Sports lovers, card collectors, and star-gazers rejoice! Fanatics Fest 2025 is descending upon New York City once again, turning the Javits Center into an epicenter of athletic adulation and collectible charisma from June 20 to 22. Following a rousing debut, this festival of fandom is back for its sophomore showing, bringing with it an electrifying mix of big names, exclusive commodities, and enough sports-related excitement to fuel dreams for an entire lifetime.
Imagine a haven where the past’s illustrious icons meet the present’s towering titans under one roof, while memories are enshrined in the form of coveted collectibles. Dive into a universe where limited-edition mementos hold stories within their cardstock confines, and every photograph is a suspended slice of sports history.
In its grand return, Fanatics Fest promises to serve a feast of epic encounters, particularly for those with a penchant for baseball. The autographs won’t sign themselves—attendees could find themselves gripping Sharpies and trading banter with legends like Derek Jeter and Mike Piazza. New Yorkers will revel in the presence of hometown heroes like Dwight Gooden and Reggie Jackson. The newly crowned Hall of Famers CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner will also grace the Fest with their winning smiles, alongside legendary sluggers Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt. Current Yankees stars Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr. will bring the freshest pinstripe pride to the party.
But it’s not all about baseball, lest basketball, football, and even wrestling fans feel left out. Expect your pulse to quicken at the announcement of marquee figures like LeBron James and Tom Brady, who’ll leave their courts and stadiums for NYC’s city lights. Peyton Manning brings a touch of football finesse, while Kevin Durant is bound to slam dunk his way into the spotlight. Wrestling enthusiasts will want to ready their best Cena salute, as the formidable John Cena steps into the meet-and-greet ring. And let’s not forget the entertainment galaxy—stars like Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Costner, whose mere presence is a testament to the festival’s star power.
Naturally, no sports festival is complete without an overflow of cards and memorabilia. Fanatics plans to spotlight Topps with several exclusive drops that will make collectors’ hearts race like they’ve stolen home base. The “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes are set to make waves on opening day, with each $500 box securing a tantalizing pair of four-card packs. On Saturday and Sunday, exclusive NYC-themed Topps Series 2 boxes will keep the collectible flow going, with hobby and value options priced at $300 and $50, respectively.
As if that weren’t enticing enough, the merch village promises a sprawling showcase of booths boasting treasures ranging across the hobby spectrum. Each stall is a potential treasure chest, offering cards and collectibles to suit every taste and budget.
Meanwhile, the legendary “Museum of Greatness,” with its $200 million worth of iconic sports memorabilia, makes a triumphant return. Here, attendees will find an unmatched array of keepsakes, from Babe Ruth’s exploits to the modern marvels of Shohei Ohtani. This includes over 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards, highlighted by the million-dollar Paul Skenes patch—a staggering display considering only 347 exist worldwide.
An intriguing addition to this year’s festivity lineup is Fanatics Games—a gauntlet of interactive fan challenges. Daring souls can step up to face off against professional athletes in skill-testing endeavors like Pitching Accuracy, with actual cash prizes stoking competitive fires.
To complement the kaleidoscope of commerce and celebrity, the weekend promises a rich menu of panels and live podcasts, fostering dialogue and designation about the sports culture tapestry. Amidst the array of experiences, epiphanies and inspirations are poised to spring forth, leaving fans not just with new memorabilia, but with enhanced memories and shared stories.
With 70,000 attendees last year, expectations are soaring high for 2025. Fanatics seems set on ensuring each guest leaves with more than just a pocketful of precious finds—rather, they depart with minds aglow from shared moments and rekindled passions.
For those eager to join the extravaganza, visit FanaticsFest.com for details on ticket information, the full schedule, and myriad other crucial details. Prepare yourself—New York City is once again set to become the pulsating heart of sports paradise, and you wouldn’t want to miss a beat.