travel / National / travel in 1 day: Can it be done?

waxman2745 · July 22, 2010 2:19PM

Greetings all,

I have Saturday August 7 free and was looking to head down to the National for one day only. It’s a 5 hour one-way drive for me. Staying over until Sunday is not an option.

I’ve never been to the National before and was looking for some advice on whether it is possible to get through all of the booths in about 3 hours or so.

I have about 12 different raw sets that I’d like to finish and the National may be the perfect venue to do so. Thanks in advance!

10 hours travel = sore back
finishing my raw sets in 1 day = priceless
Adam

RonBurgundy · July 22, 2010 2:23PM

You're going to be tired, but if you get up early enough: Yes.

ahkmedbinladen · July 22, 2010 2:23PM

You couldnt get thru all the booths in 3 days let alone 3 hours. A few good tables could take up your 3 hours but better to go than not to experience it at all. Hopefully you are not looking for Minty Mints cause by Saturday Ron Burgundy will have all of it.

kingraider75 · July 22, 2010 2:27PM

Unless you are looking for some super rare card, it's not worth your hassle. You do need to look at each table and try to get a feel on pricing for the quality. Took me forever to get through everything at the Anaheim show in 2007, fun expericence though. Try to get a buddy to go along, because going alone like I did was kinda lame. Kinda like going to the movies by yourself. Although I did run into four local dealers who had card shops then to talk to. Get those promos!

Reljac · July 22, 2010 11:28PM

I agree it's possible to go, but I think you will be disappointed by all that you do not have time to see. The last one I went to, took 3 days to really get through, and even then there was much that we did not get to see.

Although, that being said, If there are key booths you want to see, for instance bbcexchange booth... I know I'd make a drive just to see their wares. I believe Steve always breaks out some stuff from the warehouse for the national.

nam812 · July 22, 2010 11:34PM

If you dont have to be back home by a certain time (you didnt mention that you had to), then why will you only have 3 hours to browse the show?

Leave your house at 5AM and get to the show around 10AM. Stay at the show until 4PM (6 hours at the show), and be back home around 9PM.

At least that's what I'd do.

waxman2745 · July 22, 2010 11:59PM

Thank you for your replies, and good point Nam, I don't have to be back at any specific time on Saturday. Realistically, how much of my 5 or 6 hours there will be eaten up by waiting in line to get in?

If I go, my plan is to hit specific booths and navigate quickly.

cubfan89 · July 23, 2010 12:29AM

3 hrs is not a lot of time, but I wish you luck in finding what you need. Standing in line for just 1 player can be close to an hour or more.

BuckeyeState · July 23, 2010 12:40AM

If I were you I would leave as early as physically possible that saturday morning, you'll prolly be crazy tired, but any extra time you can get would be helpful.

KbKards · July 23, 2010 12:42AM

What are the raw sets you're looking to complete? If it's old and rare there may be little chance the cards will be there. For example if you can't find it on Ebay then it will be hard to find at a show. If it's new and cheap it may not be the kind of stuff that somebody would drag to that kind of show. Going to that much effort and expense to spend such little time at the show is a waste especially when most dealers there are only an email away from you.

nam812 · July 23, 2010 12:52AM

<< <i>3 hrs is not a lot of time, but I wish you luck in finding what you need. Standing in line for just 1 player can be close to an hour or more. >>

He isnt going for autographs.

waxman2745 · July 23, 2010 12:57AM

I'm looking for OPC baseball raw, years 1965 thru 1985, plus trying to finish a few Topps sets (looking for some PSA 8's with good eye-appeal).

RonBurgundy · July 23, 2010 1:48AM

"You couldnt get thru all the booths in 3 days let alone 3 hours. A few good tables could take up your 3 hours but better to go than not to experience it at all. Hopefully you are not looking for Minty Mints cause by Saturday Ron Burgundy will have all of it."

Thursday afternoon actually, but yeah.

NickM · July 23, 2010 1:51AM

Leave home at 4 or 5 a.m. Stay at the show until it closes. Return home in the wee hours of the morning.
Energy drinks and anything else with a lot of caffeine are your friends in this situation.

Also, post to this (and any other boards you're on) on earlier days of the show asking people for booth #s they recommend you hit based on your wantlist.

Nick

pdub1819 · July 23, 2010 1:54AM

Don't forget your expresso/Monster/Red Bull/Rock Star or whatever else you can drink to keep you going! Good luck!

alnavman · July 23, 2010 2:01AM

I've driven to Chicago and back, which is about six hours from where I live near Cleveland in one day. So yes it can be done, but as others have mentioned you will be tired......also if you are younger it is easier to do, I did my trip when I was 56 and it took a toll on me the next few days....now I restrict my day trips to less than 3 hours. Love those casinos in Michigan and PA.....

basketballcollector · July 23, 2010 2:15AM

Not yes, but hell yes it can be done !!!

I went solo to the Atlantic City show in one day. 4 hour drive each way. Left home in the A.M. to get there when the show opened. Stayed until the very end. Had dinner there. Drove home. It's actually is easier to go solo. You don't have to wait for a friend for anything. For going one day only, it really depends on your purpose. If you're into autographs, then hell no. That will take up too much time. And, don't spend too much time socializing with any one dealer. Just keep moving from table to table & you will be fine.

See you in Baltimore !!!

travel / National / travel in 1 day: Can it be done?

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