you get a complimentary parking pass for each day you are staying (for self serve parking, first come first served)
The Phoenix Convention Center has parking available for reservation which you can book through their partnership with Ace Parking right here. It looks like most garages are $15 and relatively close to the event.
The Arizona Center parking garage is pretty close as well and as of Monday, they told me over the phone they do allow overnight parking.
As always, you can always use the park and ride option with Metro Valley Light Rail to save some money.
Programming
Saboten Con offers 5 days of all kinds of programming to keep you entertained while taking a break from the vendor hall:
Gaming/Tournaments
Panels (including 18+ panels)
Crafts
Karaoke
Guest Autographs
Otaku Closet
Raves
J-Fashion Show
Masquerade
and more!
You can check out the entire programming grid right here and you can see a previously published article where I highlighted a few panels. Also, if you are an Android user, you can download the mobile app (you’ll need to search for ConMagik). iOS users will have to sadly wait to see if it becomes available before the convention.
Concessions & Food Options
The Sheraton will have concessions with different menus each day:
Friday 3PM – 6PM
premade sandwich, turkey, lettuce and tomato: $8.00 each
premade vegan wrap: $8.00 each
chicken tenders with mac n cheese: $12.00 each
assorted chips: $2.00 each
assorted candy bars: $2.00
bottled water: $1.00 each
assorted soft drinks: $2.00 each
Saturday 12PM – 5PM
premade chicken caesar wrap: $8.00 each
premade vegan wrap: $8.00 each
chicken enchilada with rice: $12.00 each
assorted chips: $2.00 each
assorted candy bars: $2.00
bottled water: $1.00 each
assorted soft drinks: $2.00 each
Sunday 12PM – 5PM
premade sandwich, turkey, lettuce and tomato: $8.00 each
premade vegan wrap: $8.00 each
bbq pulled pork sandwich: $12.00 each
assorted chips: $2.00 each
assorted candy bars: $2.00
bottled water: $1.00 each
assorted soft drinks: $2.00 each
Monday 11:30AM – 2PM
premade chicken caesar wrap: $8.00 each
premade vegan wrap: $8.00 each
chicken tenders with mac n cheese: $12.00 each
assorted chips: $2.00 each
assorted candy bars: $2.00
bottled water: $1.00 each
assorted soft drinks: $2.00 each
The Sheraton Downtown Phoenix also has a restaurant on site, Carcara. It opens at 3PM daily and while a little pricey, they do have a happy hour. For more info on the gorgeous looking restaurant, you can check it out here.
The Arizona Center across the street from the hotel also has some food options including Jersey Mike’s, BoSa Donuts, Omoide Sushi and Noodle Bar, Oakberry Açaí Bowls & Smoothies, and Cold Stone Creamery. If you would like some other options maybe a little further out, you can reach out to me on Twitter or Instagram and I’ll give you some suggestions.
Hours
Programming
- Friday 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
- Sunday 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
- Monday 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Exhibits
- Friday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Monday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration
- Thursday 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Pre-registration only)
- Friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Monday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Guests
Saboten Con is bringing over 25 guests from different backgrounds and industries. Guests from the voice acting industry such as Dave Fenndy and Sandy Fox. Anime Industry guest Hirokatsu Kihara, cosplay guests Knightmage and Illuminaughty Cosplay, among many more guests. You can see the full list right here.
COVID
Masks are fully required at Saboten Con. If you cannot wear a mask for health reasons, a face shield is accepted (and will have them for sale at Registration for $2)
Legion of Sand 