An Epic Beginning
When I first envisioned SpartaCon, I wasn't sure if others would understand the scope of what I was attempting to create. I wanted SpartaCon to be more than just a typical convention. I wanted it to feel like family coming together, having fun, and enjoying the company of the stars from the T.V. series that brought so many of us together. I wanted to create an interactive experience, not just for the fans, but also for the guests. My one big dream for SpartaCon was to create an arena-like feel and host live gladiator battles. In order to do that, there had to be sand.
It wasn't easy filling a 30-foot diameter home plate with sand.
Figuring out how much sand to get, putting the sand down, and the logistics of how to remove the sand without damaging the baseball field. Nonetheless, we got it done.
On August 15 & 16, 2015, The Red Serpents hosted the
first U.S. Rebels Convention for fans of the T.V. series
Spartacus, and for fans of ancient history, culture, fantasy and the
sword-and-shield genre.
SpartaCon featured live gladiator battles in which the gladiators recreated the famous battles from the Spartacus T.V. series.
DC Stunt Coalition, a Washington D.C.-based training and networking organization, choreographed and performed the gladiator battles.
Battles were held throughout the day and offered great entertainment for attendees and guests.
Spartacus cast members enjoyed watching the gladiator battles from their "Pulvinus" suites in between photographs and autograph signings.
Dustin Clare (Gannicus)
Liam McIntyre (Spartacus)
In an epic Primus battle, Spartacus (Liam McIntyre) closed out the final gladiator games with internationally recognized edged weapons and combative expert Steve Huff.
As the crowd shouted the name, "Spartacus!" over and over, Liam declared,
"I AM SPARTACUS!"
Changing The Face Of Fan Conventions
What makes Rebels SpartaCon so unique and different from any other convention is that it's an interactive con for fans and celebrity guests alike.
SpartaCon incorporates celebrity-led demos, trainings and workshops.
Fan participation includes men, women and children with many different skill levels.
SpartaCon programming included :
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Earn The Mark where "new recruits" train like a gladiator.
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Gladiator Academy, led by Manu Bennett (Crixus), Stephen Dunlevy (The Egyptian), Ellen Hollman (Saxa) and Vanessa Cater (Verenda).
Help make SpartaCon II even more baddass!!
SpartaCon was a success because so many of you saw the vision of what SpartaCon will be. Now that planning for SpartaCon II is well underway, once again, we call upon our rebel brothers and sisters to help make SpartCon II even more baddass!!
With SpartaCon II, we hope to finish fulfilling the dream of transforming a baseball stadium into Gladiator arena.
For SpartaCon II, we want to:
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Add more interactive programming such as archery, and educational workshops.
- Tie in a Roman theme by adding more decorations, props and authentic artifacts.
- Offer more registration swag items for attendees.
- Offer transportation between the hotel and venue.
Other Ways You Can Help
Even if you are not able to contribute, you can still help us fulfill the vision. Here are some ways that you can help:
- Share, Tweet, Repost and Retweet information about SpartaCon
- Street Team for SpartaCon at other conventions
- Volunteer your services and expertise on-site at SpartaCon
Gratitude to all the fans for helping make the first SpartaCon a success. We'll see you upon the sands, once again, in August 2016!
-The Red Serpents