Health precautions in place as Gen Con convention opens in downtown Indy

Gen Con is back in downtown Indianapolis.

The four-day tabletop gaming convention kicked off Thursday at the Indiana Convention Center. This is Gen Con’s 55th year and it’s 19th in Indianapolis. Gen Con President David Hoppe said there are nearly 15,000 events scheduled.

“Our exhibit hall is packed again this year with over 500 exhibitors,“ Hoppy said.

The convention is back at 100 percent capacity after being canceled in 2020 and then postponed and limited to 50 percent capacity last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health precautions are in place this year.

“We are checking everyone for vaccinations, and we are asking everyone to wear masks,” Hoppe said.

Events are also scheduled at Lucas Oil Stadium.  The convention has expanded onto Georgia Street with a block party, where festivities run until 6 p.m. every day except Sunday. 

Last year’s convention — even while operating at half capacity — drew more than 35,000 attendees and generated an estimated $37 million in economic activity for downtown restaurants, hotels, and other local businesses.

Convention organizers project attendance at Gen Con Indy 2022 to reach more than 75 percent of pre-pandemic numbers.

A new participation grant program was launched this year, distributing funds directly to help gaming enthusiasts from historically underrepresented communities attend Gen Con Indy.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.