Fanatics has promised a first-of-its kind immersive fan festival this weekend, with names under one roof the hobby has never seen.
But what exactly can one expect from Fanatics Fest, how much does everything cost and what is worth going to?
No worries. We at cllct have your back so you can make an informed decision.
Q: What are the details on Fanatics Fest?
A: Fanatics Fest is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Jacob Javits Center in New York.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Single-day tickets are $58.68 for adults for each of the three days and $35.21 for kids Friday and Saturday and $22.47 on Sunday. Three-day passes are $152.58 for adults and $76.29 for kids.
There are also premium opportunities, ranging from $850 to $9,000 per person that include all-access passes and autograph fast passes that allow collectors to skip lines.
Q: This has been billed as so much more than a card show. What will make it stand out and what does my admission ticket buy me?
A: The card show part isn't competing with The National at around 350 tables. But The National isn't competing with the rest of what Fanatics has.
Big names such as Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Travis Scott, Jay-Z, Quavo, and Lil' Wayne are all on panels throughout the weekend in the theatre.
On Friday, Brady will throw passes to kids in the Kids Zone, Gronk will face off with Auston Matthews on sports challenges, Kevin Garnett will go head-to-head with Carmelo Anthony in a game of HORSE, and Stephen A. Smith will be yelling at people trying their hand at the 40-yard dash.
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will have their pre-fight press conference there Sunday, and "First Take," The Pivot Podcast and WFAN will be broadcasting live from the event at various times. At no extra cost comes free "meet and greets" with fighters Alex Pereira, Michael Chandler and Holly Holm, as well as former NFL receiver Donte Hall and ex-Yankees skipper Joe Girardi.
Sports Illustrated also has a Memorabilia Museum, which will feature more than $100 million of memorabilia displayed on the show floor.
Q: League participation is one of the things The National doesn't have, but Fanatics Fest does. What can I expect to see there?
The NFL has a 40-yard dash set up. Major League Baseball has a Home Run Derby. The WWE will allow fans to walk out as their favorite wrestling superstars with the music. The UFC has a striking challenge to test your "knockout power."
Q: How much does it cost for autographs?
A: Like any show it depends on whose signature you are getting and what you are getting it on. Tickets and cards used to be considered flat items and now have their own category for some of the higher-end guys, because the market has risen. Most autographs are in the $100 to $200 range.
Click here for a full listing of all the autograph prices.
Q: Who are the best values in autographs?
A: There are a lot of guys who have been at autograph shows before. Peyton Manning is making a rare appearance, but his prices range from $324 to more than $1,000.
There is some value in the New York guys, especially if the local crowd brings rare items with some flavor to sign. All of these guys are under $110: Allan Houston, Ilya Sorokin, Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Josh Hart, Larry Johnson, Lawrence Taylor, Mikal Bridges and Vinny Testaverde.
Q: What will inscriptions will athletes sign?
A: Almost everything is listed. For an example, this is what Manning will sign for an additional $270.17 per inscription:
- HOF '21
- Omaha
- The Sheriff
- SB MVP
- SB Champs
- Personalize it
- Go Vols
- Go Colts
- Go Broncos
- 1998 #1 Pick
**Q: What are the bigger upcharges for autographs? **
A: Inscriptions have always been a thing, but within the last couple of years, any item that needs to be signed that is said to be game-used gets a tax.
The three biggest upcharges on anything game used: Peyton Manning (an additional $2,168.92), Jerry Rice ($1,250) and Eli Manning ($1,083.92). One other quirk, Hideki Matsui charges roughly $100 more for his signature in Kanji (Japanese)
**Q: Are there any athletes who have sold out of autograph opportunities? **
A: The answer is yes. And most of them are from the WWE. Here is who is sold out: Bianca Belair, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Jey Uso, LA Knight, Liv Morgan, Rey Mysterio, Rhea Ripley, Tiffany Stratton and The Miz.
New York basketball stars Jalen Brunson and Sabrina Ionescu are also sold out.
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Q: I'm into photographs more than signatures. What are the celebs charging for photos?
A: Here are the top 10 most expensive photo ops at Fanatics Fest:
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, $649.92
- Peyton Manning, $432.92
- Carmelo Anthony, $291.87
- Kevin Garnett, $270.17
- Hulk Hogan, $214.92
- Ray Lewis, $205.07
- Adrian Peterson, $205.07
- Eli Manning, $194.22
- Tracy McGrady, $183.37
- Mike Tyson, $161.67
I realize it's a lot of money, but out of these guys, it's Hogan and Tyson all day long.
Busiest photo area? We're calling it now. LSU gymnast, influencer and Paul Skenes' girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, who is charging $107.42 a shot.
Q: Can you break down some of the free events inside by day?
A: If you want to see stars talk live, this is for you.
Theatre on Friday: Derek Jeter, Tom Brady, Stephen A. Smith, David Ortiz, Dr. J, Quavo, Ben Stiller, Spike Lee and Walt Frazier.
Center Stage on Friday: "First Take, "Pivot Podcast" (Live Guests: Robert Kraft, Rob Gronkowski and Roger Goodell
Theatre on Saturday: Livvy Dunne, Jalen Rose, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Jade Cargill, Jey Uso, Bianca Belair, Travis Scott and Michael Rubin.
Center Stage on Friday: Adam Schefter podcast.
Theatre on Sunday: Henrik Lundqvist, K'Andre Miller, Matt Rempe, Mike Richter, Peyton Manning, Stephen A. Smith, Peyton Manning, Adam Silver, Sabrina Ionescu.
There will also be educational seminars at various booths, the most active being in the Topps Hobby Hall, which will include seminars on grading and breaking.
Darren Rovell is the founder of cllct.com and one of the country's leading reporters on the collectible market. He previously worked for ESPN, CNBC and The Action Network.