Story By: Andrew Lang
Photos By: Sol Tucker
New York, NY–
When this massive fan fest was unveiled by Fanatics, many collectors and sports fans said they had yet to see anything like this experience anywhere before and after checking out Day 1 of 3 at the Javits Center, one can see why Fanatics President Micheal Rubin put together something special.
Early in the morning we saw fans lined up to be the first inside for a shot at exclusive products from Topps, Lids and other Fanatics exhibitors, but it was more about the guests they had lined up on Day 1 that filled the theatre room and show floor.
One of the biggest hits of the day was to hear the conversation between Derek Jeter and David Big Papi Ortiz. Once fierce competitors and now analysts and friends outside of baseball, they talked about their rivalries and what makes the Yankees and the Red Sox some of the most storied teams in baseball.
One of the biggest stories of the day was Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams, who spent hours meeting with excited fans as he explored the show floor and also scored huge by grabbing a Luka Doncic card valued at over 100k from his $12,500 box purchase.
“It’s incredible! I try my best to show love because they show love to me. I’m thrilled to be here, and Fanatics Fest is a blast,” Williams said. “You got everything. You have a list of athletes, you got collectables, apparel…it’s a great event.”
Other panels on Friday include a tribute to the New York Knicks featuring superfans Ben Stiller and Spike Lee with Knicks players Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, and Eli Manning celebrating a 100 years of New York Giants football.
Later in the day fans got a chance to see more of Tom Brady hitting the stage with Lil Wayne and more of Hart and Brunson in their Roommates podcast where it was all things sports and music, Knicks, Celtics, Patriots you name it they hit in what might have been the busiest session all day long.
Look forward to more coverage on Saturday and Sunday with some big names appearing on Saturday to include Peyton Manning and Travis Scott
