Here’s a brief snapshot of what hosting the National Sports Collectors Association event will mean for Chicago, according to organizers:
- Approximately 45,000 are expected to attend the five-day event, with most staying multiple nights
- Over 750 collectible exhibitor booths and 100 corporate booths will be set up, which translates into approximately 3,000 exhibitor personnel in the city for 6 – 7 nights
- Exhibitors and fans are collectively expected to reserve over 4,500 room nights per night, which should also mean an additional 20,000-plus restaurant customers
- 90+ plus current and former athletes from every sport will generate local and national media attention.
Scheduled to sign autographs at the National are: Gale Sayers, Mike Tyson, Joe Montana, Antti Niemi, Starlin Castro, Carlton Fisk, Bart Starr, Frank Robinson, Cal Ripken, Bo Jackson and many more, including 2011 Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee and former Chicago Bulls great, Artis Gilmore. Approximately 90 well-known athletes will be signing autographs at the TriStar Autograph Pavilion.
“We are extremely excited that the 32nd Annual National Sports Collectors Convention is returning to Chicago,” said John Broggi, NSCC Executive Director / Promoter. “Chicago has an exceptionally strong sports tradition with very avid and knowledgeable collectors and a diversified sports fan base. Over 750 exhibitors from around the country and 90 high-profile athletes will be signing throughout the event.”
