August in Phoenix means two things: HOT weather and Game On Expo. This Friday will see another edition of the largest video game and anime convention in the southwest. Keep reading to find all the details you need to have an enjoyable Game On Expo.

WHEN AND WHERE
Game On Expo takes place at the Phoenix Convention Center (South Building) from August 11 – 13. The hours are as follow: (VIP badge holders get in an hour earlier than the times listed below)

BADGES

You can currently buy your Game On Expo badges online for a discounted price. These discounted prices expire after August 10. The prices below do not include taxes and fees.
1UP VIP Full Event – $100
Full Event – $70
Friday – $40
Saturday – $50
Sunday – $45
Player 2 Pass (Kids 10 and younger) – $25
Click this link to be taken to the Game On Expo site to purchase your badge.

Game On Expo just announced that you will be able to pick up your badge early! Thursday from 5P – 8P, you can pick up your badge at the registration desk in the lobby of the Phoenix Convention Center South Building (the building closest to Chase Field).

PARKING
No official parking announcement (as of time of publication) for Game On Expo but fear not! I got you covered right here. As always, the best alternative is using the Valley Metro Rail that has stations on each side of the Phoenix Convention Center South Building which is super convenient. Like I mention in the previously mentioned link, the Arizona Diamondbacks will be playing at Chase Field each day of Game On Expo so downtown (and its parking availability) will be a little bit busier.

GUESTS
Oh boy, Game On Expo has quite the list of guests that come from all different corners of the video game industry, entertainment industry, content creation, cosplay and more! Nolan North, Steve Blum, Nadji Jeter, Christopher Judge, Christina Vee are just a small sample of the guests who have voiced some of your favorite characters. Pixel Game Squad, Radical Reggie, John Hancock from the content creation world will be joined by other guests such as Mega Ran, Paul Niemeyer, Error Paige, and Dave Beaty. Seriously, check out the FULL guest line up here.

PROGRAMMING/PANELS
Plenty to do at Game On Expo this year: Laser tag, the Nintendo Power Museum exhibit, table top gaming, pinball, arcades, console tournaments, musical performances, and a cosplay contest. There are also panels happening each day covering a wide variety of topics (including yours truly doing my very first panel!). For the full schedule, click here (which also has a link to download the app).

SHOPPING
Game On Expo usually has a mix of vendors that are selling hand made goods, art they’ve created, video games, comics, toys, and more. Some of your favorite stores will also have booths such as Zia Records, 1Up Games, and Bookmans. For the full list of exhibitors, head this direction.

FOOD
There are typically no food trucks or food vendors (besides the Harkins truck if that counts) at Game On Expo. Food availability specific to the convention will be the cafe inside the convention center. If you’d rather spend your money elsewhere (and I don’t blame you), there are plenty of options in Downtown Phoenix, with a lot of them being in walking distance. I’m going to link to my food article from this past Phoenix Fan Fusion which is still pretty relevant.