New York City has long been a melting pot of cultures, talents, and fandoms, but come June 2025, the Big Apple will host a colossal celebration unlike any other—Fanatics Fest 2025. At the famed Javits Center from June 20 to June 22, sports aficionados from all corners of the globe will witness a festival that transcends the ordinary fandom experience with a cornucopia of sights, sounds, and star-studded ensembles to rival any all-star game but with collectibles and memorabilia galore.
Returning for the second triumphant year, Fanatics Fest is doubling down on the magic of the sports world by bringing an even more illustrious lineup of superstar athletes and exclusive collectibles that are sure to make any sports enthusiast swoon. From up-and-coming athletes to the pantheon of hall of famers, every corner of the sports universe will be represented. Imagine having breakfast with legends, lunch with the greats, and grabbing dinner next to someone who just might be tomorrow’s sports history maker. The who’s who of baseball royalty will include names like Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, and Reggie Jackson. Catching the spotlight will also be the newly celebrated Hall of Famers, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, ready to shake hands or maybe, if you’re nice, share anecdotal tales of glory days.
Not just content with the past, Fanatics Fest is also embracing the present with guest appearances by the current heavy hitters of both the diamond and the gridiron. Expect to see multi-sport legends including LeBron James, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Kevin Durant striding through the event like gods among mortals. And that’s not all—entertainment icons such as John Cena, Kevin Hart, and Travis Scott are also set to grace the festivities, turning the Javits Center into the hottest VIP club of sports and entertainment the world has ever seen.
For those collectors whose hearts beat faster at the sight of rare trading cards, Fanatics has something special in store. Their celebrated Topps brand is rolling out three special event-only card releases that are primed to join the ranks of the treasured and sought-after. Kicking things off on Friday are the “Cactus Jack” boxes, priced at an indulgent $500 each, promising to unveil card gems that every collector dreams of. The weekend also spotlights Fanatics Fest-exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes with NYC-themed parallels, making them perfect mementos of a truly unique event. Depending on how heavy your wallet feels, you can snap up a hobby box for $300 or a value box for just $50—a snackable price in collector terms!
But collectibles are not confined just to those lucky enough to grab a box of cards. The expansive “merch village” will play host to countless vendors with a veritable banquet of cards and collectibles, catering to everyone’s taste and budget, from the casual fan to the insatiable craving of a card shark.
Beyond the booths, eagerly anticipate the return of the legendary “Museum of Greatness.” This encapsulating exhibit will display over $200 million in iconic sports memorabilia, where spectators can gaze longingly at the ghosts of legends past like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and modern marvels, such as Shohei Ohtani. A special crown jewel is undoubtedly the assembly of over 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards, a beautiful gathering considering only 347 exist, including the million-dollar Paul Skenes patch which sent jaws dropping worldwide earlier this year.
New this year is the electrifying addition of Fanatics Games, challenging fans to test their prowess in competitions like Pitching Accuracy against pros, with enough cash prizes to fund your card-buying spree!
While Fanatics Fest is undoubtedly a collector’s paradise, it takes pride in curating an immersive experience beyond shopping. Panels, live podcasts, and interactive experiences ensure that the event is also a pulsating celebration of the sports ethos, a cultural takeover promising memories that will last a lifetime.
Having captivated 70,000 adoring fans last year, Fanatics Fest 2025 is poised to eclipse its predecessor in attendance and exuberance. For those who hold sports close to the heart, the festival promises to be an experience as cherished as a mint-condition rookie card.
So pack your bags, dust off that signature book, and immerse yourself in a world where sports legends come alive both on and off the field. For ticket information and the complete guide to what will be the defining event of the year in the sports collectibles community, swing by FanaticsFest.com. Prepare for an event that unites fans and legends under one ecstatic roof, showcasing not just the love of the game but the spirit of those who can’t get enough of it.
