This summer, sports enthusiasts will need to brace themselves as an adrenaline-packed weekend awaits their arrival in the bustling heart of New York City. Fanatics Fest 2025 is set to take over the iconic Javits Center from June 20th through the 22nd, transforming the venue into a haven for sports aficionados, collectors, and those in search of celebrity sightings. After a successful kickoff last year, the event that sets enthusiasts’ hearts racing is returning with even more verve, promising a dazzling roster of superstar athlete appearances, highly coveted limited-edition cards, and memorabilia drawn from the expansive universe of sports.

New York, renowned for its love affair with baseball, serves as the perfect backdrop for the diamond-centric highlights that Fanatics Fest promises to offer. As attendees weave through the star-studded event, they can expect autograph signings and photo opportunities with baseball royalty. Legends such as Derek Jeter, known indelibly as “The Captain,” will reunite with fans alongside luminaries like Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, and Reggie Jackson. The event also shines a spotlight on the newly minted Hall of Famers CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, who will connect with admirers eager to celebrate their storied careers.

The allure doesn’t stop at retired greats, as current New York Yankees stars Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr. join the ranks of the esteemed lineup. Adding further glitter to the gathering, the appearance of notable figures from varied disciplines, including LeBron James, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Kevin Durant, and even entertainment personalities like John Cena, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Costner, ensures that sports fans of all stripes will find their fix.

But Fanatics Fest isn’t just about rubbing elbows with celebrities. Collectors will be met with the temptation of exclusive releases and rare finds to augment their treasure troves. Fanatics is highlighting their prestigious Topps brand with a trio of bespoke card releases. Friday kicks off with the highly anticipated “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes, featuring two packs of luxury cards priced at $500 each. These boxes promise not just cards, but a tantalizing experience extremely limited in quantity. Meanwhile, the weekend unrolls with Fanatics Fest-exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes tailored with a uniquely NYC twist. From hobby to value boxes, priced at $300 and $50 respectively, these offerings underscore the event’s draw as a collector’s paradise.

Stepping into the “merch village,” attendees will find themselves amidst a sprawling marketplace where dozens of vendors showcase their rare cards and collectibles. Within this zone, the “Museum of Greatness” holds reign, assembling over $200 million worth of iconic sports memorabilia. Visitors will have their sports senses tingling upon viewing legendary artifacts linked to the likes of Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. Not to mention the centerpiece: over 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards, including the million-dollar Paul Skenes patch that fetched an eye-watering sum earlier this year.

An added layer of excitement is sparked by the launch of Fanatics Games, serving as a playground where attendees can test their skills against professional athletes. These interactive challenges, offering cash prizes, add a spirited aura to the fest that goes beyond collecting.

For those seeking more than just the tangible, the event promises an eclectic array of panels, live podcasts, and other immersive experiences that delve into the depths of sports culture. This ensures that Fanatics Fest 2025 transcends its identity as merely a shopping destination. Instead, it invites fans into an extravaganza where the soul of sports culture is celebrated in all its glory.

Recounting the success of 2024’s event, which attracted a whopping crowd of 70,000 fans, this year’s edition is gearing up to handle an even grander spectacle in 2025. Anticipation builds as Fanatics Fest prepares to exceed expectations yet again.

For eager enthusiasts looking forward to the pandemonium of Fanatics Fest 2025, detailed information on tickets, scheduling, and an insider’s guide to making the most of the experience is readily available at FanaticsFest.com.

This promises to be a summer affair not to be missed—a fine blend of sports, fame, nostalgia, and sheer excitement against the backdrop of the city that never sleeps.

Fanatics Fest 2025