In the concrete jungle where dreams are made (and traded), Fanatics Fest 2025 is ready to stage its grand return to New York City, promising a splendid mix of sports, celebrity, and nostalgia. While the skyscrapers graze the clouds, the Javits Center will transform into a verdant haven for sports enthusiasts from June 20–22, blurring the lines between a fan’s paradise and a collector’s dream.
Back for its sophomore year in the Big Apple, Fanatics Fest is flexing its athletic prowess with an even larger lineup of superstar appearances, rare collectibles, and limited-edition releases. The affair will roll out a veritable who’s who from the sports realm and sprinkle in some stardust from the entertainment sky, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
This sports spectacular doesn’t play favorites but among the cornucopia of offerings, baseball lovers will find themselves metaphorically hitting home runs at every turn. Autograph signings and photo ops will feature the cream of the crop, including baseball icons like Derek Jeter, the ineffable captain of the Yankees, and Mike Piazza, the stalwart catcher known for his time with the Mets. Nostalgia will be thick in the air with Dwight Gooden and Reggie Jackson, while the proud pinstriped heritage continues with sightings of CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, freshly minted Hall of Famers who promise to add a touch of elegy to the festivities.
Meanwhile, adding international flair and batting prowess, Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and the Phillies’ legend Mike Schmidt will grace attendees with their presence. And fear not, New York Yankees fans! Current stars like the ever-dominant Max Fried and dynamo Jazz Chisholm Jr. will be on deck, ready to weave today’s legends into tomorrow’s memories.
But Fanatics Fest isn’t just resting its cap on baseball. Sports and entertainment heavyweights pepper the guest list, offering a cross-sport blend that is too good to pass up. LeBron James will make an appearance—basketball royalty in the heart of a city that knows a thing or two about the Knicks. Not to be outdone, football’s erstwhile kingpins Tom Brady and Peyton Manning will make sure the quarterback conversations are animated and aplomb. For wrestling aficionados, John Cena is prepared to wow with his charisma, while hockey’s Viking warrior, Henrik Lundqvist, promises a chill of excitement.
In a dazzling nod to current cultural phenomena, Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and acting legend Kevin Costner will join the star-studded lineup, ensuring the festival appeals to enthusiasts from all walks of sports and entertainment life.
Collectors, guard your wallets and wield them wisely. The event promises rare memorabilia and exclusive releases from Fanatics’ own Topps brand. Kicking off on Friday, a debutant release of “Cactus Jack” boxes—each retailing at a cool $500—dangles a tantalizing carrot for those with deep pockets and even deeper love for rarity. These boxes, with just eight cards spread over two packs, promise something extraordinary for each pull.
For those less willing to splash out, Saturday and Sunday bring New York-themed parallels from Topps Series 2, crafted especially for Fanatics Fest. With hobby boxes at $300 and more accessible value boxes at $50, these offerings allow enthusiasts of all budget sizes to take home a piece of the city’s sporting aura.
Once your heart rate returns to standard after a shopping spree, head to “merch village,” poised like a bustling bazaar, teeming with dozens of booths peddling treasures from the greater hobby world.
A crown jewel of this year’s fest is the resurrected “Museum of Greatness.” This superb exhibit gathers over $200 million worth of iconic sports memorabilia under one roof. Witness the glare of Babe Ruth’s legend, trace Mickey Mantle’s footsteps, or marvel at contemporary marvel Shohei Ohtani’s influence. More than 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards will be showcased, including the golden glow of the million-dollar Paul Skenes patch.
For those seeking a hands-on, interactive experience, this year’s fest introduces Fanatics Games—a series of fan challenges pitting attendees’ skills against professional athletes. Whether it’s showcasing your pitching precision or another skill, there are rewards beyond bragging rights.
Outside the adrenaline-infused activities, brainchildren of sports culture will gather at panels and live podcasts dotting the weekend, adding intellectual flair to the fest’s celebratory fervor.
With 70,000 fans having turned out for the previous year’s event, Fanatics is bracing for even more excitement in 2025. To don your jersey and join the fray, hop over to FanaticsFest.com for ticket information, schedules, and all the details needed to explore this year’s exhilarating exhibits and events.
Whether you’re seeking the thrill of spotting a sports legend or aiming to snag a rare collectible, Fanatics Fest 2025 onsite promises an exhilarating, immersive celebration of sports culture right in the heart of New York City. Grab your tickets, concoct your strategy, and prepare to dive into the ultimate sports utopia this June.
