As the warm sun of late June descends upon the bustling streets of New York City, the storied Javits Center once again prepares to host an unparalleled celebration of sports culture, known affectionately amongst fans as Fanatics Fest. From June 20 to June 22, 2025, this spectacular event will transform the venue into a paradise for sports aficionados, with autograph-seeking enthusiasts and collectibles connoisseurs alike reveling in the presence of numerous sports legends, exclusive merchandise, and vibrant fanfare.
In its sophomore year, Fanatics Fest is rolling out the red carpet for an impressive roster of illustrious names from the realm of sports and entertainment. Stealing the spotlight this time are baseball’s most storied figures, whose presence promises to elevate the excitement levels within the now-legendary halls of the Javits Center. Attendees can eagerly anticipate personal interactions with baseball icons whose connections to New York are as enduring as they are renowned—names such as Derek Jeter, the revered captain of Yankee legacy fame; Mike Piazza, a Met idol with a penchant for stirring home runs; the magnetic Dwight Gooden; the flamboyant Reggie Jackson; and the newly esteemed Hall of Famers, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner.
While the excitement for baseball lovers is palpable, this jamboree of sports spectacles does not discriminate. The roster extends across the sports spectrum, heralding appearances from other titans of the sporting world: basketball demigods like LeBron James and Kevin Durant; football maestros Tom Brady and Peyton Manning; wrestling dynamo-turned-Hollywood-figure John Cena; hockey stalwart Henrik Lundqvist; and entertainment interlopers such as the effervescent Kevin Hart and nicotine-laden-voiced legend Kevin Costner. Even musical icon Travis Scott is making an appearance, adding a melodic note to the cacophony of sports fandom.
Fanatics Fest isn’t just about who you can meet; it’s also about what you can acquire. True to form, collectors are in for a treat with a proliferation of exclusive drops and rare finds under Fanatics’ esteemed Topps brand. On the day of festivities’ commencement, the coveted “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes, priced at $500, will grace the marketplace. These treasure chests promise bountiful rewards, each containing two packs with four meticulously crafted cards.
The allure continues into the weekend, with the reveal of Fanatics Fest-exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes, which boast fascinating NYC-themed parallels—a nod to the iconic and never-sleeping city welcoming this grand event. Enthusiasts can choose between hobby boxes, attainable at $300, or the more accessible value boxes, priced modestly at $50. Indeed, from young initiates to seasoned collectors, there’s a little something in their wheelhouse for everyone.
A visit to Fanatics Fest would be incomplete without a parade through what can only be described as the golden sanctum of sports treasures: the “Museum of Greatness.” This awe-inspiring chronicle of iconic sports memorabilia showcases relics such as Babe Ruth’s hallowed bat, Mickey Mantle’s legendary jersey, and Shohei Ohtani’s unprecedented memorabilia. Amid these artifacts, an extraordinary display of more than 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards, including the illustrious million-dollar Paul Skenes patch, stands as testament to the solid, enduring allure of sports collectibles.
This year’s event expands floor space to introduce a novel and delightfully interactive component: Fanatics Games. Here, attendees will test their mettle in challenges that pit their skills against those of professional athletes. Whether it’s pitching with pinpoint accuracy or other spirited contests, these games offer fans more than mere bragging rights—cash prizes are up for grabs, making victory all the sweeter.
Beyond the autograph lines, exhibit aisles, and curated collections, a variety of panels, live podcasts, and curated experiences dot the event’s extensive itinerary, collectively orchestrating a celebration of sports that transcends transactional exchanges. This is not merely a place to spend—it is, at its core, a vivacious celebration of sports culture, a testament to the camaraderie and joy these shared passions cultivate.
With a noteworthy turnout of 70,000 fans the previous year, expectations are riding high for Fanatics Fest 2025 to outdo itself, inviting an even more robust presence. Indeed, New York City is poised to host a weekend teeming with excitement, connections, and sports-fueled merriment. For those eager to plunge into the heart of this sporting carnival, further information and scheduling details can be found on FanaticsFest.com. Whether a local or a visitor, a novice or a veteran collector, step into this haven of sports adoration and be part of the spectacle where legends are celebrated, memories are formed, and the unifying love of the game is revered.