We're just days away from the 2025 National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago.
If you plan to attend the four-day collectible showcase (or just want to follow the action from afar), cllct has you covered.
Here's our quick guide to the event, and make sure to follow our live coverage all week from our team on the ground.
What is the National Sports Collectors Convention?
The National is the largest sports and trading card show in the hobby. The 2025 show is the 45th annual convention and is expected to be the largest on record with an estimated 100,000-plus people likely to attend.
The show expects to have more than 600 dealers buying, selling and trading cards, memorabilia and other collectibles.
When and where is the convention in 2025?
The convention takes place from July 30 to Aug. 3 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Rosemont is a suburb of Chicago and is minutes from O'Hare International Airport.
What kind of card show is at the convention?
Most associated with sports cards and sports memorabilia, the National has evolved in recent years to include more non-sports and TCG categories such as Pokémon, Star Wars and more.
The show itself is known for its extensive selection of vintage sports cards and memorabilia, especially baseball.
What else is there to do at the show?
In addition to the card and collectibles show, there are regular trade nights hosted at the convention center as well as in local hotels.
There are autograph signings with dozens of former and current athletes through the Tristar Autograph Pavilion.
Major hobby-related companies, including Panini America, Topps and Upper Deck will attend for giveaways and other activities.
Grading companies, including PSA, CGC, SGC and BGS, will be on site to offer a variety of services.
High-end auction houses, including Goldin, Heritage and more, will be available to consign items.
Who is signing autographs?
Dozens of current and former players will sign autographs Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Here's our full schedule, along with prices, for each athlete and celebrity:
- Thursday's schedule and price guide
- Friday's schedule and price guide
- Saturday's schedule and price guide
- Sunday's schedule and price guide
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $30 per day when purchased on-site and $149.99 for five-day, early-entry passes when purchased online or $159.99 on-site.
Basic and All-Access VIP passes are currently sold out.
What is the schedule?
Here are the show hours:
- Wednesday, July 30 preview: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- Thursday, July 31: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 1: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 2: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 3: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Early entry passes allow access to the show one hour before general admission.
Trade Night Schedule:
- Thursday, July 31: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 1: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 2: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Ben Burrows is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture. He was previously the Collectibles Editor at Sports Illustrated. You can follow him on X and Instagram @benmburrows.