“It’s a little hectic.”: Back to back bookings leave people frustrated

Lexington, Ky. (WTVQ) — This weekend Lexington’s annual Comic Con was a sold out event all weekend. But one little problem came about.

On Sunday, vendors at the event had to quickly pack up their spaces to make sure Rupp Arena was cleared out.

“It was so much fun,” said Jessica Hunt, from The Funnybook. “We had a great turnout, lots of great cosplayers. A great group of people coming out and great vendors.”

What started out fun for thousands of vendors, actors and Lexington Comic Con turned into chaos. With Lexington Comic Con having to pack up and go in just a few hours.

“It’s a little hectic,” said Josh with Nerdile Art. “We’re used to getting packed up quick for these conventions a lot of the time, but this one is a little bit different.”

The reason to get out asap was the Drake concert.

“It’s a lot faster pace, it clutters the loading bay we load out of, it’s a lot more cluttered,” said Josh. “Everybody’s trying to get out at the same time and they’re telling us we’re limited on getting out.”

Some vendors showed their aggravation for the center being booked back to back.

“I wish they had planned better, because as vendors we’re going to be here hours after the con is over just trying to get things to our vehicles because we can’t use the loading dock,” said Hunt. “And so, it’s very frustrating because we have families to get home to.”

The Central Bank Center saying they try to keep business going and keep the calendar booked.

“Comic con sold out and packed to capacity at the convention center, and then of course we had Riley Green Friday night and Drake tonight,” said Central Bank Center General Manager Brain Sipe. “So, as long as the rooms are open Lexington can do it, and they’re showing up and we’re having sold-out crowds all weekend,”

Adding more to the cramped calendar, was cramped parking.

One visitor saying he had to search for street parking after driving around for 20 minutes.

“It was almost 27 dollars I think to park and that’s crazy for four hours,” said Joseph Caudill. “Way on down the road at the corner downtown. So it will take us 20 minutes to get there from when we leave here in a minute.

While there was aggravation, one positive thing about the center, it’s bringing booming business to Lexington.