The Passport to fandom just got a whole lot thicker. Fanatics, the sports merchandise titan, has uncovered an ambitious plan to spread its wings further across the nation. The events calendar is being stacked with new destinations and formats, all aimed to enhance the fan and collector’s experience. The company spilled the beans on its blueprint at the Topps Industry Conference in Atlanta.
Showcased as the main event, Fanatic’s flagship ‘FanaticsFest’ is set to take center stage at the renowned Javits Center in New York City from August 16-18. It promises to be an exuberant confluence of fans, culture aficionados, and ardent collectors. It’s not just about the Big Apple though. The calendar also includes an event centered on collectibles in Orlando, FL from November 1-3. And hello Pittsburgh, a more intimate gathering at PNC Park on September 28-29 is heading your way. This cozy event will likely have autograph sessions featuring local athletes in full swing.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Fanatics isn’t writing love letters to these three cities alone. As part of the brand’s intent to become intrinsically connected with sports culture, Fanatics expects to host regional shows, larger-scale gatherings, and stadium-specific events in partnership with sports leagues during high octane events such as drafts. It’s a dizzying strategy that seems to echo Fanatics’ intent to leave no fan or collector unattended.
On its part, Topps, the collector card behemoth, hasn’t been twiddling its thumbs either. The company has designed an enticing platter of activities for collectors. The Trading Card Day seems to be the showstopper scheduled for August 3, promising to distribute free exclusive packs at hobby shops. Talk about rewarding curiosity!
But there’s more. As fall breezes in, the MVP Buyback program would also mark its return, creating an avenue for collectors to trade cards of recent MLB MVPs for store credit – a fitting tribute to the love of collecting. The previous year had seen the smashing success of Topps’ Hobby Rip Night and the company is reviving that excitement with a second edition slated for September 14.
And why stop at continuity when you can innovate? Topps is introducing a completely fresh initiative named Hobby Break Night on December 14. Curiously, this event is devoted to the world online, featuring live case, box, and pack openings with celebrity appearances and thrilling giveaways.
This pattern of engrossing and rewarding audience participation is an embodiment of the companies’ mission. Fanatics and Topps are leaning in to unify the disparate elements of fandom and collecting, working to design encounters that enrich the overall experience of sports enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Whether you’re an out-and-out sports fan, a rookie collector, or both, Fanatics and Topps paints a picture of an upcoming season full of immersive experiences and optimistic anticipation – a season that promises enormous opportunities for all- encompassing engagement in the sports world. So, get ready to fan out!
