Chicago Sun Times Show - November 21-23

JimMeant

So, a few days ago I started a thread asking about potential card shows in the Midwest/East coast in the month of October. After shifting a few things around in my schedule, I'm now available to do some traveling in November. I have heard of the Chicago Sun Times show in late November over the years from different dealers and collectors alike. I'm strongly considering traveling to Chicago for this show.

Can some of you guys that have attended tell me what it's like in terms of size and material? I'm especially hope that it's a show with a strong amount of vintage. Thanks for any info!

RookieHOFers

Its a nice size show, I would recommend you going. I dont know exactly what you collect within vintage, but I will tell you that Jeff Foy (Card Country) and Craig Scott (Crowne Vintage Cards) do this show and they both have an impressive amount of vintage rookies and vintage graded Hall of Famers. Jeff Foy has everything covered from top to bottom in all grades, where as Craig has a smaller overall offering, but typically tailors to Mantle, Cobb, Ruth, etc. Both guys are worth the day if you want my opinion. Enjoy the trip if you decide to go.

swish54

I go every year, have since about 2007 or so. I'd call it a pretty big show. The amount of booths can keep you there all day and then some. Plus if you are into getting autographs from their guests, you can do that as well. I'd recommend it.

Tomi

I'm a half hour away and never miss a show. Great for vintage. You need to go at least once since you can. You won't be disappointed and there are a good amount of high end dealers there.

AC000000

The Sun-Times shows are almost like a mini-National. A three day show. Lots of the same type dealers and same stuff as a National, not as magnificent in terms of almost a museum like pieces, but lots of graded and non graded vintage. Full superstar autograph line up. PSA on site, but usually only on site autograph grading, not card grading.

ssollars

I also would highly recommend the Sun Times shows. It's 4+ hours from me and I've been there many times.

Scott

belz

I'll be there...great show and like others said, it's a mini-national, no BBCE though.

MantleFan23

The sun times is a good show. I think it wasn't what it used to be say a few years ago, but there are still a lot of quality dealers there and is worth the trip for me which is about a 3 hour drive. I will be attending this November. I'd say if you haven't been to one, it would be worth the trip for you.

Jeremy

originalisbest

<< <i>The sun times is a good show. I think it wasn't what it used to be say a few years ago, but there are still a lot of quality dealers there and is worth the trip for me which is about a 3 hour drive. I will be attending this November. I'd say if you haven't been to one, it would be worth the trip for you.

Jeremy >>



I can't say as to whether it's far better or worse than it was years ago; but I've gone for years (lucky to be local to the area) and I can safely say JimMeant won't be disappointed. There is vintage there everywhere, for all tastes and budgets, some that is affordable/lograde, to museum-like pieces on display for coming auctions, and everything in between. You'll find all years of Topps and Bowman, tobacco and candy issues, all sports, some non-sports, Hires root beer, personalized vintage photos, vintage ephemera, magazines galore, lots of good deals on supplies, old vending cards to build great sets with, great dealers as mentioned above, even if BBCE isn't able to do the show.

I think it'll be well worth your time, and enjoy it if you are able to make it!

Edit to add, though I'll probably still call it the Sun-Times show, the ownership/title of the show has changed. Still at the Rosemont/Stephens convention center, though!
New show ownership

At the link below, there is the briefest of a 4-page gallery that helps illustrate the floor size -- it is big, and spread out, with a ton of vendors, and you can easily enjoy one day there, or all three. You'll run out of money before you run out of vintage to look at.
Daily Herald article about a past show

If you are traveling and have arrangements to stay in one of many nearby rosemont hotels, those are all pretty close to walking to the convention center -- the parking is often a complaint due to congestion and cost (though it does get you very close.) But many (me included) prefer, if driving, to park in the CTA blue line parking lot, pay a much more reasonable fee, and walk about 10-15 minutes to the convention center.

Whichever you do, I think you'll have fun!

cardcountry

Thanks Matt- I appreciate your really nice comments. I'm sure Craig does also!
I definitely think the Sun Times Show is worth the trip. There are tons of dealers and tons of great stuff there. The autograph pavilion is always great too.
Hope to see you there!!

Jeff