National Sports Collectors Convention: Day 1

Day 1: Sneak Peak

The National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC) began today and it exceeded my expectations.  What a great afternoon.

I got the the convention center around 2, for the VIP reception that started at 2:30.  I picked up my VIP credentials and went upstairs to room 310, where the VIP reception was being held.  I had no idea what to expect.

Here is some VIP swag.

Showing my badge, I walked into the room that held around 300(?) or so people sitting at tables, and the overflow people standing around.  The head of the convention was speaking at the podium, and I stood there just taking in the scene.  There were many more VIPs than I realized!

Also on display were some cool jerseys.

This one was worn by Lou Gehrig.

This one was worn by Babe Ruth!!!

Anyway, they were talking to the crowd and giving away retail boxes of Panini football cards to people that answered their questions, traveled the farthest, etc.  It was a nice touch.  Then it was time to eat pizza and drink soda. Or water.  It was also time to get free autographs from Jack Morris.

There were lots of soft drinks, and even more pizza.

The show didn't open for VIPs until 3:30, so I spent some time in the lobby going through my VIP swag.  I met some nice people and chatted about collecting. Then it was time to head down to the main event.

This is looking down on VIPs waiting for the doors to bust open!

I met even more nice people waiting in the line to get in.  Then 3:30 hit and it was a free for all.  The only way I can describe walking into the NSCC for the first time is jaw dropping.  Tables and tables and tables of dealers and cool memorabilia.  Over 350,000 square feet of awesome.

The first place I went was to the Topps booth to get my Bowman Platinum redemption cards.  Open a box of 2012 Platinum, and Topps will give you a special 25 card refractor set.  One catch, though--it is limited to 100 sets per day, and the cards are numbered to 499.  I waited in line for over an hour, but had great conversations with people.  There were around 40 sets left when I got to the front, and there were tons more people in line than that.  When the show opens to the public it is going to be tough for people to get those sets.

Here is the box and the 25 card redemption set.  I will post results of the box at another time.

After that I went to get Jack Morris' autograph.  He had moved from the VIP room to the main floor, where many of the VIPs had now gathered.

Then I went to look through some cards, and spent the rest of the show at one table.  Only 700+ more to go!  And I was worried I wouldn't need five days...

I have so much more to show you all, but I admit I am very tired and I don't have much energy to write much more or post pictures tonight .

The best part is that I get to do it all again tomorrow, this time with a Topps party from 5-7, with free food and giveaways.  Should be a fun time!

More to come...