News

Fanatics is expanding its event offerings beyond the previously announced New York City fan fest, planning several additional events throughout the U.S. that cater to both general fans and dedicated collectors. At the Topps Industry Conference held in Atlanta, Fanatics revealed details about these new initiatives. The main event, 'FanaticsFest', will take place at the Javits Center in New York from August 16-18, with a focus on both fandom (65%) and collecting (35%). Further events include a collecting-focused FanaticsFest in Orlando, FL, scheduled for November 1-3, and a smaller event at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on September 28-29, which will likely feature autograph signings by local athletes.

These events reflect Fanatics' strategy to host diverse gatherings, including large flagship events, regional shows, venue-specific events at stadiums, and partner events with sports leagues during significant events like drafts. More details on these events will be announced later.

Additionally, Topps has lined up several promotions aimed at hobbyists. The Trading Card Day promotion returns on August 3, with hobby shops distributing free exclusive packs. The MVP Buyback program will also return this fall, allowing collectors to trade in cards of recent MLB MVPs for store credit. Moreover, Topps is set to host the second edition of its Hobby Rip Night on September 14, following a successful initial event that saw record sales for 18% of the 409 participating stores. A new initiative, Hobby Break Night, will debut on December 14, offering an online experience with guest appearances and giveaways during live pack, box, and case openings.