Fanatics Authentic, which has taken over operation of the Sun-Times Sports Collectibles Conventions in Chicago, has plans to conduct a series of shows across the country this year.
The new memorabilia division of Fanatics Inc., says it will hold three shows in Chicago between now and the end of November along with one in Boston, another in Philadelphia and a sixth in Baltimore.
Calling their events the Fanatics Authentic Sports Spectacular, the shows will bring in dozens of athletes for autographs. Fanatics will return to Chicago for weekend shows June 27-29 and November 21-23. They’ll hold a show in Boston May 16-18, but dates for the Philadelphia and Baltimore events haven’t been determined.
Their first event takes place this Friday through Sunday, March 21-23 at the Stephens Convention Center, which was also the home for the Sun-Times shows. More than 80 different current and former players and coaches are slated to appear.
49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Pacers’ star Paul George, and new Hall of Famer Frank Thomas headline the show which will also feature a 1985 Chicago Bears reunion with appearances from more than two dozen members of the Super Bowl XX champions including Mike Ditka, Jim McMahon and Richard Dent.
Other signers include Adrian Peterson, Barry Sanders, Ernie Banks, Mike Schmidt, Brooks Robinson, Andre Dawson, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, Dick Butkus, Bob Gibson, Jose Canseco and Cam Newton.
All athletes are scheduled to be available for photo-ops and autographs. Pricing for signed memorabilia varies based on the athlete, product, and inscription.
General admission is $10 each day for adults and $5 for children, ages seven and under. There’s an inclusive VIP package for $149, which includes an express line bracelet that reduces wait time, early admission, autographed memorabilia giveaways, promotional savings, and free autograph tickets. Admission tickets are available for purchase online or at the show, as are vouchers for autographs, inscriptions, and photo-ops with each athlete at various prices.
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