How does Sportsfest compare to the National?

ctsoxfan

Because of my schedule, I will probably not be able to devote enough time to go to the National this year. However, as luck would have it, I may be able to plan some business around the same time and area as the Sportsfest this year. I have never been, but have read many good things. Since it would require a side trip, and some extra expense, I would like to hear if it is a show worth going out of your way to attend. Vintage? Graded? Wax? What can I expect there? Thanks in advance!

34GoudeyCollector

You beat me to it (I was going to post the same question). I am only able to go to SportsFest also, which will be my first BIG show. Would definitely like to hear from the seasoned veterans on the availability of vintage stuff at the show. I will be there Friday and Saturday.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

SUPERPUNK813

I attended the Chicago Sportsfest shows in 2001 and 2002 and it's a great show. The Sportsfest show isn't quite as big as the National but there will be a ton big time dealers there looking to buy and sell. Theres was also a ton of vintage at the shows i attended in both raw and graded form. If you looking to buy high end vintage cards then in my eyes Sportsfest is just as good as the National.....if you looking for "good deals" then stick to Ebay.


Paul.

34GoudeyCollector

Thanks SUPERPUNK813 for the input. It looked like to me with the big list of dealers that will be there that vintage would be quite plentiful but I just wanted to confirm it with someone who has "been there, done that".

Thanks again!
Ken

mcastaldi

I've typically had great success in finding stuff at SportsFest. Not as big as National, most of the big dealers are there. Since I live in the Chicago area, I tend to go every year. However, if I go this year it will likely be only on Friday. Unfortunately, Sportsfest this year is the weekend after my yearly trek to Indianapolis for the US Grand Prix. I get one weekend a year immersed in Formula One so I don't know how much cash I'll have left over for the show

Mike

interchanges

SUPERPUNK is correct. If you're searching for decent deals and selection, stick with ebay.
When you see dealer's prices, you will be a window shopper like most of us (vintage collectors).

I would agree and say the shows are essentially equal. The National has that impressive sounding name, and a little more hoopla, but most of the dealers do both shows.

I go for the outstanding food and hot women

ctsoxfan

Thanks for the input. It is true that most big dealers bring graded cards to shows mostly for people to look at them, not to actually sell them (see 707 sportscards etc.). At least that is what their prices indicate. What I do like is buying raw cards, which I will only do if I can see them in person (not Ebay), which would be my primary motivation for going to a big show. Appreciate the opinions thus far!

mcastaldi

Superpunk & Interchanges> "If you're searching for decent deals and selection, stick with ebay."

I certainly don't think this is a one-size-fits-all assessment. If you're looking for already-graded cards, then I definitely agree with you. Walking by most dealer tables gives me sticker shock when I look at already-slabbed stuff.

However, if you're looking for raw stuff I think you can do VERY well at a major show. I'm building sets from 1969-1984 - all of them graded. 1969-71 in PSA7. . .1972-1977 in PSA8. . .and 1978-1984 in PSA9. The way I'm building the sets is to submit as much as I can myself over time and bottom-feed the rest. I have a good idea how long this will take and I'm in no hurry. So right now, I'm primarily looking for high-quality raw stuff that meets (or exceeds) the goals for each set. I've found that major shows are the best place to find nice raw stuff and carries infinitely less risk than buying raw on eBay.

Let's take 73T as an example. While I'm in no hurry for the sets I'm doing, certain ones have a bit more priority. 73 is one of those sets for me. I have one dealer where I spend a few hours each show and always seem to leave with a large stack (100+) of PSA8/PSA9-quality cards for around $1 each. I'm confident there's no way I could do as well finding quality raw examples on eBay - and certainly not for $1 per. There's another dealer who has stuff that's a hair nicer, but wants about $3/card.

Dealers have indeed gotten more savvy about pricing their raw stuff based on condition. But if you're willing to beat the bushes and put in the work looking through raw stuff, there's little reason to overpay for anything.

Mike

itsawonderfullife

Great show! I haven't missed it in years. I personally like to better than the National! Less people than the Nat, but nearly the same dealer turnout. Now, if I can get there 4 hours early and get that $20 floor pass, I'll be in hog heaven....