In the bustling heart of New York City, an event is gearing up to redefine the landscape of sports collectibles. The Javits Center, a behemoth of a venue known for hosting some of the most high-profile conventions, is set to welcome a new kind of spectacle this summer. Enter Fanatics Fest NYC, the latest initiative by Fanatics, poised to transform three ordinary days in August into an extraordinary celebration of sports, culture, and collecting.
Scheduled from August 16-18, this isn’t your grandfather’s dusty, old card show. Imagine a place where the energy of live sports meets the nostalgia of collecting, all under the roof of one of the city’s most iconic convention centers. Fanatics Fest NYC is shaping up to be more than just a marketplace; it’s a vibrant festival, a melting pot where sports fandom and collector culture collide.
As if the electric atmosphere of New York City isn’t enough, Fanatics is pulling out all the stops by inviting sports royalty like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Kevin Durant to grace the event. These star attractions are just the tip of the iceberg. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in live podcasts, witness major announcements firsthand, and rub shoulders with a slew of sports and entertainment figures.
With a staggering 400,000 square feet of show floor space, this event dwarfs similar conventions, such as the Mint Collective in Las Vegas. The festival’s blueprint reveals a main stage that boasts seating for 2,500 guests, ready to host a variety of live events that are sure to captivate the audience.
But what really sets Fanatics Fest NYC apart are the experiences it promises. Anchored by Fanatics and its subsidiaries Topps and PWCC, along with other industry giants like PSA, the event will offer an all-day trading pit—a hive of activity where card enthusiasts can wheel and deal to their hearts’ content. For novices, “Collecting 101” sessions will provide a gateway into the world of collecting, demystifying the passion that drives many to build their personal treasure troves of memorabilia.
And speaking of treasure, the festival will also feature a museum display showcasing some of the rarest cards and sports collectibles known to man. For those looking to snag a rarity, exclusive trading card products from Topps will be up for grabs, available only at the show.
Ticket prices are set with every fan in mind, ranging from a budget-friendly $20 to a premium $400, with general adult admission pegged at $50 per day. According to Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events and a veteran in staging colossal collecting events like the New York Comic Con and Star Wars Celebration, Fanatics Fest NYC is not just an event; it’s a communal space. “We are creating a haven where sports aficionados can gather to celebrate and deepen their passion for sports and memorabilia,” Fensterman explained.
The upcoming Fanatics Fest is just the beginning. It fits neatly into Fanatics’ long-term strategy to stage a series of collecting-oriented events nationwide, introducing an innovative blend of sports excitement and collector culture across multiple platforms.
With additional details about the festival and related events set to be unveiled later in the year, the anticipation continues to build. Fans across the board—from the casual observer to the hardcore collector—are already marking their calendars for what promises to be one of the most memorable highlights of the summer in New York City. Fanatics Fest NYC is not just an event to attend; it’s an experience to immerse yourself in, a journey into the heart of sports collecting with a modern twist.
