As the summer sun warms the streets of New York City, the Javits Center is poised to transform into a mecca for sports enthusiasts as Fanatics Fest returns for its second year, from June 20th to 22nd, 2025. In what promises to be an unforgettable three-day extravaganza, attendees will find themselves surrounded by the glitz and glory of sports, with superstar athlete appearances, exclusive card releases, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia to delight collectors and fans alike.
Though the event covers a wide spectrum of sports from football to wrestling, baseball takes a prime spot in the lineup. Imagine rubbing elbows with some of the most iconic legends in baseball history, many of whom boast deep connections to the Big Apple. Attendees are in for a treat, with autograph sessions and photo ops featuring baseball titans such as Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, and Reggie Jackson. The newly inducted Hall of Famers CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner further add to the event’s prestige.
Adding to the baseball roster, legends Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt will also make appearances. Current stars such as Yankees Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr. ensure there’s a present-future continuum for fans to explore.
Yet, Fanatics Fest goes well beyond baseball, enticing fans across the spectrum of sports and entertainment. Headliners from varied fields promise to pack the house. Basketball’s king, LeBron James, gridiron greats Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, along with basketball ace Kevin Durant, are among the luminaries. Wrestling and entertainment fans will be enthralled by John Cena, while hockey enthusiasts can revel in the presence of Henrik Lundqvist. Music and comedy meet sports with appearances by Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and the multi-talented Kevin Costner.
For collectors with a penchant for exclusivity, Fanatics Fest will not disappoint. The event prominently features Fanatics’ Topps brand with several card releases that are available only to festival attendees:
On opening day, prepare your wallets for the “Cactus Jack” boxes—a limited edition offering priced at $500 each. Each box, a treasure chest for collectors, holds two packs containing four cards apiece. Saturday and Sunday unveil yet more surprises with the Fanatics Fest-exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes featuring New York City-themed parallels. Serious collectors can snag Hobby boxes for $300, while more budget-conscious fans can opt for value boxes at $50.
Meanwhile, “merch village,” a colossal vendor hive, will cater to all hobbyists and collectors with a plethora of booths selling diverse cards and memorabilia from across the sporting spectrum. The anticipation for rare finds and the chance to bag valuable treasures is palpable.
One of the festival’s crown jewels is the returning “Museum of Greatness” exhibit. Encompassing over $200 million worth of legendary sports memorabilia, the exhibit gives fans an up-close look at the legacy of greats like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Shohei Ohtani. The showstopper? A showcase of more than 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards—a breathtaking assembly when you consider that there are just 347 of these gems in existence. One such highlight is the million-dollar Paul Skenes patch which has captivated the community for its rarity and provenance.
Venturing into territories beyond collectibles, Fanatics Fest 2025 introduces Fanatics Games, a new endeavor designed to let fans engage in interactive challenges against professional athletes. Imagine testing your pitching accuracy for a chance to win cash prizes, all under the encouraging scrutiny of your sports heroes!
Panels, live podcasts, and other dynamic experiences are scheduled throughout the weekend, ensuring that the event is not just a marketplace but a veritable carnival of sports culture. It’s where conversations flow seamlessly from celebrated sporting anecdotes to the latest athletic trends and insights.
Last year’s Fanatics Fest drew a staggering 70,000 sports lovers, a testament to its allure and success. With even grander plans for this year’s festivities, the anticipation is reaching fever pitch as Fanatics prepares for an even larger crowd and an even more thrilling experience.
For more information about ticketing, the full schedule of events, and additional details, the fervent fan should not delay in visiting FanaticsFest.com. As the countdown to this extraordinary celebration of sports excitement and culture begins, the prospect of experiencing the Fanatics Fest 2025 is one that should not be missed by any self-respecting sports fan.
