Sports enthusiasts and collectors, mark your calendars: Fanatics Fest is gearing up for a triumphant return to New York City in 2025. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Big Apple, this second annual extravaganza will unfold at the sprawling Javits Center from June 20 to 22. A haven for sports fans of all stripes, the event promises a dizzying array of exclusive releases, rare memorabilia, and a glittering constellation of superstar guests.
Fanatics Fest is nothing short of a souvenir-hunter’s utopia, brimming with autographs, photo opportunities, and collectible cards that are destined to become coveted treasures. The dazzling lineup of athletes reads like a roll call of sporting royalty, particularly for baseball aficionados who will be thrilled to meet icons such as Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, and Reggie Jackson. True to the city’s rich baseball history, these luminaries possess an interwoven legacy with New York, kindling nostalgic ardor in fans who recall their legendary feats. Meanwhile, the contemporary scene isn’t neglected; current Yankees stars Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr. are also set to make appearances.
Yet baseball isn’t the only game in town. Fanatics Fest is meticulously curating a broader spectrum of sports and entertainment figures to appeal to fans of every persuasion. Basketball phenom LeBron James, football legends Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, and even ringmaster John Cena are among the high-profile attendees. And for those who chase not merely athletic greatness but pop culture stardom, celebrity appearances by entertainers such as Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and the multi-talented Kevin Costner promise illuminated moments.
Beyond the allure of meeting sports idols, Fanatics Fest dares to set pulses racing with its exclusive card releases. Fanatics’ Topps brand is in the spotlight, rolling out three event-specific card drops. Devotees of the rare and the unique will want to snag the “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes, available on Friday for a cool $500 each—each box a treasure trove holding two packs of four coveted cards. Shopping splurges continue over the weekend with Fanatics Fest-exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes, New York City-themed additions guaranteed to become the jewel of any collection. Hobbyists can indulge in these parallel novelties, priced at $300 for hobby boxes and $50 for value boxes.
Fanatics Fest also extends its reverent nod to the past with the return of its famed “Museum of Greatness.” This room of wonders is an unparalleled display of sports history, holding over $200 million worth of legendary pieces from the likes of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Shohei Ohtani. What tops this sensory overload is the showcase of more than 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards, furled around their centerpiece—a million-dollar Paul Skenes patch that has already beguiled and bewitched the collector’s market this year. Just imagine the allure of over 50 of these prized patches united in a single location—it’s a collector’s Holy Grail.
Adding fresh flavor to the fest is the debut of “Fanatics Games.” This innovative component of the lineup turns attendees into active participants. Imagine testing your pitching prowess against pro athletes in a riveting contest complete with cash prizes.
In addition to these hands-on experiences, the event buzzes with panels, live podcasts, and immersive activities that fuse the realms of sports and culture into an epicenter of entertainment. With an expected crowd already outnumbering last year’s success of over 70,000 fans, this is poised to be more than just an exhibition—it’s a full-blown celebration of the sports world and the enduring allure of its memorabilia.
For the eager beavers wondering how to secure tickets, get a full event schedule, or dive deeper into the revelry that awaits, FanaticsFest.com is your go-to site for all things Fest-related. Whether you’re there for the stars, the stories, or the collectibles, Fanatics Fest 2025 promises memories, memorabilia, and magic, all against the grand canvas of New York City’s vibrant energy—undoubtedly the perfect setting for a momentous gathering of the sporting world’s finest.