Fanatics is debuting a unique sports collecting festival called Fanatics Fest NYC, set to take place at the Javits Center from August 16-18. This event promises a dynamic blend of sports, entertainment, and exclusive collectibles, featuring celebrity athlete appearances and innovative activities.
This summer, Fanatics is set to redefine the sports collecting experience with the launch of Fanatics Fest NYC, a vibrant three-day event at New York City's Javits Center from August 16-18. The festival, orchestrated by Fanatics' newly minted Events division, aims to fuse sports fandom with popular culture and collecting in an unprecedented way.
Fanatics Fest NYC is poised to offer a contemporary alternative to traditional sports card shows, featuring interactive setups, multiple stages for live broadcasts, exclusive product releases, and special merchandise. The event promises to be a larger scale affair similar to the Mint Collective held in Las Vegas, but with a distinct focus on integrating sports, culture, and collecting.
Key attractions at the event will include a 2,500-seat main stage and an expansive show floor exceeding 400,000 square feet. Fanatics has garnered the support of major sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, UFC, and WWE, ensuring a diverse representation of sports. Additionally, Fanatics-owned companies like Topps and PWCC, along with PSA and other influential corporate entities, will participate in the event.
Visitors can expect a star-studded lineup with scheduled appearances by sports icons such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Derek Jeter, and Kevin Durant, alongside wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. The event will also cater to collectors with features like an all-day trading pit, beginner sessions titled "Collecting 101," and a special museum showcasing some of the world's most coveted sports cards and memorabilia.
Admission to Fanatics Fest NYC will range from $20 to $400, with a general adult day pass priced at $50. Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events, highlighted the event's unique positioning at the intersection of sports, culture, and collecting. Fensterman, who joined Fanatics from a background in major collecting events including New York Comic Con, aims to create a series of premium, yearlong live experiences starting with Fanatics Fest NYC.
This event marks the beginning of Fanatics' ambitious plan to host a series of sports collecting events nationwide, offering a modern twist on the collector experience and setting a new standard for sports entertainment events. Further details on additional events will be revealed later this year.
