Put two stalwarts of the fandom industry in a room and what do you get? An explosive mix of nationwide events, collector-focused fetes, and a reinvigorated promotions strategy. The players in question, Fanatics and Topps, recently announced their bold ventures to set the fandom and collecting scenes ablaze.
Fanatics, the global merchandise and memorabilia powerhouse, is setting its sights far and wide with an extensive expansion of U.S. events. Peppered throughout the country, these occasions cater to fans of all sorts, reaching out to culture enthusiasts and seasoned collectors. The festivities kick-off with their flagship ‘FanaticsFest’ at the renowned Javits Center in New York, penciled in for August 16-18. Bursting with all things fandom, culture, and collectibles, FanaticsFest promises an exhilarating feast for the senses!
Hot on the heels of FanaticsFest, Orlando, the sunny city of Florida, braces for a deluge of collectibles from November 1-3. The final reel of this act rolls on September 28-29, in the diamond-like PNC Park nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh. This event anticipates an array of local sports stars ready to charm fans with autograph sessions.
The innovation doesn’t stifle with these three events. Fanatics’ grand strategy paints a vivid canvas that includes large-scale gatherings, regional rendezvous, and venue-specific parties within stadiums. Moreover, ties with sports leagues strengthen with joint ventures during prominent events such as drafts. Fasten your seatbelts, folks! The detailed itineraries for these events are yet to be unfurled.
Switching gears to Topps, the company that’s made traditional trading cards cooler than ever, it has some impressive acts lined up. First on the list, Trading Card Day, slated for August 3, flares up hobby shops with free exclusive packs. The successful MVP Buyback program makes a comeback this fall; collectors can swap their recent MLB MVP cards for a handsome amount in store credit.
With memories of last year’s triumphant Hobby Rip Night still fresh in mind, Topps dares to outdo itself with the sequel, planned for September 14. Last year, the event led to record-breaking sales for 18% of the whopping 409 stores that participated. But what’s Topps without a dash of surprise? A new, online initiative titled Hobby Break Night, debuts on December 14; the event promises live case, box, and pack openings with star-studded guest appearances and lavish giveaways.
Both Fanatics and Topps are taking bold strides to broaden their initiatives, add value to their offerings and create spaces that blend fandom with collecting. It’s not just about the joy of the game, or the thrill of collecting—it’s about delivering an experience that diehard sports enthusiasts and collectors alike can relish. Impassioned fans, seasoned collectors, and even hobbyists can look forward to a memorable year ahead, punctuated by an exciting calendar of gatherings, live events, and promotions. And, as the saying goes, the best is yet to come.
