The National - first timer questions
 

OK....it's my first National. I've read a bunch of old threads and I've looked through the National website. But I have a bunch of practical questions that I'm hoping for a little guidance.

1) I'm not really fussed about the autograph package or the gifts in a VIP ticket but I like the idea of early access. Is the VIP entrance much better (e.g. faster) than the standard entrance?

2) If I buy standard tickets, I'm guessing that I have to wait in line for a wristband. Does the line open before the show starts or at 10am?

3) Are the tickets with early entry worth it? I mean, if I get access to the floor 30 mins early will I experience 30 mins of calm with a small number of other collectors or will I still be in a sea of people?

4) I've downloaded the floor map and the list of dealers. Is the floor laid out with sections for different interests? For example areas with mostly modern dealers, vintage or memorabilia? If there's a section where I'm more likely to find vintage and pre-war - where do I head to?

5) Which Net54 members have tables at the National? It'll be nice to say hi and to give business to fellow members.

6) Will SGC or PSA be grading on site? I have a handful of cards that I'd like to have graded but doing it from the UK seems like a PITA. But if there's grading on-site, then I might bring a few cards with me.

Thanks

1. VIP entrance is through a controlled access room. It gets bunched up each morning with people waiting to get in, but you still get in 30 minutes early. You have a "lounge" of chairs to sit in during the day if you need it.

2. Not sure, only have gone as VIP

3. Its not super crowded. You get a nice goodie bag with some exclusives from Upper Deck, Topps, Panini, etc. as well.

4. There is no reason to the madness. You will be at one table looking at pre-war with Cobb, Ruth, Wagner and the table next to it might have modern basketball.

5. Lots of people here!

6. PSA likely is, no word on SGC. It was like $200 a card for PSA last year.

I've never done the VIP. The standard entry starts to queue well before 10 a.m. and it is a huge line. The years I have gone it does start moving somewhat before the opening time - but plan to be in it for awhile.

Dealers are eligible to choose their tables based on seniority. You are not going to find much modern stuff near the entrance as this is where all the old timers are. Most of the modern stuff has been towards the back on the room

I've not done in person grading, but the queue has always been long.

Enjoy your trip

Brings lots of money :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1siB1pbAXU

Most of the people who buy the VIP package are folks who primarily go to the National to get autographs from the show guests, and to try to obtain a lot of the exclusive giveaways that various corporate vendors offer. We always sit at our table watching the entertainment when the early entry gates open and here come people running through the show floor like maniacs, only to get to someplace where they will be early in a line to wait for another long period of time when a giveaway will take place. We always jokingly refer to that 9:30am opening as "The Running of the VIPs"...just like The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona Spain, if you are standing in an aisle when The Running of the VIPs starts, you might get gored by a skinny kid's backpack! :eek: :D

Almost nobody who comes running in at 9:30 is doing so to browse dealer tables or to shop. So from that perspective, you probably will have 30 minutes of a less crowded show floor. However, if this is your first time at the national, you will be overwhelmed with how much stuff there is to see. 30 minutes will go by very fast...you will probably not get to very many tables at all in that amount of time. (Unless you have a solid pre-game plan of specific tables you want to visit...and you are way more focused than I am! Lol)

Good luck, and enjoy your first National!

I am pretty green with only 1 National under my belt. The above is accurate and funny.... I am not getting autos but will still go VIP.

1) True, 30 mins is not a lot of time, but anytime on an empty floor is worth it. By 11am its almost unbearable to be on the floor.
2) I saw the line every day last year. Don't care how fast it moves, I want no part of it. Also, the lounge room is a good option to relax, organize your cards, and talk to collectors.
3) Getting in Wednesday is worth the price for me by itself.

1) Ive done VIP tickets the past few years. I am not this year. Dont think its worth it. The only perk of the VIP ticket is the parking pass.

2) Don't know, I usually get there a little after it opens to avoid the crowds.

3) Me personally I do see early bird tickets worth it. It's a massive floor so you wont cover much area before the doors open. (Unless you need to wait in line for a panini redemption of something along those lines, then an early bird would be worth it IMO)

4) The floor is not laid out in any format. They try and put the big companies in the middle like panini, topps etc. But a regular dealer could be put anywhere.

5) I've seen a few members post there tables in threads, but I don't have a list.

6) Yes there will grading on site and they usually post there prices for the national when it gets closer to the date.

Hope you have a great time!

I'll be at booth 1034 - please stop by and say hello!!
 

Of course you are welcome to purchase from me, trade with me or sell to me as well... or just "talk hobby" :D I specialize in vintage (pre 1980) - all 4 sports, non sports and I will have some memorabilia and comic books as well.

Howard, are you BUYING by any chance? :D

Thanks guys. That's really helpful info.

I'm leaning towards the early bird pass. I'm only going to be on the floor on Saturday and Sunday so I think any time I can get without crowds, the better. It might be worth the price just to see the running of the VIPs :)

Howard, I've already marked your stall on the floor map so I can stop by.

One further question... What times can I check in to get the early bird badge? If I can get my badge on Friday evening, would it save me time getting in on Saturday morning?

Might as well say "Hi" to me next door to Howard at booth 1032.

There will be a thread started in the near future where dealers can put their table numbers so members can more easily find them.

And remember, cash is king at the National.

Just an idea, but if we created Net 54 logo of sorts and posted it here to download and print out, board members could easily identify themselves. Print it off and stick it on your booth or in a frame.

I am not the guy to create anything cretive unfortunately.

Let's be clear, I did this in a quick minute just to give an idea (and it ain't going to take home any baseball forum design awards honors), but perhaps dealers could add something like this to their set-ups...

Attachment 575863

The columns are dated but searching for the Bill Simmons report on the National are worth the effort.

http://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story...s/intro/090805

Leon is correct i went last year live 30 min from a.c beach house..was there 3 hrs spent 5 k real fast,,enjoy chicago be safe

* The autograph guests are 'B' stars, at best. You can pick up their stuff on ebay for so much less...

The show floor consists of overpriced dealers, fat middle-aged guys who don't shower...

Food is not good on site.

This is really just a museum tour.