When New York City rolls out the red carpet from June 20 to 22, 2025, the Javits Center won’t just be the city’s architectural marvel—it will transform into the mecca for sports enthusiasts from around the globe. Fanatics Fest is making its grand return, promising an amplified spectacle of athlete appearances, collectible treasures, and heart-pounding fan experiences.
In its sophomore year, the fest has meticulously brewed a concoction of elements that are sure to enthrall attendees, from die-hard collectors to casual sports fans. While the event will cover an eclectic mix of sports genres—from the gritty spectacle of wrestling to the high-octane world of American football—baseball, the iconic soul of New York, will undeniably claim a significant share of the spotlight.
The lineup reads like a Hall of Fame induction list. Iconic players synonymous with the crooning calls of baseball commentators will grace the stage, ready for autograph signings and photo opportunities. Expect to see legends who have carved indelible imprints on America’s pastime, such as Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, and Reggie Jackson, alongside newly christened Hall of Famers CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, all paying homage to their New York ties.
Not to be overshadowed, the festival will also host baseball disciples like Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt, alongside contemporary stars like New York Yankees athletes Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr. These figures symbolize the timeless continuum of the sport, bridging the gap between gilded eras and modern dynamism.
However, Fanatics Fest 2025 is far from a one-sport show. The event boasts a magnetizing array of guest appearances from across the athletic and entertainment worlds. Basketball virtuoso LeBron James will make his presence felt, flanked by gridiron legends Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, as well as on-court maestros Kevin Durant and WWE stalwart John Cena. Add icons such as Hall of Famer goalie Henrik Lundqvist and celebrity entrepreneurs like Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Costner to the mix, and you have an event with an irresistible constellation of stars.
For the fans whose pulse quickens at the thought of discovering treasures in the tangible smorgasbord of sports, Fanatics Fest guarantees a feast. Topps, the revered brand in trading cards, will unveil three exclusive card releases only available at the festival, ensuring that collectors are driven into a frenzy. Friday will kick off with the release of “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes priced at $500 each—a tantalizing prospect that offers two packs of four cards per box, likely to be fought over by collectors like sprinters for the finish line.
As the weekend progresses, attendees can indulge in Fanatics Fest-exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes, adorned with New York City-themed parallels—an homage to the city that never sleeps. Hobby boxes are available for $300, while value boxes, a gateway for newcomers to the hobby, retail for a mere $50.
The renowned ‘merch village’ returns, providing attendees the opportunity to meander through a marketplace brimming with booths selling cards, jerseys, and collectibles from every corner of the sporting universe.
Perhaps the crown jewel of the event is the return of the “Museum of Greatness.” This celebrated exhibit will dazzle with over $200 million worth of iconic sports memorabilia. Imagine standing in reverence before artifacts that echo the exploits of greats like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Shohei Ohtani. Additionally, a select collection of over 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards—including the million-dollar prodigy, the Paul Skenes patch—will be on display. Given the rarity, having such a congregation is not just a showcase of affluence but an epoch in card collecting lore.
New additions like Fanatics Games add a thrilling twist, where fans can test their mettle against pro athletes in various challenges, such as honing their pitching precision for cash prizes. Coupled with panels, live podcasts, and other immersive experiences, the festival metamorphoses into more than a commercial haven—it becomes an expression, a cultural carnival of sports.
After last year’s staggering attendance of 70,000 fans, the anticipation is electric with Fanatics readying for a larger legion of sports buffs in 2025. A festival rooted in the legacy of athletic achievements, swiftly expanding into an unparalleled experience.
For those unable to resist the siren call of Fanatics Fest, further pursuit of ticket information, a comprehensive schedule, and tantalizing details can be found at FanaticsFest.com.
The stage is set, the players are in place, and the palpable beat of excitement amplifies the countdown to a seminal event in the echelons of sports fandom.
