The 2013 "National" in Chicago

[Gmrson]

Originally Posted by byrone

Any thoughts on the hotels that are close to the convention center? I would like to be within walking distance of the show. Also, how is public transit to the downtown area, what is it like to get to a Cubs game?

Check out the website www.nsccshow.com
There are a few hotels connected right to the convention center. I also think there is a train stop a few blocks away that goes downtown. I'm not sure about the Cubs game...I would think a cab would be the best option, unless it's easy to switch trains.

Originally Posted by milkit1

Anyone know who the autograph guests will be?

Nothing yet, but about a week ago on the shows Facebook page they said they would announce the 1st wave of signers in a few weeks.

Originally Posted by jschris

We are nervous about driving in large cities so the girls going on an excursion alone was out of the question. But there didn't seem to be anything at all for them to do nearby, either. I'd like to go for a couple of days, but I don't want the girls to be trapped in the hotel for that long. Any suggestions? Even a mall or shopping area close by (preferably without having to get back on the freeway) would help.

Thanks!
Jason

There is a MAMMOTH IKEA about 20 minutes north by freeway in Schaumburg. It's been a while since I've gone but I think we went to a few other places near there.

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by Gmrson

Check out the website www.nsccshow.com
There are a few hotels connected right to the convention center. I also think there is a train stop a few blocks away that goes downtown. I'm not sure about the Cubs game...I would think a cab would be the best option, unless it's easy to switch trains.




Nothing yet, but about a week ago on the shows Facebook page they said they would announce the 1st wave of signers in a few weeks.




There is a MAMMOTH IKEA about 20 minutes north by freeway in Schaumburg. It's been a while since I've gone but I think we went to a few other places near there.

Not only is there a mammoth IKEA 20 minutes away (and a very easy,straight shot drive) but there is a HUGE mall just a few blocks away from IKEA named Woodfield Mall. If memory serves me right this place used to be the largest indoor mall untill Mall of America was built. You and your son can go to the national and your spouse and daughter can go to Woodfield. I am not sure who will do more damage to the bank account!! LOL

Here is the mall web site

http://www.simon.com/mall/woodfield-mall

[Taxman]

Brewers and Dodgers will be in town to play the Cubs...Anyone have tickets for sell to the Thursday Dodgers game?

Thanks
Kirk

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Taxman

Brewers and Dodgers will be in town to play the Cubs...Anyone have tickets for sell to the Thursday Dodgers game?

Thanks
Kirk

Kirk, if we have a dinner, and we probably will, you are invited but please leave the "Shaggy" dude behind. He isn't invited.

[Taxman]

Originally Posted by Leon

Kirk, if we have a dinner, and we probably will, you are invited but please leave the "Shaggy" dude behind. He isn't invited.

Promise...I want bring him...Doesn't look like ABC is going to pickup Ballboys this year....Thanks for putting on the dinner.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Taxman

Promise...I want bring him...Doesn't look like ABC is going to pickup Ballboys this year....Thanks for putting on the dinner.

Thanks. I am sure he is a nice guy but probably just doesn't fit in well with our crowd (or me).,...or he just has bad manners. Hope to see you at the Dinner....(still not 100% on it but we will probably have it)

[Exhibitman]

One thing I'd add from last year's post: Be sure to check out the Olympic area if they have it again. You will see some stuff you cannot imagine at a card show: Europeans, thin people and women. The elderly German gentleman reminiscing about the good old days of the 1936 Olympics was...



Plus you might get to say hello to some Olympic athletes because they had a table there right on the show floor and they actually spoke to fans. Not quite the same as Willie Mays ignoring you while he rolls your baseball to the handlers...

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by Taxman

Brewers and Dodgers will be in town to play the Cubs...Anyone have tickets for sell to the Thursday Dodgers game?

Thanks
Kirk

I would imagine there will be seats available once they go on sale for this game without any problems. The Cubs are not going to set records for attendance this year!!

There is a guy here at work who has season tickets and is selling at face value so if there is interest I can certainly try and negotiate or at least try and put the parties together to complete a deal.