New York City, with its infectious energy and bustling streets, is about to transform into a sports enthusiast’s dream as Fanatics Fest 2025 rolls back into town for the second year running, staking its claim once again at the expansive Javits Center from June 20 to 22. This blossoming convention is shaping up to be a mecca for fans, collectors, and anyone with an ounce of love for the sporting world. Promises of awe-inspiring memorabilia, celebrity appearances, and exclusive card releases are just hints of what awaits.
For those swept up in American baseball, particularly its history intertwined with the Big Apple, get ready to meet some of the sport’s most illustrious figures. The lineup reads like a hall of fame inductee list featuring familiar powerhouses including Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, and Reggie Jackson. New York nostalgics will also bask in the presence of fresh Hall of Famers like CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. But the NY flavor doesn’t stop there – brace yourselves for visits from legends like Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt, as well as current New York Yankees stars Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Yet baseball is but a slice of the ultimate sports pie served up at Fanatics Fest. The event boasts an extraordinary guest list spanning the entire athletic universe and beyond, bringing together icons such as LeBron James, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Kevin Durant, John Cena, Henrik Lundqvist alongside entertainers like Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Costner. The lineup is nothing short of sensational, ensuring that fans of all tastes will find stars to marvel at.
The event is not shy on exclusive offerings, especially in the realm of collectibles. Fanatics, with their acclaimed Topps brand, is slated to introduce three event-only card releases that will surely send collectors into a frenzy. It kicks off on Friday with the sale of “Cactus Jack” boxes at $500 a pop. These high-end treasures include two packs each containing four exclusive cards. The weekend continues this splendor with Topps Series 2 boxes boasting NYC-inspired designs. Hobbyists will shell out $300 for the experience, while budget-conscious collectors can snag value boxes at an enticing $50.
Venture over to “merch village,” where a bustling marketplace awaits with tantalizing wares from dozens of vendors, each booth a siren call for collectors eager to broaden their archival treasure trove. Here one can lose themselves amidst a sea of rare finds and priceless collectibles.
Returning this year is the ever-popular “Museum of Greatness,” an exhibit curated with over $200 million in unforgettable memorabilia. The lineup includes legendary artifacts from the likes of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Shohei Ohtani, and an impressive 50+ Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards. This segment is crowned by the illustrious Paul Skenes patch, a card with a jaw-dropping million-dollar price tag. The very existence of such a consolidated display is an unparalleled homage to sports history, perfect for fans wishing for a brush with greatness.
In a bid to increase fan engagement, Fanatics Fest introduces this year’s new amazement: Fanatics Games. These interactive challenges pit fans against professional athletes in competitive feats like Pitching Accuracy, complete with cash prizes for the daring and fortunate. It’s an electrifying opportunity for attendees to test their mettle while rubbing elbows with sports stars, if only metaphorically.
Keeping attendees buzzing with excitement all weekend, the festival promises insightful panels, live podcasts, and immersive experiences at every turn. The celebration of sports culture is both venerated and vivacious, transcending mere consumerism and forging connections that resonate with everyone’s passion for the game.
After last year’s success, drawing a crowd of 70,000 enthusiasts, 2025’s edition is expected to surpass expectations. Fanatics is pulling out all the stops to ensure an even grander spectacle, promising unforgettable memories within the hallowed halls of the Javits Center.
For those intrigued by the grandeur of this extravaganza, yearning to peruse the full schedule, or simply curious about ticket acquisition, further details await at FanaticsFest.com, the gateway to the ultimate fan experience.
