Fanatics Unveils Plans for Multi-Sport Fan Event in NYC: ‘Sports Fans Deserve a Place to Gather’

Digital sports platform Fanatics is moving into the physical world in a big way with its first Fanatics Fest NYC, to be held at the Javits Center Aug. 16-18, 2024. In addition to appearances by sports legends like Peyton and Eli Manning, Derek Jeter, Hulk Hogan and WNBA superstar Sabrina Ionescu, the three-day event will include collectible-themed livestreams, a retail “superstore” selling a wide range of sports-themed merchandise and exclusive apparel collaborations with top brands and trading card drops from Topps, which Fanatics owns.

“Sports fans deserve a place to gather, celebrate their passions and foster new ones, and Fanatics Fest NYC aims to do just that,” said Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events in a statement. “Unlike any other events in the world of sports fandom, Fanatics Fest NYC will reside at the intersection of sports, culture, entertainment and collecting, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome fans into part of what will become a yearlong calendar of premium live experiences.”

The event will feature an all-day “trading pit” for card collectors of all ages, featuring “Collecting 101” content for novices, as well as a display of some of the world’s rarest cards and sports memorabilia. Additional fan engagements will include livestreamed collectibles “breaks” through the Fanatics Live platform.

A 400,000-square-foot expo floor will feature leagues and brands including the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, WWE, Lids, Fanatics Sportsbook and Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).