The bustling heart of New York City is set to pulsate with excitement once more as Fanatics Fest makes its much-anticipated return to the sprawling Javits Center from June 20th to 22nd, 2025. Emerging from its inaugural triumph in the preceding year, this second edition of Fanatics Fest is gearing up to outdo itself, offering sports enthusiasts an irresistible carnival of superstar athlete appearances, hard-to-find collectibles, and exclusive merchandise releases.
Sports aficionados of every stripe will find themselves spoilt for choice, as the event masterfully blends the electric allure of athletic prowess with the tangible thrill of collectibles spanning the sports universe. Yet, amid the kaleidoscope of offerings, America’s pastime holds a place of honor. Baseball lovers are in for a treat with autograph sessions and opportunities to rub shoulders with legends of the diamond. Archery fans, brace yourselves! This year, Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, Reggie Jackson, alongside fresh Hall of Fame inductees CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, are ready to step into the spotlight. These titans, along with contemporary stars like Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr., carry the legacy and charisma of the game, promising moments of nostalgia and a generous sprinkle of stardust.
The extravaganza extends its charm beyond the baseball diamond, with a guest list that reads like a who’s who of sports and entertainment. Legends such as LeBron James, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Kevin Durant will captivate attendees, while the presence of cultural icons like John Cena, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Costner adds an eclectic twist. Not to be left behind, music is represented by Travis Scott, whose influence promises to blend the borders between sport and spectacle seamlessly.
For those whose hearts beat to the rhythm of collectible treasure hunts, Fanatics Fest presents a trove of exclusives, with Fanatics spotlighting their Topps card brand in unrivaled fashion. The Fest kicks off on Friday with the much-coveted “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes, each valued at $500 and offering a tantalizing mystery in the form of two packs containing four cards each.
The lineup’s crescendo will see the introduction of Fanatics Fest-exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes, draped in themes that pay homage to the very spirit of New York City. Available on both Saturday and Sunday, these boxes divide into hobby and value categories, inviting fans to secure a piece of Big Apple memorabilia ranging between $50 to $300.
Mingling amidst this whirlwind of activity is a haven for collectors: a dedicated vendor section dubbed “merch village,” where booths brim with cards, memorabilia, and all manner of collectible goodness. For those in search of a narrative beyond purchase, the “Museum of Greatness” stands ready to astound with over $200 million of iconic sports memorabilia, featuring sacred relics like items associated with Yankees great Babe Ruth, the enigmatic Mickey Mantle, and modern sensation Shohei Ohtani. This year’s pièce de résistance: more than 50 of the rare Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards will be on display, including the Paul Skenes patch which commanded headlines by fetching millions.
Adding an interactive dimension to Fanatics Fest is the roll-out of Fanatics Games, a suite of challenges that invites attendees to measure their skills against professionals. In contests that test strengths like Pitching Accuracy, there’s more than just pride on the line—cash prizes beckon the competitive spirit.
Rounding out the experience, attendees can immerse themselves in panels, live podcasts, and varied experiences that transcend mere commerce, offering heartfelt celebrations of sports culture.
With the kind of buzz that enticed over 70,000 fans last year, 2025’s crowd is expected to grow even larger as sports lovers prepare to converge upon the vibrant venue.
For all the intricate details, including ticket acquisition and event scheduling, future fans can plan their visit at FanaticsFest.com. Adventure awaits those who journey into this dazzling world of sporting legends and memorabilia in the heart of New York City.