Chicago SportsFest

fur72

Anyone ever go to this show? Is it worth a couple hour dirve?

Chicago SportsFest June 6 - 8

41GoudeyGuy

I went last year. It was a pretty decent show and I may go again this year. I'm a bit concerned about the show being held in Chicago only a few weeks before the National. My concern is that a lot of dealers won't make the same trip twice and will skip this show this time around.

Sheamaster

I plan on going...went last year and picked up a few things. It's a nice show and it looks like they have a pretty solid list of dealers. Also, PSA will be there so I presume they will be accepting submissions.

And besides, the free parking will offset a portion of your gas expenses

BunchOBull

Awesome, I'm flying into Chi-town Friday morning for a wedding. I think I know what I'll be doing all day.

fur72

Never though about the drop off service, that would pay for itself.

thenavarro

<< <i>Awesome, I'm flying into Chi-town Friday morning for a wedding. I think I know what I'll be doing all day. >>



Go get you some Gino's East pizza as well, great stuff!!

Mike

Stingray

Just wait for the National show!!

leathtech

How can Paul Konerko charge that much to sign... He should sign for free since he is steeling money from the Sox this year!

PAUL KONERKO (11-12:30pm)
Any Item - $79
Inscriptions - $35

recbball

TextHow can Paul Konerko charge that much to sign... He should sign for free since he is steeling money from the Sox this year!PAUL KONERKO (11-12:30pm)Any Item - $79TextInscriptions - $35


I'm going, just don't know what day yet.
Probabley drop off a submission.

fur72

<< <i>Just wait for the National show!! >>



Because 2 is better than 1...

JeremyDie1

I live only 15 minutes from the show so I will be going. Mostly only because I have alot of submissions for PSA and BGS. I will go on the last day and see if I can pick up some deals. Its a great show with usually a big showing of people.

alnavman

<< <i>I went last year. It was a pretty decent show and I may go again this year. I'm a bit concerned about the show being held in Chicago only a few weeks before the National. My concern is that a lot of dealers won't make the same trip twice and will skip this show this time around. >>



When is the National this year??? I thought it was end of July, early August, is it really only a few weeks after the early june show??

gumbyfan

<< <i>When is the National this year??? I thought it was end of July, early August, is it really only a few weeks after the early june show?? >>



July 30 - August 3

alnavman

thanks Gumby, is it at the rosemont center by chance??

gumbyfan

Yep...should be a fun 5 days!

alnavman

Gumbyfan: thanks, I went to one of the previous Nationals held at the Rosemont and had a great time. I think the family and I are going to make the trip again this year. Do you know if the Embassy Suites is still right there and the Holiday Inn, which if I remember correctly was right down the street

gumbyfan

<< <i>Gumbyfan: thanks, I went to one of the previous Nationals held at the Rosemont and had a great time. I think the family and I are going to make the trip again this year. Do you know if the Embassy Suites is still right there and the Holiday Inn, which if I remember correctly was right down the street >>



I'm not sure about hotel accommodations. I live less than an hour away, so I will just be making the drive each day.

nam812

Is the Rosemont the same as the Donald E. Stephens? I went to the National in I think 2004 at the Donald Stephens, and about a 15 minute walk from there was really good Mexican food from a place called Maria's. I will not be attending this year.

JeremyDie1

<< <i>Gumbyfan: thanks, I went to one of the previous Nationals held at the Rosemont and had a great time. I think the family and I are going to make the trip again this year. Do you know if the Embassy Suites is still right there and the Holiday Inn, which if I remember correctly was right down the street >>



Here is a list of the closest hotels near the Donald E Stephens convention center for the Nationals.

hotels

gumbyfan

<< <i>Is the Rosemont the same as the Donald E. Stephens? I went to the National in I think 2004 at the Donald Stephens, and about a 15 minute walk from there was really good Mexican food from a place called Maria's. I will not be attending this year. >>



Yep...that's the same place. Also, I concur on Maria's. Excellent Mexican food!

JeremyDie1

Not sure if my link works. I know The Double Tree is connected by overhead walkway and is across the street from the convention center. There is a few others within walking distance also. Embassy being one of them.

Sheamaster

Here's the National website with a link to hotels...

nsccshow.com


Also, there is a Gino's East Pizza close to the show, but it's in/near an office complex so it's kind of hidden..if you're looking for classic deep dish Chicago pizza, it's one of the best and most famous... here's their link..it's only about 5 min. from the show..

ginosonhiggins.com

SportsCardCollector

Sports Fest offers great pizza nearby, no matter which one you're looking for.

There's a Gino's East that's only a 10 minute drive from the convention center where they're holding Sports Fest.

Here's the link:

Gino's East near Sports Fest

For those who prefer Uno's pizza, it's only a five minute drive (or if you don't have a car, you can take the free trolley) from Sports Fest.

Here's the link:

Link to find the Uno's Woodfield location near Sports Fest

If you go, enjoy!!

JeremyDie1

Dont forget about Giordano's pizza. Corner of Higgins and River Rd. Walking distance from the National show. Pretty good deep dish.

recbball

Dont forget about Giordano's pizza. Corner of Higgins and River Rd. Walking distance from the National show. Pretty good deep dish

I like Giordano's better.

fur72

<< <i>Dont forget about Giordano's pizza. Corner of Higgins and River Rd. Walking distance from the National show. Pretty good deep dish

I like Giordano's better. >>



I was in the Downers Grove area for work about a month ago and ordered a Giordanos Large. Big mistake, after 2 pieces I was stuffed. Worked out well for the company though I never had to eat out for lunch all week!

When in Rosemont for the National dont forget Harry Carrys for great Italian and way too many beers to choose from.

TheDudeAbides

Just to be clear. The show this weekend is NOT in Rosemont. It's in Schaumburg, near Woodfield Mall. Low turnout last year compared to the Rosemont shows, along with it being so close to the National will more than likely keep some dealers away. I'm going. Missing the National to see my first, and only, Yankees game at Yankee Stadium. Bad timing, but had to visit the house that Ruth built before she goes down.

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center
1551 Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173

jradke4

<< <i>How can Paul Konerko charge that much to sign... He should sign for free since he is steeling money from the Sox this year!

PAUL KONERKO (11-12:30pm)
Any Item - $79
Inscriptions - $35 >>



well he is a world series Champ from a chicago baseball team. that doesnt happen very often!!

basketballcollector

I can't wait. Who else is going to the National ??????

alnavman

my current plans are to attend the National at least one day. my son also wants to go to a Cubs game (probably won't happen, I have heard it is super expensive) or a White Sox game (which if they are in town we will probably do on Sunday). This will be the 3rd National we've attended in Chicago. It's not too bad of a ride from the Cleveland area where we reside.

Sheamaster

Alnavman -

The week of the National, the Cubs are home Fri-Sun against the Pirates. Cubs tickets can be pricey but not crazy expensive, start looking around. Worst case scenario, head to the stadium, soak up the atmosphere and try scalping...

The Sox are out of town...

mj23kg21

How was this show? Did anyone attend?

envoy98

I'm a Lou Malnati's fan. There is a place right on the corner next to the waterfall. (Mannheim and River rd Maybe?) Pizza place... very good as well. I'm staying at the Wyndham. $189 rack rate and got my 2 nights on Wed & Thurs for $59 off Priceline. More money for cards now!

fur72

I never made it, terrible weather in the midwest. I guess I will save my money for the national. I would also like to hear how this show was?

Sheamaster

<< <i>How was this show? Did anyone attend? >>



I went on Saturday. The White Sox players (Swisher, Dye, Pierzynski, Jenks, Konerko) signed in the morning which naturally brought out the Sox fans. This was the least crowded show I think I've ever been to; however, it may have just seemed that way because the show is more spacious than Rosemont. It was great for those who like to wander around and pilfer throw cards as there were no crowds to fight. I asked a few dealers how the show was for them and they surprisingly said not bad. There were several empty tables throughout the show so I don't know if dealers didn't show up or if they just set up all tables. Overall, I think a lot of people are waiting for the national. The PSA table was extremely quiet. Here are some of my raw rickups...

cameocards

I skipped setting up at this show. I believe that the move killed it last year. It was one of the worst shows that I have ever had. Too bad the facility was great [move in was crazy, but that could be fixed] Too close to the National in regards to timing.
I'm at the Extended Stay Deluxe [no more than 10 minutes] for $35/night through Priceline.

Maria's is terrific!! I eat there at least 1x every trip.

If you want good pizza, come to Buffalo. This is pizza heaven. Ironically, the best pizza and the best wings are only a mile or so apart.
I waited my whole life to have "Chicago" pizza. Tremendous disappointment!!! I've had Giordano's as well as several others. I won't waste the time, money or calories!
Greg


Cameo Store

BamBam

GIORDANO's is a CHAIN, terrible pizza. Nobody but tourist and people that LOVE Domino's (and Domino's is better that Giordano's in My opinion) eat there. Lou Malnati's thin is easily one of the best pizza's ANYWHERE. Uno's and Duo's DOWNTOWN Chicago are also TOP Notch (DO NOT go to the Uno's anywhere else, crap).

originalisbest

To each their own -- I think Malnati's crust is possibly the worst, most watery pizza crust ever foisted upon a gullible midwest public. Wouldn't cross the street for a free slice of it.

For the show, I'll be hitting the national -- Rosemont is FAR easier to get to via public transportation -- blue line to rosemont and you are there -- 2 bucks. Can't beat that.

cjb1977

<< <i>

<< <i>How was this show? Did anyone attend? >>



I went on Saturday. The White Sox players (Swisher, Dye, Pierzynski, Jenks, Konerko) signed in the morning which naturally brought out the Sox fans. This was the least crowded show I think I've ever been to; however, it may have just seemed that way because the show is more spacious than Rosemont. It was great for those who like to wander around and pilfer throw cards as there were no crowds to fight. I asked a few dealers how the show was for them and they surprisingly said not bad. There were several empty tables throughout the show so I don't know if dealers didn't show up or if they just set up all tables. Overall, I think a lot of people are waiting for the national. The PSA table was extremely quiet. Here are some of my raw rickups.../q]
I went Sunday Morning from 10am to about 1pm. Sunday was about the same as how you described Saturday, minding the time I was there. Overall the crowd picked up noticeably after 12. Like you said the lay-out of the area may mislead how crowded it was or wasnt. At Rosemont, tables seem literally on top of each other, here it seems that the vendors were given more than ample set-up and browsing space. Instead of the Sox, I think the feature autographs were guys from the Big Red Machine era. Regardless, I was gone before they were up.

Tvac897

I'll be there!