It will be a unique birthday for The Pokémon Company, which not only confirms its presence but will celebrate with memorable initiatives and activities.
The Pokémon Play Lab for LC&G 2026 is changing home, moving to an exclusive monumental location that is also ideal for all aspiring Trainers: the renovated Palestra Bacchettoni. A real gymnasium in the heart of Lucca’s eastern area, in a large, welcoming building, newly restored for the unique experience. A location able to host and entertain the entire Pokémon community present in the city, with workshops, limited-edition novelties, an exhibition of unique products and meet & greets with the most beloved Pokémon.
But the surprises from the world of Pokémon do not end here… the “Road to Lucca” has only just begun and will touch other stages that will evolve into the sharing of further unprecedented initiatives designed especially for the Lucca Comics & Games community. Gotta catch ’em all!
30 Years of Pokémon: Pokémon at the Palestra Bacchettoni
The card is just one of the surprises that The Pokémon Company international has prepared to celebrate its thirtieth birthday together with the Lucca community. For five days, the Pokémon pavilion at the Palestra Bacchettoni—a real gym in the heart of the city walls—will be a meeting point open to every Trainer, from life-long fans to those about to catch their very first Pokémon.
At the Play Lab, visitors can take their first steps into the Pokémon Trading Card Game, challenge each other in friendly matches, and take home an exclusive mini-deck. Stations dedicated to Pokémon Champions and the latest updates from Pokémon TCG Pocket await video game fans. An interactive booster pack opening experience from Pokémon TCG Pocket will gift fans with exclusive in-app code.
The public will get to experience firsthand the characters from Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd and Pichu and be amazed by the large LEGO® Pokémon™ installations dedicated to Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise. Roaming photographers, armed with Pokémon × Polaroid cameras, will immortalise Trainers on the spot, turning every encounter into a memory to take home.
For those looking to complete their collection, the Pokémon Store will offer a selection of Pokémon TCG accessories and plush. The Pokémon × Dolly Noire pop-up will showcase items available exclusively for the occasion. Furthermore, the celebration will expand beyond the Palestra Bacchettoni to take over the entire city: Pokémon GO Trainers will find more PokéStops and Gyms throughout the streets and squares of Lucca.
