2017 National

[vintagerookies51]

I know it's still a few months away, but I was thinking about attending the National for the first time this year. I just had a few questions about it that people might be able to answer from experience...

How much time is enough to experience everything? Mainly, how long do the autograph lines take for the higher caliber athletes? I'd like to do a lot of browsing cards, as well as maybe get some autos. Trying to figure out if one day is enough as I need to be able to fly back via standby for work Monday. Also, do they typically autograph anything? Was considering picking up a rookie card of some of them to try to get signed... I'm sure it varies based on who it is but I'd like to hear some stories. I've seen videos of the National and can imagine how long I'll take to browse through all the material. Just have no idea on the autograph guests.

Probably a stupid question, but I've only ever bought online. Do dealers/tables take cards or am I going to have to bring a bunch of cash in with me?

Thanks for any input!

[tschock]

Originally Posted by vintagerookies51

I know it's still a few months away, but I was thinking about attending the National for the first time this year. I just had a few questions about it that people might be able to answer from experience...

How much time is enough to experience everything? Mainly, how long do the autograph lines take for the higher caliber athletes? I'd like to do a lot of browsing cards, as well as maybe get some autos. Trying to figure out if one day is enough as I need to be able to fly back via standby for work Monday. Also, do they typically autograph anything? Was considering picking up a rookie card of some of them to try to get signed... I'm sure it varies based on who it is but I'd like to hear some stories. I've seen videos of the National and can imagine how long I'll take to browse through all the material. Just have no idea on the autograph guests.

Probably a stupid question, but I've only ever bought online. Do dealers/tables take cards or am I going to have to bring a bunch of cash in with me?

Thanks for any input!

I think you need 2 days just for browsing all the cards/booths that are there. Unless you have a really narrow focus. But my focus is a bit... multi-focused. I don't do autos or corporate promos, so I can't speak for them.

[RaidonCollects]

I agree with the above post, 1 day is way too short to see most of the stuff and get autographs. The auto guest will probably sign 99% of items they might exclude certain things though, due to deal with Steiner and so on. Closer to the show the national website will have info on what the athletes will/won't sign and their prices.

You should assume that most dealers want $$$ for their cards, I'm sure there will be some who accept trades, but definitely bring cash. Some of the bigger dealers might have credit card machines too. If you're planning on staying at the show all day, a packed lunch might be a good option. There is a cafe inside the convention center but there is little to choose from an is very expensive.

Hope some of this helps,

Owen

[packs]

I don't know I went last year to the Atlantic City show and was in and out in about 3 hours. I guess it depends on what you're after. The autograph line took the longest but I was only there for one autograph. I spent about two hours walking the floor. Most of the things I looked at were overpriced like most shows. I did one lap and left, but I did visit every table.

[Mark]

I haven't been to the National for many years, but I am planning to go this summer. In the past, I found that some dealers took credit cards and, of course, they all took cash. I would carry some bills!

[Yankees1964]

Atlantic City was my first National and we were there for two full days without any autographs and it was just barely enough. I could have used 2 1/2 days.