As the city that never sleeps prepares for an electrifying summer, sports enthusiasts are gearing up for one of the most exhilarating events of the year: Fanatics Fest 2025. Set to transform New York City’s Javits Center into a utopia for fans from all corners of the sports universe, this three-day extravaganza is scheduled to run from June 20 to 22, promising a bonanza of star appearances, exclusive releases, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Returning for its sophomore year, Fanatics Fest 2025 has pulled out all the stops to ensure this event eclipses its predecessor. The carefully curated lineup is nothing short of legendary, featuring a diverse array of athletic icons. For baseball aficionados in particular, the event reads like a dream draft list. From prolific New York favorites like Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, and Reggie Jackson, to recent Hall of Fame inductees CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, the lineup is sure to delight. If that wasn’t enough, the star-studded ensemble also includes Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt, alongside current Yankees talents Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr.
However, it’s not just about baseball at Fanatics Fest. This year, the lineup traverses the entire spectrum of sports and entertainment. Who could ignore the allure of seeing LeBron James, Tom Brady, or Peyton Manning in the same room, let alone the additional excitement from appearances by Kevin Durant, John Cena, Henrik Lundqvist, Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Costner? The diversity in talent is a testament to how Fanatics Fest transcends mere sport and embeds itself into the wider cultural zeitgeist.
But what would a fest be without some exclusives to make the heart race and wallets tremble? Collectors have reason to rejoice with Fanatics spotlighting its Topps brand through exclusive card releases across the weekend. On Friday, the grand unveiling of “Cactus Jack” boxes will occur, priced at a hefty $500 each, designed to entice with a promise of two packs containing four potentially prized cards apiece. Meanwhile, for those with a penchant for more affordable thrills, Saturday and Sunday will usher in NYC-themed Topps Series 2 boxes, with hobby and value boxes priced at $300 and $50 respectively.
In addition to these tempting turns of cardboard, the festival site will be a veritable wonderland for collectors, with the “merch village” hosting booths laden with cards and collectibles from every corner of the hobby. And speaking of wonders, the vaunted “Museum of Greatness” marks its return, with sports history laid bare in an awe-inspiring showcase. Worth over $200 million, this exhibit starts its allure with iconic artifacts from legends like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, and clinches its status with the inclusion of more than 50 rare Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards. For those keeping score, that means almost 15% of the complete collection is in one room—a highly coveted coup among collector circles.
But wait, there’s more for the competitive spirits: the new Fanatics Games introduces a series of interactive fan challenges where attendees can prove their mettle against professional athletes. From precision exercises like Pitching Accuracy to real cash prizes, it’s an opportunity for fans to translate their passion into prowess.
Complementing these main attractions, the Fest transforms from mere gathering to an all-encompassing celebration, with panels, live podcasts, and a bevy of interactive experiences dotting the schedule. The organizers have crafted more than just a market for memorabilia; they’ve cultivated a carnival of sports culture.
Given the overwhelming success and sheer numbers of last year’s event—70,000 fans filled the halls—anticipation is reaching fever pitch for this year’s larger-than-life festival. Fanatics is preparing for an even greater turnout in 2025, with tickets expected to sell out at lightning speed.
For those who want to be part of this spectacular convergence of sport, culture, and collectibles, full details including ticket information and event schedules are available at FanaticsFest.com. The countdown is on for what promises to be the sports event of the year—one not just to attend, but to remember.
