One of the original garrisons of the 501st, the ECG enforces the Empire's might in New York City and the surrounding area. Along with hosting numerous events within their territory, the ECG regularly supports charity fundraisers and children's hospitals. The ECG frequently teams with its neighboring garrisons in support of events that serve to make a difference to those less fortunate.
                                  

What is the 501st Legion?

  • Since 1997, the costuming organization known as the 501st Legion has spread the magic of the Star Wars genre worldwide through its authentic-looking costumes and has become the leading force in fan-based charity events. The 501st, also known as “Vader’s Fist,” is truly dedicated to brightening the lives of those less-fortunate.

Where did the 501st name come from?

  • Legion Founder Albin Johnson (TK-210) chose the name to represent our fictional unit of Imperial Stormtroopers. Author Timothy Zahn, with the approval of Lucasfilm, honored us by incorporating the name into his Star Wars novel Survivor's Quest in 2004. Since then, the 501st name has continued to appear in official Star Wars material. See our official listing in the starwars.com Databank and read more about the origin of the 501st name here.

How do I contact the 501st Legion to attend my event?

  • Please use the link on our Contact page.

Does the 501st charge for appearances?

  • While we do not charge a fee for appearances (public or private), we enthusiastically welcome donations made to your favorite charity in the name of the 501st Legion. If you do not have a charity of choice, we would happily provide you with a list of some of our favorite causes such as Make-a-Wish or the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation among many others.

What can the 501st Legion do for me?

  • There is nothing quite like a group of Stormtroopers to bring attention to an event. Unlike individual entertainers, the 501st Legion functions as a group creating a true ambience with a wide range of professional-grade costumes and props. Our internal standards ensure a high level of professionalism in both actions and appearance to ensure your event runs smoothly. Having participated at events throughout the world for over a decade, the 501st name alone has been known to boost attendance and media attention. See photos and read some endorsements from our partners here.

Is the 501st a part of Lucasfilm?

  • While recognized by the inclusion of the 501st name in official Star Wars material such as books, video games and movies, the 501st is not affiliated with Lucasfilm nor do we rely on the company for bookings, event coordination, compensation, or costuming materials. The 501st Legion is a volunteer fan organization.

How can I join the 501st Legion?

  • Do you have a passion for Star Wars and helping others? Are you at least 18 years old? If you answered yes to these questions, then you should visit our Contact page to request further details.

Where do you get those costumes?

  • Our costumes are the result of careful research, fabrication and a lot of hard work. The majority of our costume components are hand built and assembled in our spare time. Given that the likenesses portrayed by these costumes are the intellectual property of Lucasfilm, it must be stressed that the 501st Legion does not provide or manufacture costumes for purchase.