The last year of Otakon in Baltimore also happens to fall on the 20th anniversary of the Japanese franchise Pokemon — and amid the strongest resurgence in recent years of the pocket monsters, thanks to mobile app Pokemon Go.
"There's going to be plenty of [Pokemon Go]," said Otakon convention chair John Gluth. "People who aren't from Baltimore are asking about whether there are Pokestops and gyms, and what kind of Pokemon are around the convention center and stuff like that already."
So heads-up to Baltimore Pokemon Go-ers: You may see an influx of players over the weekend as anime fans descend on the city this weekend.
Here are some tips for out-of-towners looking to "catch 'em all":
- Expect to catch the occasional Zubat and a slew of water Pokemon in the Inner Harbor area, including Psyduck, Tentacool, Magikarp, and if you're lucky, Gyarados.
- The Baltimore Convention Center, where Otakon is held, has at least two stops of its own, including one at one of its sculptures. More than a dozen Pokestops await nearby at nearby restaurants, hotels and in the Inner Harbor area.
- Train your Pokemon or battle some of the toughest Pokemon trainers in the city all within walking distance of the convention center. The “Bronycon Memorial Art” Pokegym is one of the closest, along with a gym located near Camden Yards and at least two located along the Inner Harbor. The Bromo Seltzer Tower, just a five-minute walk from the convention center, also has a Pokegym.
- If you're looking to see sea creatures, live and virtual, the National Aquarium is a Pokemon Go hotspot, with at least three Pokestops accessible from inside and at least seven located just outside aquarium doors.