The vibrant heart of New York City is poised to transform into a sports lover’s utopia as the highly anticipated Fanatics Fest 2025 returns to the iconic Javits Center from June 20 to 22. Now in its sophomore outing, this annual gathering promises an extravaganza of athlete appearances, collector’s treasures, and high-octane entertainment that would make any sports aficionado’s heart race with excitement.
The event’s return this year has all the makings of an evolved spectacle, building on the electrifying success of its predecessor. With an expanded roster of sports legends, innovative collectibles, and an array of interactive experiences, Fanatics Fest is set to be the highlight of the sports calendar for fans from all corners of the globe.
Baseball enthusiasts, in particular, are poised to bask in the glory of the diamond with a lineup of iconic figures who have shaped the sport. The fest’s hallowed halls will echo with the signing markers of legends like Derek Jeter, the Captain who needs no introduction; New York’s beloved Mike Piazza, and the enigmatic Dwight Gooden. Also gracing the fest are Reggie Jackson, famed for his powerful home runs, and newly minted Hall of Fame inductees CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, each ready to lend their autographs and pose for photo ops with eager fans. Meanwhile, living legends Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt add glittering batting stars to the baseball constellation.
Of course, Fanatics Fest isn’t limiting itself to just baseball. Sporting luminaries from various domains will make monumental appearances: basketball giants like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, gridiron greats Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, and wrestling sensation John Cena, among others. Entertainment’s glow isn’t lost either, with celebrities like Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Costner set to scatter their sparkle among the sports memorabilia and autograph seekers.
But Fanatics Fest is more than a gallery of celebrity encounters. It’s a rich trove of collector’s items with the exclusive à la Fanatics touch. This year, the Topps brand takes center stage, showcasing three special card releases reserved only for this event. Friday’s offering is the “Cactus Jack” high-end series—a true gem for any collector—priced at $500 per limited box, each containing two packs of four cards. As the weekend unfolds, Topps will trove out its Series 2 boxes featuring NYC-themed parallels, enticing collectors with both $300 hobby and $50 value boxes. It’s a buffet of treasures for the discerning sports card aficionado.
Retail therapy remains a staple imperative of the fest with its bustling “merch village.” Fans will navigate through a kaleidoscope of vendor booths, each curated with glittering trophies from the cards and collectibles worlds. Whether a casual admirer or a seasoned collector, every visitor will find delightful discoveries in this marketplace.
When it comes to sheer awe, the Museum of Greatness returns as a shrine to sports history, showcasing over $200 million worth of legendary memorabilia. Among its precious relics, fans can marvel at larger-than-life moments via artifacts from venerable icons like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Shohei Ohtani—alongside over 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards. Here, nestles the million-dollar Paul Skenes patch from earlier this year—testament to collectibles’ astonishing allure.
A contemporary twist breezes into Fanatics Fest this year with an engaging new initiative: Fanatics Games. Mixing competitive spirit with fun, these fan challenges bring on test matches with professional athletes, such as Pitching Accuracy, offering cash prizes to the victors. It’s a rare chance for fans to sport their skills against their idols while adding spice to the fest’s dynamic formula.
As panels convene, live podcasts drift through halls, and aficionados immerse themselves in cultural explorations, Fanatics Fest 2025 stretches far beyond a convention—it’s a heartfelt celebration of all things that bind sports and its ardent admirers.
Expectation bubbles high as Fanatics forecasts an even larger turnout than last year’s impressive 70,000-strong attendance. This year, New York City’s vast sports congregation stands ready to surpass its own record, solidifying Fanatics Fest as the epicenter of sporting events.
So, grab your ticket, clear your schedule, and prepare for a weekend where sports dreams become reality. Whether you’re in it for the stars, the sports, or the unrivaled energy of collective fandom, Fanatics Fest 2025 beckons. For finer details on tickets, schedules, and what’s to come, visit FanaticsFest.com.
