Posted By:
Bruce BabcockA major event at any National is the "How Long Will It Be Until Alan Rosen Yells at Someone?" betting pool. I've got 10:07 Thursday morning. Side bets include "Will it Be a Child Under Ten Years of Age?" and "Will Security Be Called?"
The National being a family oriented event, someone will be selling trading cards featuring scantily clad young women. Some of the babes will be there in person posing for photos with collectors. This gives fathers and sons a chance to spend some quality time together while waiting in the adjacent Steve Garvey autograph line.
The autograph removal booth is always a big draw.
The food in the convention center will be expensive and mostly inedible. Perfect if you're on a high sugar, high salt diet.
In spite of, and partly because of, the above, a great time will be had by all.
Actually, Alan, this will be my first National in Chicago. I've only been to Nationals in California - Anaheim & SF. I think any of the hotels listed on the web site should be fine. It's nice to be in walking distance. Once you are inside the Convention Center, one National looks pretty much like any other. Lots of dealers. Perhaps 5-10% have anything we might be interested in. As far as real food, I'm sure some of our mid-western friends can weigh in on Chicago restaurants.