Pokemon Go Bar Crawl Dominates San Diego Comic-Con

There used to be a wonderful zombie walk at San Diego Comic-Con. Thankfully that walk has returned, joined by another group of people walking around aimlessly downtown.

We are, of course, talking about Pokémon Go – a craze that turned quickly into a mass of players at this year’s delightful convention.

Thanks to Caitlin Teasdale, the best part of the con for myself was the Pokémon Go bar crawl, which ensued on Friday night.

EDIT: Tuesday, July 26 at 5:09 p.m. ET

Updated to reflect triumphant return of the Zombie Walk.

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Now there were no prizes or glory. And wristbands went quickly. Still, seemingly hundreds took to the streets to play late-night bingo at bars that offered deals on drinks for all the Go players.

Being one sans wristband, I was rather pessimistic that I would have any fun or get in on any deals.

That didn’t seem to be the case as me and my team walked along with other players who enjoyed $5 pints and half-off deals at bars that didn’t bother to look at wristbands as best I could tell. Discounts and racking up your Pokemon levels were the call of the night.

Teasdale, who jumpstarted the Pokemon Go bar crawl, offered the following humble adieu to SDCC: “Well, it's been a day. I have been avoiding commenting on any posts because it hasn't felt real yet. It's been like a weird vivid dream that somehow actually happened? It's very surreal. But seriously stop thanking me. I'm vaguely uncomfortable with the attention. Just post all the pictures and videos of you guys having fun, that's what I want. That's the best thanks. I just want to see the evidence of the night. Then it's like I was there with you.”

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And with that, here are some posts from the night that was at the best free event of the weekend:

Hundreds have shown up for the #PokecrawlSDCC #SDCC2016 pic.twitter.com/BRcyATpPeZ

— LANG Geeks (@GeekOutLANG) July 23, 2016

Meandering the area meant hearing cries of “Team Mystic” or “Team Valor” as you popped into yet another bar or pizza place to slake your thirst or feed that hunger.

It was proof yet again that the creativity borne out of Comic-Con truly inspires the best kinds of events.

You didn’t have to spend a dime on what really was the most fun and, in many cases, most intoxicating event this year.

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