Fanatics Collect Launches Card Combine to Teach Fans How to Buy, Grade and Protect Sports Cards

Fanatics Fest NYC is giving new and experienced collectors a hands-on look at nearly every stage of the modern sports card hobby through the new Fanatics Collect Card Combine.

The self-guided experience is taking place during Fanatics Fest NYC from July 16 through July 19 at the Javits Center in New York City. Instead of presenting the hobby through a traditional seminar, the Card Combine lets attendees open cards, research their pulls, learn about different products, watch live breaks, explore professional grading and see how high-value collectibles can be stored in a secure vault.

The experience begins at the Fanatics Collect Hub, where attendees can download the Fanatics Collect app and receive a complimentary Topps sample pack. Collectors can then take the pack to a ripping station and open it on-site.

After opening their cards, fans can use the Fanatics Collect card-scanning tool to identify what they pulled and explore available market-value information. The process is designed to introduce newer collectors to one of the first questions that often follows a pack opening: What exactly did I get?

A retail area staffed by hobby shops gives visitors a closer look at the different types of card products and collecting formats available. The section is intended to explain how products can differ and provide entry-level options for fans who are just getting started.

Attendees can also visit a breaking studio to learn how live sports card breaks work. Industry experts will explain the format, demonstrate breaks in real time and give some visitors an opportunity to participate.

Professional grading is represented through an on-site CGC grading station. Collectors can learn how graders evaluate condition and authenticity, submit cards through the event’s submission center and enter special slab giveaways held throughout the weekend.

The Card Combine also covers what happens after a valuable card has been graded. A vaulted-collection display explains how collectors can digitally manage their cards, view their collections from a phone and use secure storage services. Premium memorabilia, autographs, relics and other collectibles are displayed as examples of items that can be placed in a vaulted collection.

The experience concludes with Fanatics Collect Instant Rips. Attendees can learn how digital repacks work and receive a complimentary digital pack that is added directly to their collection in the Fanatics Collect app.

AT&T is providing connectivity for Fanatics Fest and said its network will support activity across the convention, including card trades, pack openings and major pulls. The company is also hosting its own competitions and fan experiences during the four-day event.