Once again transforming the Javits Center into a veritable utopia for sports aficionados, Fanatics Fest is set to crash back onto the New York City scene from June 20 to 22, 2025. Returning for its headline-stealing second year, the event has dialed up the excitement with a glorious blend of superstar athlete appearances, much-coveted limited-edition cards, and collectibles sourced from the vibrant tapestry of the sporting world.
This year’s three-day extravaganza flirts with every conceivable sport, but there’s a particular resonance with baseball. Like bees to honey, autograph hunters and photo-seekers alike will swarm the event, drawn by the promise of immortalizing moments with some of baseball’s most cherished figures. Hall of Famers such as Derek Jeter, whose connection to the Big Apple is as iconic as the Yankees pinstripes, will illuminate the celebration. Alongside him, expect to see the likes of Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, Reggie Jackson, and freshly enshrined Hall of Famers CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Eyebrows will undoubtedly raise and phones frantically whip out when legends Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt hit the scene. Current baseball luminaries, including Yankees stars Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr., are bound to keep fans’ heartbeats at a fever pitch.
Beyond the grand diamond, the event has rounded up an enviable guest list plucked from the upper echelons of sports and entertainment. Picture this: LeBron James and Tom Brady rub shoulders with Peyton Manning. Kevin Durant shares a stage with John Cena. Henrik Lundqvist, famed hockey great, brings his icy cool, while Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Costner infuse the roster with showbiz flair. Even non-sporting fans will find their heroes here, making it a truly eclectic convergence of star power.
Collectors, those thrill-chasers of the memorabilia world, are in for a treat with a series of exclusive drops and exceptional treasures to uncover. Fanatics will pay homage to its pride and joy, the Topps brand, with three mouthwatering event-exclusive card releases that are certain to have devotees lining up.
On Friday, brace for the exclusive “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes with a going price of $500 each, each containing two packs loaded with four cards apiece. Not to be outdone, Saturday and Sunday will witness a debut of the Fanatics Fest-exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes, resplendent in NYC-themed flair. The hobby boxes sit at $300, while more budget-friendly value boxes can be snatched up for a mere $50.
A sprawling vendor section will unfurl its allure, unironically named “merch village.” Within this commercial paradise, dozens of booths will jostle to offer collectibles and cards across a spectrum that leaves nothing out of reach for the discerning collector.
Reprising its role as the proverbial crown jewel, the “Museum of Greatness” returns with a staggering, jaw-dropping $200 million bounty of iconic sports memorabilia. Slice through the crowd to catch priceless artifacts like those from legends Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and the modern sensation, Shohei Ohtani. A centerpiece of awe showcases over 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards, including the astonishing, opulent Paul Skenes patch—an artifact that recently fetched a king’s ransom earlier this year. With only 347 such patches in existence, this collection flaunts an audaciously impressive showing.
Newcomers to the fan-engagement carousel are the “Fanatics Games,” a suite of interactive fan challenges galvanizing attendees to pit their skills against pro athletes. With the allure of cash prizes dangling like a juicy carrot on a stick, competitions like Pitching Accuracy promise electrifying spectacles.
Panels, live podcasts, alongside other immersive experiences, will pepper the weekend’s schedule, offering guests more than mere aisles of collectibles. It aspires instead to embody the spirit of a dynamic, pulsating celebration of sports culture embracing and enchanting fans.
Last year saw an astonishing 70,000 enthusiasts pour through the venue’s doors, and Fanatics is conservatively projecting an attendance explosion come 2025. Enthusiasm is palpable, the countdown ticking ever ominously, and New York City stands poised to host the heavyweights of sport in what promises to be a sports lover’s paradise. Those looking to join this whirlwind tour-de-force can find ticket info and schedule tidbits dotingly assembled at FanaticsFest.com.
