News Summary
The Lodge activation by Paramount+ made a comeback at the San Diego Comic-Con, featuring adjusted hours and expanded space. While some interactive activities were reduced and swag shortages were reported, attendees appreciated the immersive experience and the atmosphere. However, concerns arise regarding The Lodge’s future amidst merger talks between Paramount and Skydance.
San Diego – The Lodge, an activation by Paramount+, returned to the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) following successful editions in 2023 and 2024. Enjoyed by attendees, this immersive experience featured popular properties from Paramount+, reinforcing its status as a reliable high-floor option at the event.
The Lodge operated under adjusted hours this year, with Thursday through Saturday sessions running from 9 am to 7 pm, a shift from the previous year’s 12 pm to 10 pm schedule. Wednesday sessions were set from 6 pm to 10 pm, while Sunday commenced an hour earlier at 9 am but concluded at 7 pm as well. This year saw a slight increase in total sessions from 43 to 44, attributed to an added hour on Sunday. However, the number of nighttime sessions diminished significantly from 12 in the previous year to just three after the Exhibit Hall closed, prompting disappointment among some attendees.
Free reservations for 50-minute sessions were available through Fever, yet the demand consistently exceeded the supply. The Lodge was hosted at the Happy Does Bar, located at 340 5th Avenue, just two blocks north of the iconic Gaslamp Quarter arch, making it a convenient spot for attendees. Efficient entry processes were maintained with staff conducting bag checks and ticket scans, helping to minimize wait times and entry bottlenecks.
This year’s installment of The Lodge expanded its physical area compared to previous editions, providing additional seating and more space for guests to relax. Offerings included photo opportunities, walkthroughs, and a football throwing challenge, although some visitors remarked that interactive activities appeared scarcer than in prior years. Admission encompassed complimentary drinks and food; guests aged 21 and over received two drinks served in take-home mugs. Food options this year featured chicken sliders, fries, and non-alcoholic slushies, although challenges persisted as demand often outweighed supply, complicating the experience for some attendees.
Swag given out at The Lodge included three primary items, but shortages and inconsistent availability were prevalent throughout the weekend. Unlike previous years, customizable swag offerings were notably absent, resulting in disappointment regarding the overall swag experience. Nonetheless, many attendees expressed appreciation for the Lodge’s relaxed atmosphere and its air-conditioned environment amidst the bustling Comic-Con event.
The Lodge has secured its status as a significant anchor within the SDCC offsite scene and has cultivated a loyal following among fans of Paramount+ properties, benefiting from the network’s heavy investment in exhibiting their popular series at the convention. However, uncertainty surrounds the future of The Lodge’s participation in SDCC due to the ongoing merger talks between Paramount and Skydance.
Overall, while the immersive experiences at The Lodge introduced fewer interactive elements and swag options this year compared to earlier editions, the activation still offered engaging activities, comfortable surroundings, and refreshments, retaining its charm among Comic-Con attendees.
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Additional Resources
- SDCC Blog: Review – Paramount’s The Lodge Anchors the Offsite Scene at San Diego Comic-Con 2025
- Paramount Press Express: Paramount Plus Releases
- Fox 5 San Diego: Paramount Brings Immersive Fan Activations to San Diego Comic-Con
- IMDb: News on Comic-Con Activities
- That’s Shelf: SDCC 2025 Review – Comic-Con Excels in Creating Immersive Experiences
- Wikipedia: San Diego Comic-Con
- Google Search: San Diego Comic-Con
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Diego Comic-Con
- Google News: San Diego Comic-Con
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SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
