A lot has changed since August of 1980, and the first National Sports Collectors Convention at the Airport Marriott Grand Ballroom in Los Angeles. Collectors are having their cards graded in mass quantity, there was no eBay, you can't read an article about the hobby without seeing the word “breaks” and the National itself has grown into a massive almost week-long event about … [Read more...]
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3-D Art Meets Sports at the National
If I hear the term “3-D” before anything, I get skeptical. 3-D movies can he hard to watch and 3-D TV never really took hold the way that many thought it would. After meeting “accidental artist” Steven Walden at the 2018 National, I'm “all in” in his 3-D art. Born and raised in Arkansas, but now living in St. Louis, Walden had one of the most colorful booths at this year's … [Read more...]
Grab a Seat at the National
There are two certainties at The National. Well, maybe there are more than two, but the two I'm thinking about now, as I have my feet propped up and relaxing in my hotel room are: you will do a lot of walking and you will be standing most of your time on the convention floor. That is, unless you meet Sean Walsh, the owner of Original Stadium Seats (booth 2270), based right … [Read more...]
Navigating the National’s Autograph Lines
Walk into The National and take a hard right; you will see multiple lines stretching to the back of the ix Center. No need to worry, these aren't the lines for the restrooms or to buy a $3 bottle of water. These are the patient collectors lining up every hour for the more that 140 autograph signers passing through the Tri-Star Autograph Pavilion this week. What looks … [Read more...]
Topps VIP Party Packs ‘Em In
If the enthusiasm and smiles generated by the crowd at the Topps VIP Party on Wednesday afternoon is any indication of what to expect for the remaining four days of The National, it will be a good idea to buckle up and pack a little patience as the week progresses. Once again, 2018 was a sellout when it came to VIP passes, and one of the perks is getting an invite to this … [Read more...]
Serena Williams Signs Autograph Deal with Upper Deck
Upper Deck already has some of the biggest names in sports under exclusive autograph deals. Now, they've added the greatest women's tennis player of all-time. On Thursday, the company announced what it called "a multi-year" arrangement with Serena Williams. Upper Deck will produce authenticated memorabilia and release limited-edition prints with Williams' … [Read more...]
Autographs at Pebble Beach are Par for the Course
On the one year anniversary of Jordan Spieth calling out "adult autograph seekers" at this week's PGA Tour stop, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the stars are aligning on the Monterey Peninsula this week to play golf, share some fellowship and interact with golf fans on what many consider, some of the most beautiful golf courses in the United States. The 2017 edition of … [Read more...]
Vegas Consumer Electronics Show Offers Autograph Opportunities
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) wrapped up it's annual run in Las Vegas over the weekend. The "industry only" tradeshow welcomed 185,000 attendees to The Strip to get a preview of the latest in consumer devices, self-driving cars, 100-inch televisions and the new apps we will soon be downloading to our smart devices. Along with the exhibitors, industry analysts, … [Read more...]
Cards Still Scarce but Jordan Spieth Bobbleheads Arrive in Atlanta
It's no secret Jordan Spieth collectibles have become a hot commodity since the former top junior and University of Texas standout broke on to the PGA Tour in 2013 and won Rookie of the Year honors. SC Daily has detailed the popularity of Spieth memorabilia and the lack of a "rookie card" for the current leader in the FedEx Cup points and three-time major … [Read more...]
