The 42nd National Sports Collectors Convention is returning to Atlantic City, July 27-31, for the first time since 2016. The convention will transform the 400,000-square-foot Atlantic City Convention Center into a collector’s paradise that features over 650 high-profile exhibitor booths from around the country.
“We are extremely excited that the 42nd annual National Sports Collectors Convention is returning to Atlantic City,” said Dan Berkus, NSCC marketing director. “Atlantic City has an exceptionally strong sports tradition with very avid and knowledgeable collectors and a diversified sports fan base.”
Ray Schulte, NSCC director of communications, added that attendance expectations are high for the 42nd National Convention which will be held July 27-31.
“Many factors contribute to the current strength and growth of the collectibles industry, most notably the fact that the entire family has become involved with collecting,” Schulte said. “The NSCC is the ideal event where families, that cross multiple generations, can express and share their passions and sports/pop culture experiences.”
Schulte noted that the composition of the audience for collectible events has evolved over recent years. Previously, events, such as the National Sports Collectors Convention would typically draw a crowd of male sports enthusiasts. Today, women make up the fastest growing segment of the attendees at collectible-oriented gatherings.
At the NSCC, sports fans will be able to buy and sell memorabilia, have their collectibles appraised and meet some of their favorite sports stars. Schulte commented that there is something special about bringing a ball, bat or jersey to the NSCC and having it signed in person. Those who do not have collectibles to autograph can purchase a variety of items at the show.
Convention attendees will have the opportunity to meet many high-profile athletes at the TRISTAR autograph pavilion. Among the notable athletes signing at the convention will be Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Chipper Jones, David Ortiz, Mariano Rivera, Floyd Mayweather, Alex English, Mike Piazza, Tony Olivia, Frank Gore, Brian Leetch, Bernie Parent, Michael Vick, Jim Thome, Adrian Peterson, Barry Sanders, Reggie Jackson, Bill Walton, Darryl Strawberry, to name just a few. Tickets to the signing pavilion can be purchased at www.tristarshows.com.
“With 130-plus autograph guests scheduled for the 42nd National in Chicago this is our best TRISTAR Autograph Pavilion lineup ever,” said Jeffrey Rosenberg, TRISTAR Productions founder and CEO.
This year the NSCC will partner with Signatures For Soldiers (SFS), a nonprofit organization, that raises money and creates awareness for Military Missions In Action (MMIA). Athletes and entertainers sign trading cards, memorabilia, photos and other items with 100% of the money raised dedicated to assisting military veterans with disabilities, members of the Armed Forces, and their families.
“Military Missions In Action is thrilled to team up as an auction partner, with the National Sports Collectors Convention, powered by PristineAuction.com, to support military veterans with disabilities,” said Tim Virgilio, member of MMIA Board of Directors / Founder Signatures For Soldiers. “To broaden their support, the National has generously invited military families to attend the sports/entertainment show as their guests and will be conducting an auction on-site at the Atlantic City Convention Center, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting our mission.”
The NSCC will kick off with a sneak peek on July 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. and continue Thursday through Saturday, July 28-30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The show will open on July 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The convention will be open to the public. General admission and VIP Admission tickets are available on sale online at www.nsccshow.com and will be available for purchase on-site throughout the show. Children age 12 and under admitted free.
While tickets will be available at the Atlantic City Convention Center, Schulte suggests that attendees purchase tickets online to avoid waiting in line.
