Mark your calendars sports lovers and collectors! Sports merchandise juggernaut, Fanatics, is stepping up its game and expanding its roster of U.S. events. Aboard this thrilling fan fest train, Topps, a leading name in sports and entertainment collectibles, is also rebooting their collector promotions. Both, aiming to serve a healthy blend of fandom, culture, and collecting for sports enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Fanatics has recently dropped the details of its flagship ‘FanaticsFest,’ slated to be held at New York’s Javits Center from August 16th to 18th. This event seeks to create a melting pot of fandom enthusiasm, cultural buzz, and the fervor of collecting. As for flavor enhancers, they’re considering throwing a concoction of additional events into the mix.
Leading the encore lineup is an event in Orlando, FL, from November 1st to 3rd. This show is set to pander more to the taste of dedicated collectors. Additionally, a more intimate, tucked-away gathering at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park is on the roster for September 28th and 29th. If rumors hold, this serene setting will host autograph sessions with local athletes, making it a coveted ticket for the sports buffs.
These thrilling events develop from Fanatics’ broader strategy that involves hosting a vibrant mix of large-scale gatherings, regional events, unique shows at stadiums, and a penthouse suite of collaborations with sports leagues during mega events like drafts. Now, this sounds like an all-access pass, doesn’t it? We’ll have more dish on this sports buffet as soon as Fanatics rolls out its detailed announcements.
Meanwhile, Topps sees an opportunity to score the winning run. The company has queued up an array of promotions to keep the collector base’s pulse racing. Kicking things off is the return of the Trading Card Day on August 3rd, which comes with the freebie of exclusive packs at hobby shops. Further stirring up the excitement, the MVP Buyback program is making a comeback this fall, trading recent MLB MVPs’ cards for sweet, sweet store credits.
Capitalizing on the smashing success of last year’s Hobby Rip Night—when 18% of the participating 409 stores hit their record sales, Topps is pulling back the curtain for the sequel on September 14th. However, the showstopper this year could well be a brand-new initiative—Hobby Break Night. This online gala, scheduled for December 14th, promises live case, box, and pack openings backed by guest appearances and dreamy giveaways. Cue the drum roll!
In sum, Fanatics is pumping up its events across the U.S. with fan fests and collector-centric gatherings, while Topps is juicing its promotions to provide an adrenaline rush to collectors. Their mutual endgame? A party of fandom and collecting, providing enriching experiences garnished with unforgettable memories for sports enthusiasts and collectors alike. Buckle up, folks! It’s going to be a wild ride!
