Repticon : 2010 USF Sun Dome Review

A complete review of Repticon 2010 Tampa Florida, USF Sum Dome location. It all started with me buying 2 day VIP passes. The price for the tickets was reasonable at just $10.00 for adults, and $5.00 for children. The VIP ticket holders was also allowed an hour earlier access then those paying at the door.

As I arrived (an hour early) I couldn't help but notice the lack of vehicles in the parking lot. Parking cost an additional $5.00, however the Repticon website did warn you of the parking cost ahead of time. Getting inside was easy, all of the event staff at the front had their act together, and worked very efficiently. Unfortunately, most of the vendors did not. There was vendors just setting up their tables, and others adding final touches during the "early entrance" time the VIP ticket holders paid for. It was almost like arriving an extra hour early, just to see people get ready, with the exception of a few professional vendors.

Once everyone was set up, there was plenty of time to browse around. I was disappointed on how small the event was. I had vision something much larger, but their was a good variety of reptiles available for sale. Repticon sort of reminded me of a flea market for reptiles. You really had to watch the prices, and most of the people there was willing to barter, or cut deals. Repticon was holding raffles both days of the two day event, which did add some excitement as well.

Like most sale events, there was great deals to be found such as the baby lemon crossed bearded dragon I picked up from Pinellas County Reptiles for $49.99. A different vendor was selling the same ones for $125 at the event. My fiancee also bought an adult blizzard leopard gecko male for $40.00 at the event. However, he also bought a $50 African Fat Tail, which was priced on the high end from a private vendor. My son picked up a hatching Snow Mack leopard gecko for $30 from Ben Siegel Reptiles Inc. Unfortunately the little guy developed diarrhea which we noticed when got him home, and is very ill. At this time he is still hanging in there, and we hope he will make it. If he does, we got a great deal.

In a great lack of taste, two of the vendors was charging customers to use their hand sanitizer. I think that there should have been more hand sanitizer available to use, and free of charge of course. There was also finger foods being sold at the event such as popcorn. I really don't think you want your kids touching a snake, then eating popcorn without washing up first. However, at the time you really don't give it much thought.

All in all Repticon 2010 at the USF Sun Dome was worth while. It does cost a little to get in, but you can find some great deals on reptiles, and supplies. If you don't like snakes or spiders, then you might not want to attend it. I would guess that at least 60% of the reptiles was snakes, and there was a ton of big hairy spiders there as well. All of the venders keep their reptiles in safe containers, and I didn't have any concerns as far as that goes. I will be attending Repticon again, in hopes of finding that gem in the rough. I look forward to seeing you there.