To put it lightly, Pokémon Go Fest, Niantic’s first in-person event for the game, did not go as planned. Roughly 20,000 fans came to Chicago’s Grant Park for the fest, which promised Trainers (the game’s name for players) a chance to catch a variety of pokémon, team challenges throughout the day, an exclusive medal to unlock, special rewards, and of course, the opportunity to meet and spend time with Pokémon Go community members from around the globe.

Unfortunately, the event was plagued with limited cellular reception and server problems, which rendered the game unplayable for the most of the day. Many couldn’t even log in, and those who could found the game crashed within seconds. To appease disgruntled attendees, Niantic offered ticket refunds, $100 of in-game PokéCoins, the automatic addition of Lugia to accounts (the game’s first legendary pokémon), among other things.

Though some remained unimpressed with the fest’s results, most tried to look on the bright side, happy to be in the company of thousands of other Pokémon Go fans. As I wandered throughout taking photos, I was approached by dozens of people who simply wanted to strike up a conversation and make a new friend. Sure, people hope Niantic’s future fests go a little smoother, but as DJ Mascarenas, who came dressed as a punderful Magikarpet, told me: “It’s more about the experience.”

Grid View Children excited for their first photo op of the day Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

Every welcome envelope contained a badge and a card with a QR code to check in Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

Niantic’s CEO John Hanke on the event’s main stage signing autographs Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

A couple attending Pokémon Go Fest as Ash and Misty Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

Many took the opportunity to recharge and cool down while waiting for issues to be fixed Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

A pair huddled up on the fringe of the fest Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

A pair from Ohio wears their home state with pride Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

An excited attendee about to catch a pokémon he had been missing in his pokédex Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

This team Instinct player had problems throughout the day, but was still in good spirits Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

Downtime at the team Valor tent Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

Attendees posing with a Totodile Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

Friends trying to find spots with enough reception to play at the fest Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

Those who didn’t have tickets hung by the fencing, hoping to catch elusive pokémon Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

This group of friends found better connection away from the fest’s center Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

Small groups of people sat parked across the fest, waiting for connection issues to be solved Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

A fan dressed as an Umbreon Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

A Trainer by the entrance deep in concentration Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

Announcing the team results at the end of the day’s challenges Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

Crowds flood the fest’s center after team results are announced Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

Sprint was an official sponsor, and offered Trainer rewards to those in attendance Photo by Dani Deahl / The Verge

Photography by Dani Deahl / The Verge