Pensacola Airport Goes "Intergalactic" for 13th Year Ahead of Pensacon

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Pensacola International Airport officially became "Pensacola Intergalactic Airport" Monday morning in an annual tradition celebrating the upcoming Pensacon comic book and pop culture convention.

Mayor DC Reeves signed a proclamation during a ceremony at the airport, marking the 13th consecutive year of the sci-fi name change. The designation runs from February 20-22, coinciding with this year's convention at the Pensacola Bay Center.

"If you don't think our February is busy, we've got Mardi Gras on one weekend and we've got Pentacon on the next weekend, bringing millions of dollars of economic impact here to our city," Reeves said.

According to the proclamation, Pensacon has brought more than $31 million in cumulative economic impact to Pensacola since its founding in 2013. The convention, which draws approximately 30,000 attendees, has become the premier comic book and pop culture event serving the Gulf Coast region.

Airport Executive Director Matt Caughlin welcomed guests to what he called "our 13th year celebrating fandom that's going to be coming to town here real soon."

Pensacon organizer Mike Ensley thanked the city and airport for their continued partnership. "Our guests are always very excited when they arrive. If they've never been here they see all the decorations and they feel like the con has already started by the time they get here," Ensley said.

The proclamation noted Pensacon's commitment to being all-inclusive by featuring popular artists, actors, writers and creators while catering to fans of all backgrounds and identities.