Once more, the Javits Center in the heart of New York City will transform into a bustling mecca for sports enthusiasts as Fanatics Fest descends upon the Big Apple from June 20 to June 22, 2025. This extravaganza, returning for its sophomore year, promises an action-packed convergence of sports superstars, exclusive card releases, and an overwhelming arsenal of memorabilia sprawling from the traditional sports field to the squared circle of professional wrestling.
Baseball fans in particular are in for a treat, as this year’s smorgasbord includes face time with some of the sport’s most storied icons, especially those entwined with New York’s rich baseball tapestry. Imagine the thrill of high-fiving Derek Jeter or snagging an autograph from the iconic Mike Piazza. And it doesn’t stop there; Dwight Gooden will be on deck, along with Reggie “Mr. October” Jackson. Toss in some 2020s flair with new Hall of Famers CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, and you have a lineup that would make Cooperstown blush.
But let’s not rain all the glory on the past. The present Yankees roster won’t go unrepresented, with pitchers Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr. slated to make appearances. If crossing paths with baseball’s legendary and contemporary luminaries wasn’t enough, the event also promises interactive access to a dream team from across the sports and entertainment spectrum. Expect the likes of LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Kevin Durant flaunting their fame alongside amusing and unstoppable characters such as Peyton Manning, Kevin Hart, and even Travis Scott. If your entertainment idols include action heroes or sports gods, rest assured FanFest’s lineup has somebody for you.
Of course, no fan fest would be complete without collectibles, and Fanatics plans to outdo itself yet again. Highlighting their acclaimed Topps brand, Fanatics introduces three exclusive card releases you won’t find anywhere else. Kick off your collection adventures on Friday with the “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes. These beauties—$500 a pop—contain two packs, four cards each, chock-full of potential treasures that could easily pay for that next impulse purchase.
The warm-up act on Friday leads into the showcase stars for the weekend: Topps Series 2 boxes festooned with NYC-themed parallels. Whether you’re drawn to the $300 hobby boxes or the budget-friendly $50 value boxes, these cards—available only at Fanatics Fest—promise to become the envy of your card-trading circle.
As if that’s not enough to rouse the passionate collector within, “merch village” will serve as the ultimate candy store for card collectors and memorabilia seekers alike. And looming grandly over the fest’s commercial heart is the goliath of collectible displays—the “Museum of Greatness.” With a staggering $200 million of iconic sports memorabilia under its roof, the exhibit is a catalog of dreams, showcasing the likes of Babe Ruth to Shohei Ohtani. One of the crown jewels here is the display of over 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards—an assemblage only 347 strong in existence worldwide. Witnessing such a collection in one location is akin to striking gold in the sports memorabilia world.
And for those feeling a bit more playful, Fanatics Fest introduces “Fanatics Games,” where fans can test their mettle against professional athletes in engaging challenges like Pitching Accuracy. And this isn’t just for bragging rights—cash prizes are on the line, giving participants that much more incentive to bring their A-game.
Fanatics Fest also commits to feeding the mind with a mélange of panels, live podcasts, and immersive experiences, ensuring the event transcends a mere shopping spree and morphs into a full-fledged celebration replete with sports culture lore.
Given last year’s staggering 70,000-strong attendee count, Fanatics is gearing up for an even bigger splash in 2025—cementing its status as the quintessential pilgrimage for sports aficionados everywhere. A full schedule, ticketing info, and more juicy details are just a click away at FanaticsFest.com. The festival beckons; dare you miss it?
