Fanatics Fest, the vibrant and exhilarating celebration of sports fandom, is primed to return to New York City’s illustrious Javits Center from June 20-22, 2025. This event, now in its second iteration, is expected to thrill attendees with its eclectic mix of enchanting stardom, rare collectibles, and exclusive memorabilia releases that are sure to set any sports enthusiast’s heart racing.
The festival promises a whirlwind experience encompassing nearly every corner of the sporting world—from the rough gridiron of football to the choreographed athleticism of professional wrestling. Yet, like a good curveball, Fanatics Fest has a distinct spin—an unmistakable focus on baseball. Fans will be able to meet, greet, and possibly even ogle at some of the most celebrated figures in the sport. Imagine standing a heartbeat away from New York’s favorite sons like Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, and Dwight Gooden. If their legendary talent weren’t enough to solidify the event, icons such as Reggie Jackson, and the recent Hall of Fame inductees CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, will all be there to give the festival an air of Hall of Fame grandeur.
And let’s not forget other baseball luminaries gracing the floor: Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt. Plus, the current pinstriped heroes Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr. are set to add a touch of contemporary charm to the mix.
Expanding the lineup beyond the baseball diamond, attendees will also revel in appearances from some of sports and entertainment’s most revered personalities. The roster reads like a veritable who’s who: from court magician LeBron James to gridiron legend Tom Brady, and laugh-out-loud comedian Kevin Hart. Reflecting the dazzling cultural mosaic that human constellation creates, the agenda also features monumental figures like Peyton Manning, Kevin Durant, and WWE’s John Cena. Lumbering large—a steel-cut-glass figure of Henrik Lundqvist to thrill the hockey aficionados, and cultural juggernaut Kevin Costner to satisfy every entertainment palette.
For collectors, Fanatics Fest isn’t just a ritual; it’s the ultimate shopping mecca. Fanatics is rolling out the star-spangled carpet for its Topps brand, offering uniquely timed illustrations of ingenuity through three bespoke, event-only card releases.
The heart races just pondering Friday’s treat: niche “Cactus Jack” boxes that shout exclusivity with their $500 price tag. These include two packs featuring four cards each—a tantalizing prospect for the committed collector. Not to outshine Friday, Saturday and Sunday join the blitz with NYC-themed Topps Series 2 boxes promising nuggets of unparalleled memorability, with hobby boxes set at $300 and value boxes shaking up the market at $50.
Chalk full of more diversions than a city block on derby day, the event’s pièce de résistance—The “Museum of Greatness”—returns to outdo itself yet again. This curated exhibit is sports memorabilia in dreamy technicolor, boasting more than $200 million worth of iconic athlete artifacts. Highlights include Babe Ruth’s prodigious bat, Mickey Mantle’s legendary slugger mitt, and Shohei Ohtani’s historic gear. Similarly eye-catching is the cache of over 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards, spilling over with collective prowess, and including the million-dollar Paul Skenes patch.
Sensing that visual splendor alone may leave some craving action, Fanatics Fest 2025 introduces “Fanatics Games.” Here, attendees can pit their wits and reflexes against professional athletes; cash prizes making the challenge an ideal intersection of thrills and skills. A specific favorite is expected to be Pitching Accuracy, where the bravest can measure their mettle in a test against the pros.
Throughout the fest, there are panels and live podcasts ready to satisfy the inquisitive and the socialite alike, transforming this event from mere retail paradise into a full-bodied homage to the wide world of sports. With a turnout previous ringing in at a staggering 70,000 fans, expectations for an overflowing crowd should come as no surprise.
For those eager to partake, tickets and further details are readily available. A promising fan immersion into the vibrant pulse of sports culture, Fanatics Fest 2025 is poised to once again transform the Javits Center into a colossal coliseum of jubilation. Visit FanaticsFest.com for the intrigue, the schedule, and of course, the much-anticipated tickets.
