Thousands of attendees faced long wait times and discomfort at Pittsburgh’s furry convention, Anthrocon, on Thursday, leading organizers to close registration lines. The event took place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, where the unexpected influx of attendees caused significant stress for both participants and staff.
Many reported waiting over five hours to enter, with some, like Jarhett Doyle, ultimately giving up without completing registration after a total of eight hours in line. The setup this year required attendees who purchased tickets online to still queue for entry, creating further frustration.
Attendees in furry costumes struggled with the oppressive heat, with one individual reportedly fainting due to the conditions. In response to the challenges faced, Anthrocon officials reopened registration on Friday morning and rearranged the area to provide more seating and cooling options for those waiting.
This year marks the 19th installment of Anthrocon, which is expected to draw more than 15,000 participants and generate $17 million in direct visitor spending. The convention runs through Sunday.
