Animate Raleigh took place at the Raleigh Convention Center. (Joseph Holloway/CBS 17)
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Thousands of people attended the first-ever Animate Raleigh convention this weekend, kicking off what is expected to be a big year for cosplay events in the Triangle.
Organizers estimated more than 12,000 people would attend the event at the Raleigh Convention Center on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Anderson White and his father drove to Congress from Virginia on Sunday.
“There are a lot of different fans here to connect with and there are just cool things to see here,” White said.
The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, also known as Visit Raleigh, tells CBS 17 the event will generate about $2 million for area hotels, restaurants and shops.
This event, along with “Galaxycon” and “Animazement,” will bring more than $13 million to the economy through July and shows just how profitable cosplay is in the Triangle.
“The population of our area really appeals to the cosplay community and the people who are interested in it [it]whether comics or horror,” said Loren Gold, executive vice president of the bureau.
The office expects there will be more cosplay events related to esports conventions this year, which will bring more money to the Triangle.
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