(Editor's Note January 11, 2023: The date and location for MagicCon in Europe were added.)
Magic 30 was just the beginning: February 17–19, 2023, all will gather at MagicCon: Philadelphia!
With the kickoff for Magic's 30th anniversary celebrations in the books, we're turning our attention to MagicCon, our new festival event series that further celebrates Magic four more times in 2023. Magic 30 was an amazing experience with 10,000 attendees, and we're making our gathering in Philadelphia even better!
Below, you'll find the details for MagicCon: Philadelphia, many of the ways in which we're looking to improve the experience, a schedule for the other MagicCon events in 2023, and the return and expansion of the New Perspectives grant program!
Tickets go on sale December 1 at mtgfestivals.com. In the meantime, read further to learn more information on:
- MagicCon: Philadelphia Experience Updates
- The 2023 MagicCon: Schedule
- The New Perspectives Grant Program
- MagicCon: Philadelphia Event Details and Ticket Packages
- The Art of Magic
MagicCon: Philadelphia Experience Updates
The first stop on the MagicCon tour in 2023 is Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love" and home to Reading Terminal Market (important for visitors—and me). Taking place February 17–19, MagicCon: Philadelphia will feature the first Pro Tour of the year, exclusive events like the new Secret Lair Showdown (more on this below), and the immersive experience fans loved at Magic 30.
We've also taken lessons and your feedback from Magic 30 to improve the attendee experience. While Magic 30 was an unforgettable experience, it was also our first event of this kind and our first live event since the pandemic shut down "the gathering" nearly three years ago. We learned quite a bit from the event and are making some improvements that we think will make Philadelphia even better.
If you prefer information in video form, Director of Play Programs Billy Jensen was recently on Weekly MTG to discuss what we learned from Magic 30, how we're making the experience in Philadelphia even better, and detailing more about our Premier Play programs.
The first big change is just that: Philadelphia will be big, as in double the space from Las Vegas. At Magic 30, the entire event fit into 220,000 square feet. In Philadelphia, we're going to have more than 450,000 square feet, all at the Pennsylvania Convention Center! (This is why we moved the event to Philadelphia from originally announced Charlotte—we couldn't get this much space in Charlotte.) For attendees that's more play space, more event space, and more Command Zone.
For the Command Zone specifically, it was a hot topic over the Magic 30 weekend as we adapted the experience. Players played Commander wherever they could around the hall, and we heard the feedback loud and clear that attendees wanted the Command Zone experience for every badge type. So, for MagicCon: Philadelphia, Command Zone access will be purchasable as an add-on for any ticket for $30/day or $75 for the entire three-day weekend.
Featured artists were popular at Magic 30, and illustrator guests continue at MagicCon: Philadelphia. We're excited to announce that John Avon will be joining our featured artists lineup! We'll share more featured artists for MagicCon: Philadelphia soon.
Finally, we also acknowledge that there were difficulties with both event registration and event start times that led to some poor experiences for fans. These difficulties were largely due to event software integration and not a reflection on how our partner Pastimes managed the tournament space. We are working internally and with ReedPop to find better solutions in these spaces ahead of MagicCon: Philadelphia.
There will be so much to enjoy at this event. The Cosplay Contest is returning (with updated prizes), the Weatherlight and immersive Planeswalker lairs are making the trip, and there will be new panels, merchandise, and events. Whether you were in Las Vegas or missed our inaugural event, you can enjoy plenty of new and returning experiences at MagicCon: Philadelphia.
The 2023 MagicCon Schedule
After Philadelphia, the party doesn't stop! We'll have three more MagicCon events in 2023 at the locations below. Note that for 2024 we're exploring expanding MagicCon outside of North America and Europe!
- February 17–19, 2023: MagicCon: Philadelphia
- May 5–7, 2023: MagicCon: Minneapolis
- July 28–30: MagicCon: Barcelona
- September 22–24, 2023: MagicCon: Las Vegas and Magic World Championship XXIX
Each of these events will be shaped after the experience at Magic 30, will include a Pro Tour stop (or the World Championship) and, of course, we'll be making improvements along the way!
The New Perspectives Grant Program
The New Perspectives Grant Program is a program that aims to support the inclusion of Magic enthusiasts who belong to historically underrepresented groups by providing assistance to attend MagicCon events. After its first successful outing in Las Vegas, we're expanding the program for all of 2023 to all four MagicCon events!
How successful was it? Just ask the winner of the Magic 30 Cosplay Contest!
Thank you for giving me a chance to be at #Magic30! I could have never been here if it wasn't for new perspectives grant program. I hope my win reminds Wizards that #MTG thrives when we make it accessible to those who come from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. https://t.co/607e9MzknW
— Dark Pact Cфsplay, Nightmare's Muse (he/they) (@DarkPactCosplay) October 30, 2022
The program will work the same way for MagicCon: Philadelphia as it did for Magic 30. Ten (10) selected applicants will each receive:
- One (1) Black Lotus VIP Package, including a three-day badge to MagicCon: Philadelphia
- $2,000 stipend for travel, accommodations, and expenses related to MagicCon: Philadelphia attendance
Application submissions will be accepted November 10, 2022, through 12 a.m. PT November 27, 2022.
Update December 5, 2022: We appreciate your interest in the New Perspectives Grant Program, and thanks to all applicants for the care and time invested in each submission. We received a large number of applications and prioritize thorough and careful review of every one. We are extending our recipient notification date to no later than 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on December 9, 2022. Selected applicants must confirm acceptance of their New Perspectives Grant via email response by 12 a.m. PT on December 16, 2022, or the grant may be given to another applicant.
MagicCon: Philadelphia Event Details and Ticket Packages
Below, you'll find many of the details for MagicCon: Philadelphia, including badge pricing information (broadly similar to Magic 30's) and important dates to keep in mind.
Ticket Packages
There are a variety of ways to experience MagicCon: Philadelphia, from single-day passes up through full-weekend VIP packages with all the trimmings. Packages come with entry to the hall and some individual events, goodies, and some can't-miss promo cards. Packages start at $60 for adults and $20 for kids ages 6–12. Children 5 and under do not need a ticket to attend.
You can purchase your tickets of MagicCon: Philadelphia beginning at 10 a.m. December 1.
Here's a breakdown of each of the ticket packages:
Single-Day Packages
Single-Day Package: $60
- Friday, Saturday, or Sunday badge and lanyard
- 1 Traditional foil Arcane Signet promo card
- 1 Mystery Booster: Convention Edition booster
- 3 Phyrexia: All Will Be One Draft Boosters
Kids Single-Day Package: $20
- Friday, Saturday, or Sunday badge and lanyard
- 1 Traditional foil Arcane Signet promo card
- One (1) 2022 Starter Kit
Weekend Packages
Weekend Package: $160
- Weekend badge and lanyard
- 1 Traditional foil Arcane Signet promo card
- 1 Mystery Booster: Convention Edition booster
- 6 Phyrexia: All Will Be One Draft Boosters
- Exclusive MagicCon: Philadelphia Atraxa playmat
Kids Weekend Package: $50
- Weekend badge and lanyard
- Arcane Signet promo card
- 2 Phyrexia: All Will Be One Jumpstart Boosters
- One (1) 2022 Starter Kit
VIP Packages
Commander VIP Package: $350
- Weekend badge and lanyard
- 2 Traditional foil Arcane Signet promo card
- 3 Mystery Booster: Convention Edition boosters
- 3 Phyrexia: All Will Be One Collector Boosters
- Exclusive MagicCon: Philadelphia Atraxa playmat
- Exclusive MagicCon: Philadelphia Atraxa deck box and sleeves
- Command Zone access all weekend
- 1 Official event pin
- 10% Off on event-exclusive merchandise
Black Lotus VIP Package: $700
- Weekend badge and lanyard
- 4 Traditional foil Arcane Signet promo card
- 3 Mystery Booster: Convention Edition boosters
- 3 Phyrexia: All Will Be One Collector Boosters
- 3 Phyrexia: All Will Be One Draft Boosters
- Exclusive MagicCon: Philadelphia Atraxa playmat
- Exclusive MagicCon: Philadelphia Atraxa deck box and sleeves
- Secret Lair: Look at the Kitties
- Command Zone access all weekend
- Black Lotus VIP Event (Sunday at 11 a.m.)
- Complimentary access to MagicCon: Philadelphia Party
- Access to VIP lounge
- 1 Official event pin
- 10% Off on event-exclusive merchandise
Add-On Tickets
MagicCon: Philadelphia Party: $50
Command Zone Access: $30/day or $75 for the weekend
Important Dates
- November 17: Festival in a Box on sale
- November 17: Art of Magic, Content Creator, Press, and Exhibitor applications open
- December 1: MagicCon: Philadelphia Badges on sale
- December 1: Full Tournament Schedule and event preregistration
- February 17–19, 2023: MagicCon: Philadelphia takes place at Pennsylvania Convention Center
Festival in a Box Contents
Note that for MagicCon: Philadelphia, we will not be selling virtual tickets, but the Festival in a Box will still give you the opportunity to hold your own mini-MagicCon at home with your friends! For $269, Festival in a Box will contain the following:
- Secret Lair: Look at the Kitties
- Mystery Booster: Convention Edition display
- Zendikar Rising Commander deck
- Kaldheim Commander deck
- Exclusive MagicCon: Philadelphia Atraxa deck box and sleeve combo box
- Exclusive MagicCon: Philadelphia Atraxa playmat
- 1 Traditional foil Arcane Signet promo card
(*Work in progress. Playmat image not yet final.)
Secret Lair: Look at the Kitties features art that you might recognize from the State of Tabletop panel! Awwww . . . look at their adorable violent outburst!
The Festival in a Box goes on sale at 9 a.m. PT November 17 at MagicSecretLair.com.
Play Offerings
Full play offerings will be available December 1 on mtgfestivals.com, but here are some of the highlights to look forward to!
Secret Lair Showdown: Players will have four opportunities to compete in Secret Lair Showdown Qualifiers leading to 32 qualified players experiencing the Sunday Secret Lair Showdown Championship. These events will feature several exclusive prize cards only available through these events.
Every player who participates in a Secret Lair Showdown Qualifier will earn a prize card unique to these events; for 2023, that card will be Fatal Push. The Top 8 from each of the four events will earn a second prize card unique to these events; for 2023, that card will be Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer. Finally, the winner of the final Showdown Championship on Sunday will receive one of four prize cards. For 2023, that card will be Brainstorm.
You can see the artwork for these amazing promo cards below.
Secret Lair Showdown Qualifiers at MagicCon: Philadelphia will be Pioneer, with events firing at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday. They lead to the Secret Lair Showdown Championship on Sunday morning, also in the Pioneer format. We'll have more information on prizes and pricing on December 1.
Black Lotus VIP Event: On Sunday, February 19 at 11 a.m. all Black Lotus VIP badge holders can play in this free event featuring Dominaria Remastered Sealed! This event will feature special prizes for participants, and it only takes place on Sunday at 11 a.m. for these badge holders.
Pro Tour 2 Qualifiers: Eight Pro Tour 2 invitations are on the line over the course of the weekend, taking place across two events: one at 12 p.m. Friday, February 17, and one at 12 p.m. Saturday, February 18. Each event will be Sealed Deck with a Top 8 draft. The Top 4 competitors of each event earn invitations. (Pro Tour 2 will take place at MagicCon: Minneapolis May 5–7, 2023.)
The Un-Known!: Join Gavin Verhey and friends as they take you on a journey through Un-Known Magic! This event, and the fun within, will never be the same twice as the products (which are unknown), the formats (also unknown), and the twists and turns (uh, obviously unknown) will be at the whim of your host(s)! Bring nothing with you, because the fun and cards will be provided as you experience the Un-Known! Please be advised that this event may be listed multiple times, but it is never the same game twice! Also, despite the name, Un- product will not necessarily be involved in this event. Also also, keep all limbs safely in the vehicle and expect to have no idea what to expect for 3–4 hours of Un-Known Magic-al adventure.
We'll have some more details on December 1, but the rest will be—you guessed it—unknown!
Dedicated On-Demand Events: One of the most common requests we received was for more space for on-demand events—and we heard you! On-demand events will be run all weekend and will have a dedicated area in the Play Hall (Hall F). These events are still subject to space and admin availability, but there will certainly be more room available than at Magic 30.
The Command Zone: The Command Zone space is popular—so popular we've added the add-on Command Zone benefit for $30 per day or $75 for the whole weekend, available for any ticket package.
And much, much more! Visit mtgfestivals.com and @PlayMTG on December 1 for a full rundown of all play opportunities!
Cosplayers and the Cosplay Contest
We'll continue to have our immersive experiences at MagicCon: Philadelphia, featuring cosplayers in attendance for photographs and fun. The lineup of amazing cosplayers will be available closer to the event.
The Cosplay Contest was a huge hit, so we're running it back! Prizes are as follows:
- One (1) Best in Show Award: US $4,000 cash prize, two (2) Three-Day VIP badges to our final Festival event in 2023, and one (1) hotel room to be used at the event
- One (1) Best in Show Runner-Up Award: US $2,000 cash prize, one (1) Three-Day VIP badge to our second Festival event in 2023, and one (1) hotel room to be used at the event
- Three (3) Judges' Awards for Novice, Journeyman, and Masters categories: Each category winner receives: US $1,500 cash prize, one (1) Three-Day badges to our second Festival event in 2023, and one (1) hotel room to be used at the event
More information and the full set of rules for the MagicCon: Philadelphia Cosplay Contest will be available November 17.
Panels
The fan experience at MagicCon continues with a three-day slate of panels delving into every imaginable corner of the game. Along with exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at how Magic: The Gathering is made from across Studio X, we will be soliciting panels from the entire Magic community. Yes, you can build and present the panel you'd like to see at MagicCon: Philadelphia!
Applications for panels at MagicCon: Philadelphia will open November 17.
The Art of Magic
Our artist booth area was incredibly popular at Magic 30, and we're looking to improve on that experience at MagicCon: Philadelphia! In addition to John Avon, artists including Dominik Mayer, Justine Jones, Wizard of Barge, and Chris Rallis will be at MagicCon: Philadelphia. We'll share even more artist guests soon.
All Will Gather
We're thrilled to continue celebrating Magic's 30th anniversary at MagicCon: Philadelphia and beyond. We'll see you February 17–19, 2023 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia!