When Fanatics announced plans for a Fanatics Fest, I hoped they would have it in New York City, where I live (Staten Island counts! Right?). So, I was pleasantly surprised when it was announced that the first Fanatics Fest would be just a short ferry ride away.
However, the event’s dates came as a surprise - though not a complete surprise. The dates from Aug. 16 - 18 are in direct competition with one of the most respected card shows in the country, the East Coast National (ECN), which is about 30 miles north in Westchester County.
Many people have written about not attending the Fanatics Fest out of principle. Some people have written that they would've considered attending if not for Fanatics' decision to have its event on the same days as the ECN. It was taken as a sign of disrespect and, more importantly, as a financial threat to dealers at the ECN. That viewpoint is understandable. Fanatics is not playing nice.
The dislike for Fanatics will keep people away from its show. But it's still important to look at what they're putting together. Is the Fanatics show worth attending, and how does it compare to the ECN?
Guests
Advantage: Fanatics
The ECN has the biggest headliner of them all - Mike Tyson. Iron Mike is a global icon, and his popularity is as high as ever between his movie appearances and his tentative fight with Jake Paul.
But Fanatics has a more well-rounded panel of autograph signers and guests. Fanatics will have the greatest quarterback (Tom Brady) and receiver (Jerry Rice) ever. They’ll also have Emmitt Smith, the second-greatest QB of our generation in Peyton Manning, and New York Giants legend Eli Manning.
While football will be a big focus of the Fanatics event, it’ll also reach a different demographic. WWE stars Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley (gasp, a woman!) are showing up. For vintage WWF fans, Hulk Hogan will be signing autographs. WNBA and New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu will also be there (gasp, another woman!).
The ECN has solid guests with Hall of Famers Larry Csonka, Walt Frazier, and Pete Rose, but it’s guys who have been signing for decades.
The Fanatics lineup is fresher and more relevant and features athletes like Allen Iverson, who had a huge cultural impact on a generation of basketball players and fans.
Location
Advantage: Fanatics
The Fanatics Fest will be held in Manhattan. The East Coast National is in Westchester County. A day trip to NYC to see some sports stars, check out some cards, and buy some merchandise can be capped with a visit to world-class restaurant offerings or sites in the city.
Westchester County is nice, but the food options in the Westchester County Center differ from what you can get at a typical New York City food cart. Man, we love our Gyros in the city.
Card Booths
Advantage: East Coast National by a pinch
If you're going strictly for the cards, then the East Coast National is the place to be. The event will have 500 booths, so it will have more offerings. The event is known for having a good mix of vintage and modern cards and for getting reasonably priced cards.
But Fanatics will hold its own in this category. Event organizers say there will be 350+ vendor booths, which is still plenty for anyone looking to add something special to their collection. Something tells me the vendors at the Jacob Javits Center will also have a greater variety of offerings from the TCG and comic book sector.
Submissions
Advantage: East Coast National
Authentication and grading submissions have never been more important. The value of an everyday autograph or game-used collectable can be doubled or tripled with authentication. The same applies to low-numbered cards or in-demand rookies in Mint or Gem Mint condition.
The ECN will have JSA Authentication at the show, and card graders will be announced later. If you want to submit cards or get an item authenticated that weekend, this is the place to be.
Fanatics has yet to announce any graders or authenticators at its show.
Activities
Advantage: Fanatics Fest
There's going to a Kids Zone with activities one might typically find at sporting events or Fan Fests. There will also be a 2,000-seat Main Stage with guest speakers and panels involving athletes, business leaders, and non-sport figures. And if that isn't enough, there's going to be a Center Stage where there will be more athletes, business people, and other people talking about more things!
I'm not trying to turn this into a Fanatics promo. But the word that it will be like a Comic Con for Sports is accurate, considering that Fanatics Events CEO Lance Festerman was once a Sr. Vice President at ReedPop, the company that organizes Comic Cons worldwide.
Miscellaneous
The first-ever Fanatics Fest will come with some bumps in the road. There are a lot of questions in anticipation of Fanatics' debut:
How many people will show up?
Will the lines be too long?
Will the $58.68 Adult ticket for one day be worth it?
Will it be worth charging a $38 ticket for Kids?
Will the Jacob Javits Center space be just right for an event like this?
The ECN is a well-established, well-oiled machine that many collectors and dealers look forward to visiting annually. A $15 ticket includes a free autograph from former major league pitcher Bill Pulsipher.
I don't know if that excites anyone, but being a Mets fan, I'd be pumped to get a Bill Pulsipher autograph. I'm not sure that can be said for everyone attending the show.
Where Should You Attend?
Ultimately, that decision depends on the collector. I don’t think that this is an either/or proposition. The shows both run for three days. It’s ok to visit both. They’re 30 miles apart and offer two different types of experiences.
It’s also important to note that Fanatics has announced it will hold more Fests in other cities. So it would make sense skipping the NYC event for the ECN if one can only make one of the shows.
I also understand people’s disdain for Fanatics. I’ve criticized many of its initiatives, PR moves (audits, anyone?), and increasing links of card collecting to gambling. To its credit, Fanatics has also implemented some innovations and improved some aspects of its customer experience.
I am weary of Fanatics, but my suspicions won’t stop me from attending one day of the show. If it’s great, I want to be there. If it’s a disaster, I want to be there too.
