The 37th edition of The National Sports Collectors Convention is the place to be this week.
A sea of dealers, service providers and collectors will flood the 500,000 square feet of floor space in the Convention Center beginning Wednesday and will have a little something for everyone.
There will be no shortage of old and new cards from the various sports. Autograph seekers will also be in their element as more than 100 sports stars and legends will be signing throughout the week.
But while it may take some serious time (and a comfortable pair of shoes) to make your way around everything there is to see at The National, you may also want to take advantage of some of the other things Atlantic City has to offer.
Beach and Boardwalk
The National hasn’t been held in Atlant
ic City since 2003 and if you haven’t visited before, making your way up to one of the world’s most historic Boardwalk’s should be near the top of your to-do list.
Whether you simply take in the sights while walking the boards or set up shop on beach for a few hours and catch some waves, you won’t be disappointed.
The Steel Pier amusement park will even be at The National offering up discounted ride tickets to collectors attending the show.
Good eats
Atlantic City has quietly become one of the top destinations in the northeast for foodies.
The city offers an eclectic variety of fare from quick bites to five-star dining.
Wingcraft Kitchen & Beer Bar and Tun Tavern are each within walking distance of the Convention Center and each offers an impressive craft beer list to go along with some great food choices.
For anyone wanting a real slice of Atlantic City history, make sure to grab a sub from White House Sub Shop or to grab a bite from Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern. Countless sports stars and celebrities have dined in these two Atlantic City stalwarts.
The city’s casinos have also become a good bet for eateries with a number of celebrity chefs even coming to set up shop in town.
You can visit Gordon Ramsey’s Pub & Grille at Caesars Atlantic City or Guy Fieri’s Chophouse at Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino. If staying or visiting the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, feel free to make reservations at the Bobby Flay Steakhouse or Wolfgang Puck’s American Grille.
Stuff to do
Tourist attractions in New Jersey range from Absecon, the tallest lighthouse, to the Steel Pier to the Atlantic City Aquarium. There are deep sea fishing excursions, an aquarium, a large outlet mall for shoppers and, of course, plenty of opportunities for gambling.
If you want an overview, there’s a “21-Point Atlantic City Tour” for $43.95 that will hit all of the highlights. Tours run at 2 PM and 4 PM.
Not the only show in town
While The National may be the largest show in town when it comes to sheer size, there are plenty of other options for off-nights or after hours.
Here’s just a sampling of some of the entertainment in town this week with times and locations:
Friday
Josh Groban – 8 p.m. at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Creedence Clearwater Revisited – 9 p.m. at Tropicana Casino and Resort
Saturday
Atlantic City Cider Social – 6-11 p.m. on the Atlantic City Beach and Virginia Avenue
Caged Fury Fighting Championships 60 – 6 p.m. at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Ke$ha – 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
Saturday Night Fireworks – 10 p.m. at Tropicana Casino and Resort
Sunday
Kool & the Gang with Chaka Khan – 8 p.m. at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
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