San Diego Comic-Con returns July 23–26, and this year the experience starts before fans even reach the convention floor.
The Special Event Line Becomes the Magic: The Gathering Event Line
Originally launched in 2023, the Special Event Line has become a popular option for Comic-Con attendees, growing 18% from 98,747 passenger trips in 2023 to 117,040 in 2025.
Now, MTS’s Special Event Line is getting a full takeover. In partnership with Magic: The Gathering, the route will transform into the Magic: The Gathering Event Line (MTG Event Line), bringing a themed transit experience to Comic-Con riders throughout the weekend.
The MTG Event Line will run every 15 minutes between Balboa Avenue Transit Center and 12th & Imperial Transit Center, providing a convenient connection to downtown San Diego and the San Diego Convention Center.
Fans will experience Magic: The Gathering throughout their journey with:
- A Trolley wrapped inside and out with Magic: The Gathering card art
- Themed station announcements
- Branded maps and onboard rider guides
- Digital displays and special station activations
Comic-Con riders can stop by Convention Center Station during the convention weekend for a special MTG fun giveaways.
Grab MTS Comic-Con Pin
Fans can bring home a piece of MTS Comic-Con history with a new limited-edition pin featuring Ollie the Trolley dressed in superhero cosplay.
Pins go on sale July 20 for $15 and will be available at the MTS Transit Store while supplies last.
Comic-Con Activations Near MTS Stations
Comic-Con excitement extends beyond the convention center, with fan experiences happening throughout downtown San Diego just steps away from transit.
At Gaslamp Quarter Station, fans can visit the Disney Percy Jackson and the Olympians Experience.
(Photo by Andrew Seidler/San Diego Padres)
Petco Interactive Zone
The Petco Interactive Zone will also feature several free experiences July 23-26 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, including:
- Hello Kitty Café Truck
- Labu’Tique Shop
- Maruchan’s MaruMart: Demon Slayer Konbini
- The KAYOU Walls of Fandom
- Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Experience
No Comic-Con badge is required to visit the Petco Interactive Zone.
We will be joining in on the fandom festivities this year! Our team will be handing out exclusive Comic-Con giveaways at select transit centers, including custom SDCC-designed paper Trolley banks and a limited number of free MTS Comic-Con pins for lucky attendees.
MTS Pop-Up Schedule
7 a.m.–9 a.m. (or while supplies last)
- Thursday, July 23
12th & Imperial Transit Center - Friday, July 24
Balboa Avenue Transit Center
New Clairemont Park & Ride Expands Access to the Blue Line
MTS has added a new parking option for Trolley riders with the opening of the Clairemont Trolley Station parking facility, adding 145 free parking spaces along the UC San Diego Blue Line.
Located just south of Clairemont Drive along Morena Boulevard, the new parking area gives riders another convenient way to access downtown events. From Clairemont Station, riders can reach downtown San Diego in less than 20 minutes.
The new facility was built by SANDAG as part of the UC San Diego Blue Line Extension project and helps provide additional parking capacity in a high-demand area.
Ride to Comic-Con with MTS
With expanded Trolley service, new parking options, exclusive collectibles, and the Magic: The Gathering Event Line, MTS is making it easier than ever to skip the traffic and get straight to the action.
