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There's already someone in line at BlizzCon, and they have 29 level 90's
If you were planning on being first in line at BlizzCon, you're already too late. The front of the line has been taken by Brendan "Tibs" Thibodeau, aka Slowmilk, a level 90 tauren death knight from Zangarmarsh, as well as a host of other characters. How many, you might ask -- how about twenty-nine level 90's, complete with five legendary cloaks, eleven Thunderfuries, four Sulfuron Hammers, and one set of Warglaives of Azzinoth completed, with two more in progress. This BlizzCon is the sixth for Tibs, and out of those six BlizzCons, he has been first in line four times. A fifteen year Navy veteran, Tibs played World of Warcraft overseas and once he got home as well. "World of Warcraft was my second home," said Tibs, who has been playing World of Warcraft since December of 2005. "It was getting on and meeting other people from all over the world and having those connections." As for what he'd like to see from BlizzCon ... well, he's still hoping for a mount -- the one and only BlizzCon mount was the Polar Bear from BlizzCon 2008. But in the meantime, Tibs has been busy working on his own goals -- he just got a degree in game production, and hopes to work for Blizzard one day himself. Until then, we know where to find him ... he'll be the guy with the first goodie bag and badge of the con.
Anaheim Convention Center expansion will be ready for BlizzCon 2016
So far, Blizzard has kept BlizzCon close to home at the Anaheim Convention Center, even as the number of people wanting to attend has skyrocketed. But there's a chance BlizzCon could get a little bigger in the future, since the Anaheim Convention Center is about to start on a new expansion, adding an extra 200,000 square feet -- bringing the total size of the convention center to 1.8 million square feet -- set to open by fall 2016. The addition will sit on Katella Avenue and match with the towering glass structure of the rest of the convention center (and you can check out concept art on the OC Register for a sneak peek). This should make the new space available just in time for BlizzCon 2016 ... not that Blizzard has announced BlizzCon 2016 (or BlizzCon 2015 or BlizzCon 2014) yet, but we can hope.
Navigating Anaheim for BlizzCon
You've got your BlizzCon tickets confirmed, your flight booked, and your hotel reserved -- in short, you're packed and ready to head to BlizzCon 2013. But do you know what you're doing when you get there? Preparing for a vacation isn't unlike preparing for a dungeon run: it's important to be prepared and know the lay of the land before you arrive. At BlizzCon you'll probably be spending most of your time in the convention center or at your hotel -- but what if you want to hit up a grocery store for supplies or need to find a pharmacy? We'll help you map out convenient services that are closest to the convention floor and help you can get around while you're there.
BlizzCon 2011 brings in Foo Fighters for concert -- and to fight the foo
Are you ready to rock? I SAID, ARE YOU READY TO ROCK? Oh, you are? Well then, you had better hope you already have a ticket to this year's BlizzCon, as the Foo Fighters are planning to take the center stage for a concert to end all concerts. The Foo Fighters join Ozzy Osbourne and Tenacious D as the latest headlining act for Blizzard's annual convention. It's become tradition to end the weekend with a huge concert, and Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl is prepared to give the crowd an experience like no other: "We're pretty sure that in the future, music historians will look back at BlizzCon 2011 as the unquestionable pinnacle of Foo Fighters' long and illustrious career. We look forward to living up to that prediction by bringing the Horde and Alliance together to rock the hell out of Anaheim next month." While BlizzCon is already sold out, there are virtual tickets and DirecTV options still available for die-hard fans. The convention will take place in California's Anaheim Convention Center on October 21st and 22nd.
Packing for BlizzCon: Tips for booking air travel
BlizzCon is upon us! Get ready for the convention with travel tips, tricks, and preparation articles from WoW Insider. BlizzCon 2011 is happening soon -- Oct. 21-22, to be exact. You have nine weeks to wait until the biggest Blizzard event of the year. We're all preparing for the big trip, and now's a good time to talk about air travel arrangements. If you've already gotten your plane tickets, good for you, you early bird. For many people, now's the time to purchase plane tickets. Did you know that the Guardian thinks that the best time to purchase airline tickets is about eight weeks before traveling? That's soon! Here's some information to help you when purchasing tickets and flying in to BlizzCon.
Reminder: Last chance for BlizzCon 2010 tickets tomorrow, June 5
Did you miss out on purchasing tickets last Wednesday evening on June 2? Don't worry! You still have a shot at getting tickets for BlizzCon, which will be taking place October 22-23 in Anaheim, California! This is just a reminder that the next round of ticket sales will be available tomorrow, June 5 at 10:00 a.m. PDT / 1:00 p.m. EDT. Remember, you can only purchase a maximum of five tickets per household. Jay Mohr will be hosting BlizzCon again this year. Ticket prices are $150 each and they will sell out quickly! Make sure you're online and ready to go at the Blizzard Store or the BlizzCon website in the morning. If you can't score tickets, the DirecTV Pay Per View event might help satisfy your hunger for the Blizzard event. It's only $39.95 and you get access to the multi-channel internet stream. If you've purchased the internet stream, you can switch between a variety of channels to watch different areas of BlizzCon. In other words, you get watch the events you care about more than others!
Reminder: BlizzCon 2010 tickets on sale tomorrow, June 2
A reminder to those planning on purchasing BlizzCon 2010 tickets: The first round of sales for tickets will be tomorrow, June 2 at 7:00 p.m. PDT/10:00 p.m. EDT. BlizzCon 2010 will be taking place Oct. 22-23 in Anaheim, California. Tickets are $150 each. For those unable to get tickets during tomorrow's window, there will be a second round of sales on Saturday, June 5 at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT. There is a five-ticket limit per household. For those unable to attend the convention proper, the DirecTV Pay Per View event will return in 2010 for $39.95, as well as the multi-channel internet stream of the event. For the first time, anyone who purchases the internet stream will be able to switch freely between multiple channels of coverage dedicated to different areas of BlizzCon, meaning viewers can tune in to the sections they're most interested in, rather than what they're stuck with. And, of course, WoW.com will be bringing you live blogs of everything and complete event coverage. For those planning to purchase tickets: This is your reminder. Make sure you're online and at the Blizzard Store or the official BlizzCon website tomorrow evening, play a few rounds of Failoc-alypse and hope your fingers are fast, because these tickets are sure to sell out within seconds.
BlizzCon 2010 tentatively scheduled for late October [Updated x2]
Just moments ago, we received an email from a reader notifying us that BlizzCon has been scheduled for October 22nd and 23rd at the Anaheim Convention Center. That's a Friday and a Saturday, which are historically the days of the week BlizzCon has run. As you can see above, the convention is indeed on the convention center's events calendar. We have confirmed with the Anaheim Convention Center that this booking is legit and is "99.9% confirmed," but I wouldn't run and arrange any travel plans just yet considering Las Vegas Convention Center confirmed that booking, too. We're reaching out to Blizzard for comment, and we'll let you know as soon as we hear anything else. Update: The listing has been removed from the convention center's events calendar, but it's preserved in the screenshot above. We will continue to keep an eye on the situation and will make updates as necessary. Update 2: Blizzard responded to our inquiry about the Anaheim Convention Center listing with this: "Blizzard Entertainment has not announced any details about the next BlizzCon. We recommend that players refrain from making any BlizzCon-related travel plans at this time."
BlizzCon 2009: It begins
Our man in Anaheim right now is none other than the Turpster (apparently the Deadliest Catch boat he grabbed a ride with arrived a bit early), and, jet sealagged as he may be, he found the strength to walk over to the convention center and get you the first pics of what this year's BlizzCon looks like. Hit the gallery below to see what's going on, from the Illidan statue setup to the Dippin' Dots booth.No major spoilers yet (there are no Cataclysm posters lying around, disappointing as that may be), but it's a great look at the calm before the storm of Blizzard fans that will descend on the area in just a few days' time. Stay tuned for lots more coverage (and we mean lots more coverage) of what's going on in Anaheim. BlizzCon 2009 is almost upon us!Update: Blizzard has asked us to remove three images from this gallery that showed portions of the interior of the convention hall. As these were blurry, through-the-window shots that didn't clearly show anything of excitement, we don't feel anyone is missing out by not having them available. We'll be sure to update you with plenty of high-quality shots when the convention floor officially opens on Friday. %Gallery-70480% BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there's some great looking costumes.
Reminder: Second batch of BlizzCon tickets go on sale at 10AM Pacific today, May 30
Don't have a ticket to BlizzCon 2009 and still want to go? Best lock and load, because the second batch of entry passes go on sale today at 10AM Pacific on the Blizzard site. The first set sold out in less than 30 minutes, so if you're not there at precisely the appointed hour when the golden passes go on sale ... seriously, just don't bother.The tickets cost $125 apiece and there's always the option to "attend" though DirectTV's $40 pay-per-view. But just imagine all the sights, sounds and smells you'd be missing. Best of luck to the faithful (and forsaken) warriors attempting to grab a ticket.[Via Big Download, WoW]
The Daily Grind: Are you going to BlizzCon?
With BlizzCon tickets going on sale later this morning, this Daily Grind is probably going to be one of the more obvious and occasionally repeated. But as it is topical, I shall ask straight off before going into my customary anecdote. Are you going to BlizzCon? Will you be queuing for tickets all day today? Why exactly do you want to go? Is it Grunty, the promise of new announcements or rather for an IRL catch up with guildies?I admit, until last year I never went to fan events and then the WWI was announced for Paris. Well, living across the pond in Blighty, I couldn't not go, could I? Granted I spent 98% of my time in a near pitch black press room squinting at my laptop, it was still amazing to sit in a bus headed for the convention centre, watching thousands of people standing in a queue which must have gone on for at least four blocks. It only hit me when I found myself in the front row of the press area, mere inches from Mike Morhaime as he announced Diablo III. I don't cosplay and I'm usually working but very mention of a fan event makes me want to squee like a fan girl. I'm not even sure if I'm going to this year's BlizzCon yet, but if I don't, I will certainly be getting the DirectTV stream. What about you?
BlizzCon 2008: The first day of mayhem
The crowds have been let in to the main convention center floor, and it is an absolute mad house of Blizzard fun here. BlizzCon 2008 has started in earnest, with a full day of panels and gaming ahead. Knowing Blizzard, it should be truly epic. If you weren't able to join us here at the Anaheim Convention Center, have no fear. As the day progresses, we'll share many of the sights of BlizzCon 2008, straight from the front lines. So if you're hungry for more of what's going on here, be sure to check back, as we'll be updating the gallery throughout the day! %Gallery-34201%
WoW Insider Show Episode 58: Live at BlizzCon
Not only will WoW Insider be at BlizzCon all weekend, and not only will you get a chance to meet-and-greet with us on Thursday night at The Lost Bar, but this is the first BlizzCon in the life of our podcast, the WoW Insider Show, and the show's going on the road, too. Friday night at 8pm, we're inviting you to come see us do a live recording of the show, direct from right outside the Anaheim Convention Center. Our partners at WoW Radio will be set up in the courtyard between the Convention Center and the hotel next door, and all of us will be there, doing a live recording of the podcast for you to hear and see as we do it.And as if that wasn't enough, we've got another surprise, too: the folks from The Guild will be right there with us. Felicia Day and her cohorts will have a panel during the day, but they're spending the evening with us, so we'll talk to them about making the series, their experience with WoW, and what they think of all the craziness that's sure to be at BlizzCon. We'll have some other guests from around the community as well: both Totalbiscuit from WoW Radio and Starman from World of Warcast will be on hand to talk shop with us. And as is usual on the WoW Insider Show, we'll talk about everything going on in World of Warcraft, our most popular posts on the site, and don't be surprised if we have some good giveaways for passers-by to win as well.It's going to be a lot of fun, and you'll get to see us make the show right there in front of your very eyes. Friday night at 8pm, come right outside the Convention Center, and look for the WoW Radio setup, because that's where we'll be. Everybody have a safe trip out to BlizzCon, and have a great time while you're out there.
Scalpers raid eBay, didn't take long
It's probably not helpful to hundreds (thousands?) of customers who suffered the slings and arrows of BlizzCon ticket purchase, but scalpers are already selling tickets on eBay. Since Blizzard has done quite a bit to try and make the event scalper unfriendly, this is entirely an example of folks attempting to profiteer on an honest effort. Blizzard's rules for BlizzCon are set up to mitigate scalpers' ability to resale on eBay and other internet venues. The ticket pickup rules, from the official BlizzCon website say: Tickets and badges must be picked up at the Anaheim Convention Center; Blizzard Entertainment will NOT be mailing the badges out. To pick up your tickets, you will need to provide the credit card used to make the purchase. There are no exceptions to this. And as one eBay scalper says in his auction, he'll have to deliver the tickets "near" the convention center. So, the buyer should beware. You don't have any assurances your scalper will actually show up, and you could find yourself out a grand or two pretty. Of course, you'd kind of be bringing it on yourself anyway.
