The hustle and bustle of New York City will soon be amplified with the enthusiastic cheers of sports fans and collectors from far and wide as the much-anticipated Fanatics Fest 2025 returns to the Javits Center. Scheduled for June 20th to 22nd, this year marks the festival’s sophomore tour, and it’s already promising to be bigger, bolder, and more electrifying than before. A thrilling extravaganza dedicated to sports and pop culture, Fanatics Fest is set to transform the heart of the city into a paradise for fans and collectors alike.
Not just a stepping stone to a weekend of nostalgia wrapped in exclusive memorabilia, the excitement spans the pillars of sports—from the fiercely passionate world of football to the high-flying antics of wrestling. Yet, it’s baseball that remains firmly at the heart of the affair, with the fanfare squeezing into the batter’s box for its moment in the limelight. Ardent baseball enthusiasts are in for numerous treats, including rare autograph signings and photo opportunities with some of baseball’s greatest legends, many of whom have an iconic link to the Big Apple. Expect to be starstruck as legends like Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, Reggie Jackson, and freshly anointed Hall of Famers like CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner make their presence known. It’s a legacy-heavy lineup that reads like a baseball bible of New York lore.
But there’s more—gigantic luminaries like Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt join the roster, alongside current pitching marvel Max Fried and the ever-charismatic Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Yankees. Though baseball might be swinging its way into the spotlight, the guest list boasts colossal figures from across the sports spectrum and beyond—knocking down boundaries and bridging fans across various interests. Titans like LeBron James, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Kevin Durant, John Cena, Henrik Lundqvist, and entertainment stalwarts such as Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Costner lend their star wattage to the event.
Collectors, brace yourselves for a feast of exclusive drops and rarities galore! Leading the charge is Fanatics’ spotlight on their Topps brand, presenting three exclusive card releases for attendees who strive to fill their collections with treasure that others can only dream of. The festivities open on Friday with the sale of “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes—priced at $500 for two packs, each boasting four cards—that promise to spark a flurry of frantic excitement.
Saturday and Sunday continue the treasure trove with Fanatics Fest-exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes adorned with NYC-themed parallels. Hobbyists can pick these up for $300, while those on a more frugal adventure can nab value boxes at $50. The heart of the festival is the colossal “merch village”, hosting myriad booths that entice with a spectrum of cards and memorabilia sure to quicken any collector’s pulse.
And as if the rare cards weren’t enough, one of the most sensational attractions, the “Museum of Greatness,” makes a grand return, casting its spell with over $200 million worth of legendary sports artifacts. With iconic pieces from legends like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and the modern marvel Shohei Ohtani, attendees will find themselves amidst a dazzling showcase. This year, the exhibit boasts over 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards, including the elusive million-dollar Paul Skenes patch, a sight indeed, considering only 347 of these holy grails exist.
This year debuts yet another interactive facet—Fanatics Games—where fans can test their skills against professional athletes. With challenges like Pitching Accuracy turning the heat up, cash prizes sweeten the pot, making for an adrenaline-pumped spectacle. The weekend doesn’t stop with shopping or gawking at display cases; it sprawls with activities including panels, live podcasts, and immersive experiences that celebrate sports culture in all its kaleidoscopic glory.
Last year’s gathering witnessed a staggering 70,000 fans cascade into the event, and this year, the stakes are even higher. Fanatics Fest organizers are not merely forecasting an increase in numbers but are preparing to host a veritable carnival of sports, culture, and commerce that eclipses anything that’s come before.
Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and limber up for a vibrant celebration that’s set to shake the very foundations of New York City. For ticket details, a comprehensive schedule, and everything you need to get ready for the highlight of your sports year, head over to FanaticsFest.com. Whether a seasoned collector or a wide-eyed first-timer, Fanatics Fest 2025 beckons as a Mecca for enthusiasts, where dreams and memorabilia collide in a spectacular whirl.
