Roll up, sports fans and enthusiasts, Fanatics and Topps, two industry titans, are pulling out all the stops to bring you a heightened blend of fandom, culture and collecting. On one front, Fanatics is expanding its menu of nationwide events. Across the court, Topps is renewing and turning up the heat on their collector promotions.
Earlier this year at the Topps Industry Conference in Atlanta, Fanatics devoted some concrete numbers and definite dates to its inbound plans. The company gave a sneak peek into its blueprint for a trio of star events. First in line is the high-octane ‘FanaticsFest’ in the heart of the Big Apple, playing out at the New York’s Javits Center, standing tall from August 16-18. The event promises to be a vibrant congregation of ardent fans and energized culture laced with active collecting.
A second gathering planned for November 1-3 in Orlando, promises to be a dream come true for every collector’s fervor, placing a more pronounced accent on collectibles. Lastly, a more quaint and intimate rendezvous at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on September 28-29. This affair is, whispered rumors say, likely to include autograph sessions featuring local athletes.
But these aren’t just any standalone events. Oh no, there’s method to this particular madness. All these events are part of Fanatics’ strategic endeavour to host an array of large-scale assemblies, regional displays, venue-specific events within stadiums, and collaborations with sports leagues during conspicuous events like drafts. They’re just revving up the hype-machine now, with more detailed announcements regarding these funfests slated to hatch in the future.
Meanwhile, Topps, stopping at nothing to keep collectors buzzing, has an arresting line-up of activities. With August 3rd heralding the return of their Trading Card Day, exclusive packs will be given out for free in hobby stores. As the foliage turns and fall arrives, the MVP Buyback programme makes its scheduled return too, tempting collectors with the opportunity to exchange cards featuring recent MLB MVPs in return for store credit.
Last year’s Hobby Rip Night was a record-shattering success, bumping up the sales for 18% of the 409 participating stores and owing to its rip-roaring outcome, Topps will be rolling out its second edition on September 14th. But wait, there’s more! Topps is primed to set the stage for a brand-new online event – Hobby Break Night, inked in for December 14th. This fresh-from-the-oven initiative will serve up live case, box, and pack openings, peppered with the presence of special guests and sprinkled with generous giveaways.
With shifts in gear like these, Fanatics and Topps are essentially rewriting the narrative of fandom and collecting, vibrantly infusing the two to craft an elevated experience for ardent sports enthusiasts and hardcore collectors. In this undisputed crescendo of fandom, culture and collecting, they’re not just launching events and promotions, they’re launching experiences. And as always, the most beautiful experiences are the ones that come wrapped in a ribbon of surprise. So, ready yourselves, for the finest are famously fond of keeping you on your toes!
