2015 National time!!...post any advice/experience for CU members.
seebelow
Posts: 1,643 ✭✭✭
Hello gentlemen,
I've never been to Chicago for the National. This may be our guy or family trip for the year.
Im asking for any advice, tips and past experience to maximize my trip.
...where to stay..close hotels to the national and other attractions.
...what else to do...someone posted that the Cubs will be in town that Weds..I would def like to catch a game
...how close to Michigan ave, etc or not worth it
...where to eat...
...when to attend...is weds or thurs the first time for non dealers admittance.
...buy the VIP pass or day to day...what is the VIP pass
...best days for deals and what specific items etc
...how long is too long vs ideal 1 or 4 days.
...what to bring
...how the autograph thing works..or too complicated vs well run
...which dealers there/ ease of getting cards graded on site, exhibits, promotions etc
...best items to get there vs overpriced
...how are dealers mood..open to trade, bring my cards or don't bother.
...any close banks..atm limit may not be enough and don't want to carry around significant four figures.
...do most dealers take cc now?, prob not checks
...parking, rent or cab
...anything for family members to do or leave them at home?
...what do they have..i guess high end vintage..can i work on finishing a hand collated set...mint ungraded commons etc...game used memorabilia..unopened
thats off the top of my head....please post any advice and past experiences...it all would be so helpful
or add any questions I've forgotten.
thanks
...
P.S...who wants to split a room,,,promise you'll just look at the 52 mantle psa 8 I'm buying....kidding of course
...actually, i am looking for a couple things that have eluded me for yrs so i guess I'm going.
I've never been to Chicago for the National. This may be our guy or family trip for the year.
Im asking for any advice, tips and past experience to maximize my trip.
...where to stay..close hotels to the national and other attractions.
...what else to do...someone posted that the Cubs will be in town that Weds..I would def like to catch a game
...how close to Michigan ave, etc or not worth it
...where to eat...
...when to attend...is weds or thurs the first time for non dealers admittance.
...buy the VIP pass or day to day...what is the VIP pass
...best days for deals and what specific items etc
...how long is too long vs ideal 1 or 4 days.
...what to bring
...how the autograph thing works..or too complicated vs well run
...which dealers there/ ease of getting cards graded on site, exhibits, promotions etc
...best items to get there vs overpriced
...how are dealers mood..open to trade, bring my cards or don't bother.
...any close banks..atm limit may not be enough and don't want to carry around significant four figures.
...do most dealers take cc now?, prob not checks
...parking, rent or cab
...anything for family members to do or leave them at home?
...what do they have..i guess high end vintage..can i work on finishing a hand collated set...mint ungraded commons etc...game used memorabilia..unopened
thats off the top of my head....please post any advice and past experiences...it all would be so helpful
or add any questions I've forgotten.
thanks
...
P.S...who wants to split a room,,,promise you'll just look at the 52 mantle psa 8 I'm buying....kidding of course
...actually, i am looking for a couple things that have eluded me for yrs so i guess I'm going.
Interested in higher grade vintage cards. Aren't we all. 
0
Comments
This article has some other National tips in general.
comfortable. shoes.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!!
<< <i>two words.
comfortable. shoes. >>
Has anyone woke up the day of the convention and said to themselves "today I'm going to wear my uncomfortable shoes. I think those shoes improve my overall day."
<< <i>
<< <i>two words.
comfortable. shoes. >>
Has anyone woke up the day of the convention and said to themselves "today I'm going to wear my uncomfortable shoes. I think those shoes improve my overall day." >>
quite the contrary. when i awoke that first morning of my very first National, which i worked as a dealer, my confidence soared as i donned my wool slacks and jacket which matched my shiny loafers perfectly.
it was in the high 90s with 200% humidity outdoors and the air conditioning was barely breathing inside the convention hall.
what a miserably wonderful introduction to such an amazing event!
2) Don't rely on checks or CC. Bring some cash. Timing can sometimes be everything at the National. Plus cash generally lands you a better deal.
3) Get to know some of the guys on CU and dealers as well. It makes the experience that much more enjoyable
4) Never eat corndogs at a National, unless you want a one-way ticket to the o-ring doctor.
<< <i>Two Words "GIBSONS STEAKHOUSE" >>
YASSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
Also have a list of what you are looking for. Prioritize it. As said when you see #1 or #2--get it. You may not see it again
You have to stop and chit chat with the dealers. Most are very nice. Some have neat items with equally cool stories about them. Sometimes I get caught up in the "gotta move on to find what I am looking for" mode
have a camera--iPhone or whatever--and ask if you can take pics--do not assume you can
If you do head downtown, the Aquarium and The Navy Pier are worth a look. Maybe a water taxi ride on the lake and one of the observation decks, such as the old Sears Tower. Not sure what it is called now. A River boat tour downtown allows great views of all the interesting architecture .
Bowman Baseball -1948-1955
Fleer Baseball-1923, 1959-2007
Al
I'm staying in downtown Chicago, should I rent a car or take the train?
Bosox1976
<< <i>Two Words "GIBSONS STEAKHOUSE" >>
That place makes me happier than a tornado in a trailer park
Kingnascar's PSA Sets
Kingnascar's PSADNA Sets
<< <i>Take the blue line to Rosemont - almost out to OHare. >>
Thanks. The walk from the station doesn't look too bad. I may change my mind after having to haul a bunch of stuff back!
We will be staying at the Hilton/Rosemont and I picked up a VIP pass that gives free parking - so I think I'm good for the entire convention.
I hope to see some of you there. I will be getting with CPA Mike and see if there's a group getting together.
Looking forward to meeting up with you guys!
as it gets closer, i hope more will chime in especially those who have been going for years...to save a lot of time and grief
i didn't think i would be able to attend but now may be able to justify the cost....because the one (actually two) rare cost prohibitive items i was going to track down at the national, i now possess...thanks to the two great guys....you know who u are....and I'm glad i know who u are
Call ahead and order your pizza - it takes at least 30 minutes to cook your pizza.
Or you can get hammered while you wait - also an option.
Do explore the city, Chicago is beautiful.
Our daughter being born last fall put a crimp in my National plans for this year, but I do plan to attend the next National in Chicago.
Only an idiot would have a message board signature.
EAsports..thanks for posting the pic....brings back a lot of memories...i can just taste that deep dish
I will be updating it at the end of the month