Convention - SDCC 2025 : The All-American Rejects Set to Electrify San Diego at the Eighth Annual Fandom Party

By Mulder, 24 june 2025

When The All-American Rejects take the stage, it’s not just a concert—it’s a generational moment wrapped in anthemic choruses and unforgettable lyrics. And this July 24, during San Diego Comic-Con 2025, they’re doing exactly that at one of the convention’s most iconic after-hours events: the Fandom Party. Hosted at the ultra-stylish FLOAT at the Hard Rock Hotel, the Fandom Party has become a glittering tradition for fans and insiders alike. This year marks its eighth edition, and it’s pulling out all the stops thanks to the powerhouse sponsorship of Universal Orlando Resort and Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.. The announcement sent shockwaves through pop culture circles—the kind of buzz that immediately brings back memories of shouting “Gives You Hell” in your car with friends or stumbling through your first heartbreak to “Dirty Little Secret.” Simply put, it’s a reunion of nostalgia, energy, and cultural clout wrapped in a single night.

There’s a certain poetry to having The All-American Rejects headline this party. With over 10 million albums sold and a catalog of hits that defined the 2000s rock scene, their return to the limelight at SDCC isn’t just about a performance—it’s a statement. Their music represents a bridge between millennial memory and Gen Z discovery, and for many fans heading to Comic-Con, it’s more than just background noise; it’s the sound of their youth roaring back to life. The synergy between the band’s emotional core and the fan-first ethos of the Fandom platform is undeniable. And it’s not just fans who’ll be crowding the floor—expect influencers, celebrities, and entertainment tastemakers to be right there singing along. The event will kick off Comic-Con weekend with the kind of communal euphoria only live music and fandom camaraderie can offer.

This year’s Fandom Party isn’t just about music. It’s a multimedia celebration curated by a wide range of pop culture giants, and immersive experiences will dominate the night. Universal Orlando Resort, fresh off the May launch of its fourth theme park, Universal Epic Universe, will be front and center with custom activations giving guests a sneak peek at its five imaginative worlds. From the immersive wonder of Celestial Park and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, to the interactive joy of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, the epic scale of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and the monster-filled Dark Universe, this activation feels like a portable piece of the park’s magic brought straight to the rooftop of the Hard Rock.

In tandem with the theme park magic, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. will dazzle gaming fans with a life-size photo opportunity centered around CODE VEIN II, the highly anticipated follow-up to the cult favorite post-apocalyptic RPG. The haunting vehicle “Motorcycle Forma” will anchor the setup, pulling guests into a gritty future landscape where they can momentarily feel like game protagonists. Given Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.’s massive impact on gaming culture with titles like ELDEN RING, PAC-MAN, and SOULCALIBUR, this activation feels less like a brand presence and more like a tribute to decades of fan passion.

The Fandom Party also brings in playful and creative energy from an eclectic mix of partners. Fans will engage in a scavenger hunt orchestrated by The Elf on the Shelf® Santaverse™, the beloved holiday mischief-maker from CCA and B, LLC d/b/a The Lumistella Company, and Z2, the graphic novel titan recently dubbed “the hottest brand in music” by Forbes. The scavenger hunt promises to weave fandom and storytelling in a whimsical blend that feels perfectly Comic-Con. Meanwhile, adults in the crowd can sip on refreshing offerings from Mike’s HARDER Lemonade, whose legacy in defining flavored malt beverages since 1999 keeps the party vibe flowing. This mix of playful and potent experiences underscores what Fandom excels at: turning branded interactions into delightful and unexpected fan moments.

Behind all this is Fandom, the internet’s beating heart for pop culture enthusiasts, with nearly 350 million unique visitors each month. Their yearly party is more than a side attraction; it’s a testament to the cultural gravitational pull of fandom itself. With deep editorial roots through their media arm—including Gamespot, TV Guide, Metacritic, and Honest Trailers—Fandom doesn’t just observe culture, it shapes and celebrates it. Their work through Fanatical also reaffirms their commitment to elevating gaming culture, making the Fandom Party a nexus where the editorial meets the experiential.

To understand the significance of this party, you need only think back to past Fandom bashes, where entire social feeds exploded with footage of surprise celebrity appearances, jaw-dropping activations, and memorable musical acts. It’s a unique moment where fans, press, and creators let their guard down and simply revel in the shared joy of geekdom. Past anecdotes of impromptu rooftop karaoke sessions, first-look sneak peeks, and industry friendships forged over plastic cups of lemonade-hard hybrid drinks are all part of what gives the Fandom Party its legendary status. And this year—with The All-American Rejects leading the charge—it might just become the most unforgettable chapter yet.

For those lucky enough to hold an invite, doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the party runs until 11:00 p.m.—though, if history is any guide, the memories (and the social media posts) will linger long after the last chord fades. As the sun sets over San Diego and Comic-Con kicks into high gear, the Fandom Party stands as both a celebration and a promise: that pop culture, at its best, brings us together in moments of shared wonder, joy, and music.

(Source : press release)