Any sports enthusiast worth their salt knows Fanatics. This mega-goliath of sports merchandise is synonymous with sports, both on and off the field, bridging the gap between fanhood and culture. The other titan players should get familiar with is Topps, who, for decades, has been cultivating a culture of collection and trading. These two titans are once again on the prowl, unleashing their latest masterstrokes, in a grand bid to intertwine fandom and collection.
Fanatics, never one to back down from a thrill, is firing up its event cannon, propelling its array of U.S events into the limelight with both new destinations and formats. Ground zero for Fanatics’ spread of revelry would be the illustrious Javits Center in New York City. Its flagship event, ‘FanaticsFest,’ scheduled for August 16-18, promises to be a pulsating concoction of fandom, culture, and collecting. The company has made it clear they plan to blaze the trail in style, appealing to fans and collectors with a smorgasbord of experiences.
The fun looms large in the sunshine state of Florida, precisely in Orlando, between November 1-3, with an event skewed more towards collectibles. Then, there’s the upcoming rendezvous at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, set for September 28-29. This event promises a more personal vibe, with potentially autograph sessions featuring local talents taking center stage.
This nationwide rollout is part of Fanatics’ grand stratagem to host various events spanning large-scale gatherings, regional expos and stadium-centric events. In an attempt to cover all bases, collaborations with sports leagues at high profile events like drafts are also in the mix. Keen observers can look forward to more detailed announcements as plans are cemented.
Meanwhile, at the Topps Hemisphere, collector engagement takes precedence. Taking center stage is the return of Trading Card Day, slated for August 3. This event saw free exclusive packs handed out at hobby shops. Also making a comeback is the beloved MVP Buyback program, set to launch this fall. Here, collectors get the opportunity to trade cards featuring recent MLB MVPs for store credit.
Not one to be outdone, Topps is following up the success of last year’s Hobby Rip Night, a significant event that led to record sales for 18% of its 409 participating stores. The sequel is ready to roll on the big stage on September 14. But that’s not all; the company is unveiling a brand-new initiative: Hobby Break Night, penciled in for December 14. This digital event aims to give collectors a truly interactive experience with live case, box, and pack openings, guest appearances, and giveaways.
As Fanatics looks to enhance its nationwide events and Topps renews and innovates its promotional activities, one thing is abundantly clear: these titans intend to blend fandom with collecting, providing enriching experiences for sports enthusiasts and collectors alike. Set to take place across the United States, these events promise an ambiance for both casual fans and hardcore collectors to immerse themselves in, ensuring that the spirit of sports, culture, and collecting not only continues but thrives.
