The Big Apple is gearing up for an influx of sports enthusiasts, as Fanatics Fest 2025 prepares to convert the Javits Center into a haven for fans. From June 20 through June 22, this massive celebration will unite admirers of all things athletic, from football rivals to baseball legends.
This year, muse and mania fuse seamlessly, promising not only bigger but also bolder assemblies of famed athletes and exceptional collectible finds. Fanatics Fest, only in its second year, is amping up from its debut, flashing its prowess with a star-powered line-up so magnetic it’s bound to leave attendees awestruck.
Let’s swing into the center stage: baseball. New York’s own baseball royalty will grace the event with their presence, signings, and selfies. Shake hands with the legendary Derek Jeter or smile for a shot with Mike Piazza. Feel the historic vibe with Dwight Gooden and Reggie Jackson, whose ties to the city are as unshakeable as their records. Don’t forget to tip your cap to the newly inducted Hall of Famers, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, who’ve recently had their achievements immortalized in Cooperstown.
The roll call doesn’t end there. Icons such as Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt will add their charm to the gathering, providing fans the opportunity to witness past and present stars mesh into a living tapestry of baseball greatness. Keep an eye out for contemporary heavy hitters like Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr., representing the current Yankees contingent.
But wait, there’s more! The universe of Fanatics Fest expands beyond the diamond, bringing diverse talents from across the sports cosmos and entertainment galaxies. Enter LeBron James with a slam dunk of charisma, alongside football greats like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning who bring gridiron glory into sharp focus. Multitalented creatives such as Kevin Durant, John Cena, and Henrik Lundqvist contribute to a multifaceted roster rounded out by stars like Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Costner, ensuring there’s a flavor for every fan palate.
The word on the collectibles street is equally tantalizing. Fanatics, in partnership with their esteemed Topps brand, will unveil three card collections exclusive to the cavalcade:
Friday sees the unveiling of “Cactus Jack” boxes, a premier product priced at $500 apiece. These offer the tantalizing thrill of two packs housing four cards each—an indulgence for the keen collector.
Saturday and Sunday usher in the exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes, replete with NYC-themed parallels. These hobby boxes, priced at $300, present a formidable collectible challenge but fret not, options also include $50 value boxes for budding enthusiasts.
The treasure trove doesn’t end there. Brace yourself for “merch village”, a veritable Aladdin’s cave of vendor booths overflowing with cards and collectibles ready for the taking—each booth a stop on a journey of discovery within the greater hobby world.
Lovers of history will rejoice at the return of the “Museum of Greatness,” where over $200 million worth of iconic memorabilia is showcased. Marvel at the mythical prowess of Babe Ruth, Michael Mantle, and marvel at monikers-in-the-making such as Shohei Ohtani. The star of this historic compendium is undoubtedly the Paul Skenes patch—one of a mere 347, worth a cool million—that stands testament to the allure of sports mementos.
If watching isn’t enough, then brace for the debut of Fanatics Games—interactive contests daring fans to take on professional athletes in challenges like Pitching Accuracy. With cash prizes awaiting victors, fans don’t just watch heroes—they can become them.
Panels, live podcasts, and experiential engagements form the backbone of the fest, ensuring there isn’t just fanfare around shopping. It’s a symposium dedicated to the culture of sport—a gala fostering the spirit and community of those who live by the game.
Given last year’s incredible turnout of 70,000 fans, expectations soar that this edition is primed to draw even more fervent crowds.
So prepare your heart and your calendar. For those in pursuit of the full playbook, ticketing details and all things Fanatics Fest can be found at FanaticsFest.com. Join the celebration where sports dreams meet reality, in the city that never sleeps.
