New York City, brace yourself, because Fanatics Fest 2025 is rolling back into town, and it’s about to turn the Javits Center into a veritable coliseum of sports fandom. From the 20th to the 22nd of June, this three-day extravaganza promises to be the ultimate playground for sports enthusiasts, card collectors, and anyone intrigued by the star-studded galaxy of sports legends both past and present.
Kicking off its sophomore year, Fanatics Fest has doubled down on its already robust lineup, calling upon an even more stellar roster of athlete appearances. If you’re the kind who lines up for hours just to get a fleeting moment with sports royalty, plot your arrival early. The list of baseball icons scheduled to grace us with their presence reads like a Who’s Who of baseball legendarium. Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, and Reggie Jackson are on deck, plus Hall of Fame 2024 inductees CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner will also be there to add their signatures to the annals of unforgettable moments.
Adding to this jaw-dropping cast are the eminent Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt, who will also grace the event with their charisma. Modern-day pinstripe wonders like Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr. ensure that current fans have plenty to cheer about too. But it’s not just baseball that’s raising the roof. Luminaries from all corners of the athletic universe are assembling at this epicenter of sports celebration. Expect to catch a glimpse—or snag a selfie, if you’re lucky—of stars including LeBron James, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Kevin Durant, and wrestling legend John Cena.
Swing the spotlight over to entertainment as well, featuring appearances by musician-turned-mogul Travis Scott, comedic powerhouse Kevin Hart, and the eternally cool Kevin Costner, blending the sports and entertainment worlds into one pulsating fusion at the junction of fun and fandom.
For the collectors, it’s the kind of big day you mark on your calendar and circle with a highlighter. Fanatics will flex their prowess in memorabilia, particularly their Topps brand, by unveiling several exclusive offerings. Friday brings the launch of an extraordinarily coveted “Cactus Jack” limited edition box, going for $500 each. These high-end treasure chests will contain two packs, each with a quartet of cards that could very well become the centerpiece of any collection. Come the weekend, the spotlight shifts to NYC-themed Topps Series 2 boxes, resonating with local pride and priced to cater to various collector tiers with $300 hobby boxes and $50 value boxes.
But let’s leap beyond the confines of cards and collectibles, into the heart of the fan fray. The “Museum of Greatness” returns with its glistening array of over $200 million in sports memorabilia. Get ready for a pilgrimage through the sanctified relics from legends like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. Shohei Ohtani’s memorabilia stands as a testament to contemporary greatness and innovation in baseball. Bask in the glory of rare Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards, among which the million-dollar Paul Skenes patch boldly flaunts its elegance. Out of a global count of 347, over 50 of these patches are corralled under one roof— a sight to behold for any sports enthusiast.
Experience, however, is the fabric that stitches this festival of fans together. Fanatics Games makes its debut, ushering in a suite of interactive challenges that pit attendees against their athletic heroes. Ever dreamt of testing your pitching accuracy with cash prizes dangling like carrots? Dreams do come true at Fanatics Fest.
As panels address the state of sports today, and live podcasts capture the zeitgeist, Fanatics Fest transcends its reputation as a haven for collectors. It morphs into a holistic celebration of sports and its surrounding culture.
With last year’s attendance hitting a staggering 70,000 fervent fans, the 2025 iteration is set to surpass all expectations. For those leaning forward at the edge of their seats, chewing over the thought of joining this massive throng, tickets and full event details are accessible via FanaticsFest.com. Consider this the call to action for the unswerving devotees of sporting sagas and card aficionados—your wonderland awaits this June in New York City. Hoorah!
