Anime Expo organizers temporarily suspended entry to the event on Friday afternoon as a surge of fans led to gridlock and overcrowded conditions within the Los Angeles Convention Center. The measure was enacted after the venue reached capacity, prompting a halt in admitting new attendees.
"Fire Marshall said Anime Expo is at capacity and they’re not letting us in,” one attendee posted on X. Approximately 20 minutes later, the user updated that entry had resumed. Photos circulating on social media platforms depicted extensive lines outside the convention center and densely packed hallways inside.
Last year, Anime Expo drew over 410,000 attendees, and the massive turnout this year reportedly overwhelmed the venue. The event, a large celebration of Japanese pop culture, spans four days and attracts cosplayers from around the globe who create elaborate costumes based on popular characters. Scheduled cosplay gatherings for the weekend include fan groups from series such as "Chainsaw Man" and "Naruto."
Security Presence
The influx of attendees on Friday followed a significant police presence monitoring an unofficial late-night gathering outside the convention center after the event’s opening day. The Los Angeles Police Department stated that officers were present as part of standard procedure due to the crowd size.