The Big Apple is set to pulsate with the heartbeats of sports fans as Fanatics Fest 2025 returns to New York City. Scheduled from June 20 to 22, the expansive Javits Center will once again become a bustling hive of sports fervor, where every corner resonates with the memories of past glories and the excitement of what’s to come. Fanatics Fest, now in its second year, is gearing up to surpass its inaugural success with a star-studded lineup and a treasure trove of limited-edition collectibles.
For those whose hearts beat a little faster at the sound of a bat cracking or a fastball whizzing, the festival offers an array of baseball-themed delights. Fans are eagerly anticipating face-to-face moments with legendary icons like Derek Jeter, who has all of NYC in the palm of his hand, along with fan-favorites Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, Reggie Jackson, and recent Hall of Fame inductees CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. The list doesn’t end there, as Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt will make appearances, whetting the appetite of any baseball aficionado. And not to be left out, current Yankees stars Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr. are also ready to join the lineup.
Beyond the diamond, Fanatics Fest boasts a roster that cuts across various sports and even dabbles into entertainment. Picture this: LeBron James casually chatting with Tom Brady while Peyton Manning and Kevin Durant share a laugh. Add the charisma of John Cena, the stoic presence of Henrik Lundqvist, and the comedic chops of Kevin Hart. And if that isn’t enough, music superstar Travis Scott and Hollywood actor Kevin Costner bring their flair into the mix, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The heartbeat of Fanatics Fest isn’t just its star appeal; it’s the limited and exclusive memorabilia that draws collectors like moths to a flame. Fanatics is pulling out all the stops with their Topps brand, orchestrating three tantalizing, event-exclusive card releases. It kicks off on Friday with the much-anticipated “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes, each retailing at $500, containing two packs of four cards that promise delight with every unboxing. As the weekend progresses, NYC-themed parallels take center stage with the Topps Series 2 boxes, priced at a cool $300 for hobby boxes, while the more wallet-friendly value boxes are available at $50.
The festival is not just a haven for sports card collectors but a paradise for vendors and enthusiasts of all things collectible. The “merch village” offers an extensive array of booths, each a treasure chest containing cards and memorabilia waiting to be claimed by their perfect owner.
Perhaps the crown jewel of the fest, the “Museum of Greatness” is making a triumphant return, offering attendees the chance to bask in the glow of over $200 million worth of sports history. With items linked to legends like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and the mesmerizing Shohei Ohtani, there’s something transcendent about being in the presence of greatness. The exhibit showcases over 50 Top Rookie Debut Patch cards, including the rare Paul Skenes patch—an item that attracted million-dollar attention earlier this year. With only 347 of these patches in existence, this showcase is a pinacle of rarity and prestige.
Adding a new twist for 2025, Fanatics introduces “Fanatics Games,” an interactive set of challenges that invites fans to measure their skills against pro athletes. With cash prizes at stake, activities like Pitching Accuracy promise to add an adrenaline-pumping edge to proceedings.
Throughout the weekend, the festival will host a series of panels, live podcasts, and immersive experiences, positioning itself not just as a marketplace but as a cultural phenomenon that celebrates every facet of sports. Whether you’re an autograph hunter, a collector on a quest, or a fan eager to meet your heroes, there’s excitement around every corner.
Last year’s fest saw an impressive attendance of 70,000 fans, and, with the 2025 iteration promising even more attractions and star power, Fanatics is bracing for a potential stampede of enthusiasm. For those itching to be part of this whirlwind celebration of sports, ticket information, a detailed schedule, and more event specifics are available at FanaticsFest.com. Get ready to dive into an experience that promises to be as electric as a New York summer.
