I don’t often open packs, though I do like to trade.
The National Sports Card Convention returns to Chicago this year, and Jacob Benge Media will be in attendance for the final four days of the show Thursday through Sunday.
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, will offer 500,000 square feet of continuous floor space, and this year’s convention “will be the largest trade show in the NSCC’s 45-year history,” according to its website.
There will be more than 600 vendors at the National. From authentication to consignment to grading to supplies and more, many services are offered in addition to buying, selling and trading cards.
According to the National, corporate support including “major manufacturers, authentication and grading services, and prominent auction houses” will be available to attendees. This includes:
- Card manufacturers
- Grading/Authentication/Box Wrapping Companies
- Artwork companies
- Online consignment services
- Auction houses
- Application creators
- Distributors
- International companies
Trade nights
There will be three trade nights at the National this year: Thursday through Saturday from 6-11 p.m.
Card Collector 2, Roadshow and PSA will host the trade night Thursday; BLEZ, PSA, Sports Cards Nonsense and Women in The Hobby will host Friday; and AA MINT, DAPPZ, MINT INK and PULLWAX will host Saturday.
Trade nights will take place in “The Collectors Lounge” and feature “over 50,000 square feet of Trading Tables and Experiences at The National.”
VIP program and Autograph Pavillion
Tri-Star Productions will produce and manage the Autograph Pavilion at the National. More than 100 signers will be at the show, and you can view the full schedule here.
Admission tickets to the National are needed in addition to Autograph Tickets. Fees vary by signer and guest, and attendees can also purchase inscription tickets to add to their autographed item.
There is an Order of Entry in the autograph lines prioritized by Platinum Express Pass Holders. You can view the Order of Entry at the National’s website here.
The Show
Show hours are 10-6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10-4 p.m. Sunday.
There are additional times for access to the show.
VIP and early-entry passholders can enter the floor one hour earlier at 9 a.m.
For the first time, the National will offer early pickup of VIP credentials from noon-4 p.m. Wednesday. Attendees who check in to receive their VIP badge “will have the ability to enjoy the VIP room located right next to check in,” according to the National.
On Wednesday, VIPs “will be permitted on the Show Floor to enjoy the Sneak Peek” from 3-8 p.m.
Card manufacturers such as Topps, grading companies such as Professional Sports Authenticator and auction houses such as eBay will have booths at the National.
Card Collector 2 and Sports Card Investor, whose social followings have generated millions of views, are also expected to be among the dealers at the National.
What I’m most looking forward to is my second experience with the National. 2024 was my first year going to the convention, and I went with my younger brother and we felt like we learned about and unlocked a new side to sports cards.
The floor plan looks intriguing. I thought the space last year in Cleveland at the I-X Center was organized well and I was able to navigate it for the first time. Here’s a link to the floor plan this year in Chicago.
You can find more information about the 45th National Sports Collectors Convention at its website https://www.nsccshow.com/.
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