Take cover sports fans and hobby enthusiasts, as Fanatics, the leading sports merchandise company, and Topps, the famous trading cards producer, have inventive schemes up their sleeves. Tailoring new experiences that combine sports enthusiasm with the thrill of collecting, they’re redefining what it means to be a fan and a collector.
Fanatics is sketching a national plan, redistributing its bouquet of events around the United States. The headliner in this fan-joy fiesta is the première FanaticsFest, flagged for the Javits Center in the heart of New York City from August 16-18. The event promises an intertwining of fandom, culture, and collecting- a sort of Olympic village for the fans and the fanatics.
But the party doesn’t stop there. Fanatics charts a course for sunny Orlando from November 1-3 with a focus on collectibles. And then it gets even sweeter for the residents of Pittsburgh as a quieter gathering blossoms upon PNC Park on September 28-29. Set to showcase autographs from your local sports heroes, it’ll be like Halloween in September for the fans.
Much like a traveling carnival, Fanatics aims to create an assortment of experiences range from grand-scale get-togethers, regional meets to intimate venue-specific fiestas at stadiums. Mix in some collaborations with sports leagues at major events like drafts, and you have a tasty sports stew!
Meanwhile, Topps is unzipping an impressive goody bag for the collectors. These folk just don’t rest on their laurels, do they? They’ve resurrected Trading Card Day, slated for August 3, doling out free packs at hobby shops like candy at a parade. They are also dialing up the MVP Buyback program this fall, allowing collectors to trade in cards of fresh MLB MVPs in exchange for store credit.
And just like the box of chocolates, you don’t know what you’re gonna get next. Following the huge splash of last year’s Hobby Rip Night, which saw record sales for 18% of the 409 participating stores, Topps is firing up its sequel on September 14th.
But wait, there’s more. An event set to win hearts and open wallets, the brand-new Hobby Break Night, waits in the wings for December 14. This online event promises to be the cherry on top with live case, box, and pack openings spiced with celebrity guest appearances and giveaways.
So, Fanatics extends its red carpet across the nation and Topps breathes life into their collector promotions. Both giants are cultivating a duality between fandom and collecting, charting memorable experiences across the board. Talk about sportsmanship! Their united vision is creating a playground where sports enthusiasm and hobbyism blend to form a powerhouse of entertainment. As the game heats up, it’s clear that these companies are outmatched only by their dedication to their fans and collectors. So, gear up sports fiends and hobby hounds- the fanfest is about to begin!
