The world of sports fandom is about to get even more compelling. Leading sports merchandise company Fanatics is on a nationwide blitz to reenergize fans, while trading card giant Topps is revamping its collector promotions, aiming for an even broader reach.
Fanatics has added more color to its event canvas across the United States, introducing new destinations and formats. The company has loaded the bases, ready to pitch its flagship ‘FanaticsFest’ at New York’s renowned Javits Center. This tremendous gathering, scheduled for August 16-18, promises to be a fantastic blend of fan devotion, cultural fusion, and joyful collecting.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Fanatics is also hosting an event in the Sunshine State, specifically in Orlando, Florida, from November 1-3. This particular gathering will cater more to collectors, providing a veritable treasure trove of memorabilia and collectibles. And to make things even more inclusive, a smaller, more intimate get-together is coming to Pittsburgh’s PNC Park on September 28-29. This event will feature unique opportunities to meet local athletes for autograph sessions.
These are just a few items on the agenda of Fanatics’ detailed expansion strategy. They plan to mix and match, intending to host large-scale events, regional shows, stadium-specific gatherings, and collaborations with sports leagues, especially during major happenings such as drafts. Details about these can’t-miss events are coming soon.
Not to be outdone, Topps is also drawing up plays for its loyal collector base. Exciting promotions are lining up one after the other. For starters, the Trading Card Day is beckoning on August 3, where hobby shops will offer free exclusive packs. Swing for the fences because the MVP Buyback program is making a comeback this fall. This will allow collectors to put newly acquired cards of recent MLB MVPs to good use by exchanging them for store credit.
Hobby Rip Night had such a destructive impact last year with record sales benefiting 18% of the 409 participating stores, warranting a second edition. Get ready to witness card tearing frenzy on September 14. But wait, there’s more. Topps is launching Hobby Break Night, a brand-new initiative scheduled for December 14. This online event will serve up live case, box, and pack openings, spiced up with guest appearances and a cornucopia of giveaways.
Together Fanatics and Topps are sculpting unique experiences for sports enthusiasts and collectors alike. Their approach to blending fandom with collecting offers fans across the U.S. the chance to dive deeper into their passions while also providing enriching experiences that create lasting memories. With such enthused efforts from these industry leaders, the world of sports fandom and collecting is sure to keep scoring big.