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RetroGameCon Frequently Asked Questions
 

Please refer to the official convention program for map/exhibitor list, panels, tournaments, music, & cosplay schedule, and basic rules.

In the case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
If you need assistance and it's not an emergency, find an Oncenter or RGC staff member in the lobby area.

Show Info

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When and where is RetroGameCon being held?

 

RGC takes place on Friday, October 11th, Saturday, October 12th, and Sunday, October 13th at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center (The Oncenter), which is located at 800 South State Street, Syracuse, NY 13202. NOTE: Use "Oncenter Convention Center" instead of just "Oncenter" to navigate to RetroGameCon, otherwise you may end up at the War Memorial or Civic Center. 

 

What are the show hours?

 

Friday: 2:00PM until 8:00PM (1:30PM for VIP ticketholders)

Saturday: 11:00AM (10:30AM for VIP ticketholders) until 8:00PM

Sunday: 11:00AM (10:30AM for VIP ticketholders) until 5:00PM

 

Official After Party (separate ticket or VIP pass required): Saturday 8:30PM-12AM

 

Where do I park?

 

There is parking across the street from the Oncenter in the open lot, or in the adjacent parking garage for a reasonable daily rate. There is also free street parking in downtown Syracuse on weekends. 

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How do I get tickets?

 

Tickets are available online up until the day of the show for a discounted pre-sale price. Please visit our ticket site at: [2024 Tickets Available 4/1]

 

Tickets will also be available at the door. 

 

How much are tickets?

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[2024 Ticket Info TBA 4/1]

 

What is your refund policy?

 

Ticket sales are non-refundable, tickets cannot be upgraded, downgraded, or altered in any way.

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When/where is [event, activity, musical performance, tournament, etc]?

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Please refer to our official convention program for all scheduled activities.

 

What if my admission badge gets damaged?

 

Please bring your damaged badge and we will trade you a new one. We are unable to replace badges unless the damaged badge is provided.

 

Do I have to wear the badge all the time, even in cosplay?

 

Yes, your badge must be worn and clearly displayed above your waist at all times. 

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Can I bring pets to RetroGameCon?

 

Sorry, the venue does not allow pets. An exception is made for service animals. 

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Is RetroGameCon accessible?

 

RGC is wheelchair accessible. There are elevators to travel between the exhibition hall and the downstairs panel rooms - please ask an RGC staff member or Oncenter staff for directions to the nearest elevator. There are also a very limited number of wheelchairs to borrow from the venue on a first come, first serve basis. Unfortunately, at this time RGC does not provide interpreters for panels and other events. 

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Security & Safety

 

Will there be security at the convention?

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Yes! Attendee safety is our first priority. There will be trained, certified security officers at RetroGameCon. There will also be an attendee bag check and metal detectors at the entrance to the con. If you see or experience anything that makes you uncomfortable, please find an RGC or Oncenter staff member who can help you. 

 

What should I do if I lose something or find something that isn’t mine at RetroGameCon?

 

If you’ve lost a personal item or find something like a cell phone, wallet, money, keys etc., please come to the registration booth at the front entrance in the lobby. 

 

What do I do if I am feeling sick, hurt, or unwell at RetroGameCon?

 

Please find any Oncenter staff member or RGC staff member or volunteer and we will get you the help you need. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. 

 

What are your COVID policies?

 

At this time RetroGameCon & The Oncenter do not require face coverings, nor do we require proof of vaccination. We encourage attendees to make choices that help keep everyone happy and healthy, including being vaccinated/boosted, wearing masks if you choose, and staying home if you are sick or have come into close contact with anyone who has symptoms.

 

What is RetroGameCon’s policy on harassment?

 

A gaming convention should be a fun, friendly, and welcoming place for every single human. RGC has absolutely ZERO TOLERANCE for harassment of any kind: stalking, intimidation, offensive verbal comments, physical assault and/or battery, harassing, sustained disruption of panels, signings and other events, bathroom policing, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome physical attention. RGC has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment in relation to, but not limited to: race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, body size, disability, appearance, religion, citizenship, and pregnancy. 

 

RGC staff will instruct security to take immediate action to warn and possibly remove any individual or group who has been deemed to be engaging in harassing behavior, including exhibitors, attendees, guests, staff & volunteers.

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What is RetroGameCon’s policy on cosplays that may be considered revealing?

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Nipples (regardless of gender), butts, and genitals must be covered at all times while at the con.

 

What is RetroGameCon’s policy on weapons? What about cosplay weapons?

  

Attendees, guests, exhibitors, staff, and volunteers are prohibited from bringing, buying, or selling anything that could maim, damage, or cause serious bodily harm. These items are absolutely forbidden at RGC:

 

  • Functional firearms (including air soft guns, BB guns, cap guns, paintball guns and pellet guns)

  • Realistic replica firearms (including reproduction, fake or toy guns that can be confused for functional firearms)

  • Functional projectile weapons (including blow guns, crossbows, long bows, silly string, slingshots, water balloons and water guns)

  • Metal-bladed weapons even if they are dull (including axes, daggers, hatches, knives, kunai, shuriken, swords, sword canes and switch blades)

  • Explosives (including firecrackers and fireworks)

  • Chemical weapons (including mace and pepper spray)

  • Blunt weapons (including brass knuckles, clubs and nunchaku)

  • Hard prop weapons (including props made of metal, fiberglass, wood and glass)

  • Instruments that cause excessive noise levels like vuvuzelas, grenade whistles and grenade horns

  • Whips

  • Aerosol mustard

  • Excessively wide cosplays that may impact other attendees experience. Things such as 8ft wingspans that cannot collapse. 

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Prop weapons will be allowed providing they are composed of foam, hollow/lightweight plastic, or cardboard only. Prop firearms are allowed only if they cannot be mistaken for real weapons. The barrel of all prop firearms must be covered with brightly-colored caps or tape around the entire circumference of the barrel. Prop bows will be allowed providing they cannot be fired and all arrows have soft tips.

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*COSPLAYS THAT IMPEDE VISION WILL NEED A HANDLER AT ALL TIMES*

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What should I do if my child, friends, family, or I get lost or separated?

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Please contact an RGC or Oncenter staff member and we will do our best to help you locate your missing party. Making a plan to meet in the lobby with your party in case anyone gets lost is a good idea. 

 

Photo/Video Policy

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Can I take photos at RetroGameCon?

 

You’re welcome to take pictures and videos at RGC, with a couple of exceptions. It is up to the presenter whether or not they will allow filming to be done in the panel rooms. Also, please do not take pictures or video of any original artwork that is being sold by vendors or artists, without obtaining permission first. Please also ask permission before taking photos of other attendees. Please refer to our ZERO TOLERANCE harassment policy. 

 

Are selfie sticks allowed at RetroGameCon?

 

No, selfie sticks are not allowed at RGC for safety reasons. 

 

Will I be on camera at RetroGameCon?

 

Yes, as with any public event, it is possible you may be on camera at the con. Through the act of purchasing a ticket to RGC and in consideration for being admitted to the Event, the holder consents to being recorded (by audio, visual and/or other means) for exhibition and utilization by and for any means in all media now known or hereafter devised worldwide in perpetuity. Holder also hereby: (1) releases Empire Game Expo, LLC from any liability for loss or damage to persons or property, infringement of any right or any other claim or course of action of any kind; (2) authorizes and permits Empire Game Expo, LLC and its designees which include but are not limited to all sponsors, exhibitors and contractors to use and authorize the use of his/her name, voice, likeness and all reproductions thereof by any means and in all media now and hereafter known for all purposes worldwide in perpetuity; and (3) agrees to comply with all rules and regulations of the event. 

 

Other Useful Info

 

Is there WiFi access at RetroGameCon?

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No, unfortunately there is no public WiFi access at RGC.

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Is there a coat check or storage at RGC?

 

No, there is no coat check or public storage at RGC. Please refrain from bringing any suitcases, handcarts, trolleys, oversized strollers, rolling luggage, or wheeled backpacks into the event. 

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-If your questions were not addressed above, please send an email to info@RetroGameCon.com or contact an RGC staff member on the showfloor-

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