The iconic Javits Center in New York City is set to undergo a thrilling transformation from June 20–22, 2025, as it plays host to the eagerly anticipated sequel of Fanatics Fest. If last year’s event was a home run, this year’s promises to be a grand slam, capturing the hearts and imaginations of sports aficionados and collectors alike. Palms will be pressed against glass cases containing some of the world’s rarest memorabilia, while pens will scribble the prized signatures of sports legends on all things collectible.
As the three-day fiesta barrels its way through an array of sports—from Saturday’s slams on the wrestling mat to Sunday’s slinking curveballs on the baseball diamond—the event is a tapestry woven with threads of raw athleticism and nostalgia. Baseball, unsurprisingly, stands tall among the highlights. Its nostalgia classic charm intensified by the presence of legendary figures known intimately by the Big Apple’s denizens. The proverbial house of cards features Derek Jeter, the Yankees icon who’s practically royalty in New York, alongside Hall of Fame superstars like Mike Piazza, Dwight “Doc” Gooden, and Reggie “Mr. October” Jackson. The newly christened Hall of Famers, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, are expected to bring the house down with their appearances, exuding the kind of historical credence attendees crave.
Modern maestros of the game, such as Albert Pujols and Manny Ramirez, will also grace the venue with their magnetic charm, exhibiting the dichotomy of past excellence and contemporary prowess, as represented by young guns like Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Beyond the realms of baseball, the star-studded guest list is akin to the constellation Orion itself, glittering with names such as LeBron James, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Kevin Durant. These titans, each a universe unto themselves, along with entertaining wildcards like John Cena, Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Costner prove that the event isn’t just about sports; it’s a celebration of culture at its grandest scale.
For collectors, Fanatics Fest 2025 rolls out an enchanted boulevard filled with exclusive releases and rare artifacts. One could call it heaven, particularly as Fanatics doubles down on its famed Topps brand with the introduction of three tantalizing, event-exclusive card sets.
Friday will witness a hush-breaking launch with the “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes, retailing at $500. These enigmatically named treasures contain eight meticulously crafted cards—a boon to any collector’s coffer. Meanwhile, Saturday and Sunday are days of intensified excitement, unveiling Fanatics Fest-exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes with NYC-themed parallels. Hobby boxes are going for $300 while value boxes offer a lighter ($50) dip in the pool of exclusivity.
The vast “merch village” underscores the event, bustling with vendors hawking treasures from every corner of the sportiverse—all promising to make wallets a little lighter and hearts a lot fuller.
Returning much to the anticipation of attendees is the fabled “Museum of Greatness.” This sanctum for the sacred holds over $200 million in iconic memorabilia assets. Among the relics, expect to find Babe Ruth’s aura, Mickey Mantle’s charm, and Shohei Ohtani’s brilliance. The spectacle culminates with over 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards, including the elusive, million-dollar Paul Skenes patch—a breathtaking assembly bound to stir envy and awe in even the stoniest heart.
New to the festival’s repertoire is Fanatics Games, a dynamic arena where fans pit their skills against the prowess of professional athletes. With cash prizes at stake, interactive challenges such as Pitching Accuracy beckon all to test their mettle—not simply as spectators but as active participants.
Interwoven throughout the festival are panels, live podcasts, and many more immersive experiences. These events serve as fertile ground for discussions, learning, and the mere joy of sharing stories and excitement over shared passions.
As Fanatics Fest gears up for its sophomore celebration, there’s a palpable buzz in anticipation of exceeding last year’s impressive 70,000 fans. The event seems poised to entrench itself not just as a must-visit stop on every sports fan’s annual itinerary, but as an emblematic bastion of sports culture itself.
More than just a gathering, more than a collective nostalgic reminiscence, Fanatics Fest 2025 offers an immersive experience into a world where sports aren’t simply a pastime—they’re a heartfelt passion that unites generations. For ticket information, a full schedule, and additional details, don’t let curiosity stew; head over to FanaticsFest.com.