National Locations Announced Through 2019

[Danny Smith]

Per Beckett Media, the National Sports Collectors Convention has announced the locations of the show through 2019. They are as follows:

2014: Cleveland
2015: Chicago
2016: Atlantic City
2017: Chicago
2018: Cleveland
2019: Chicago

I'm definitely disappointed about AC and no Baltimore.

Danny

[T205 GB]

Why can't they do KC, STL, or somewhere on the west coast? Atlantic city sounds like a very expensive national. Chicago is already bad enough. Baltimore is the cheapest one and best I've attended so far. Speaking travel wise

[ullmandds]

What? No St Paul, MN?!

[T205 GB]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

What? No St Paul, MN?!

+1. Great idea

[tedzan]

Originally Posted by T205 GB

......Atlantic city sounds like a very expensive national. Chicago is already bad enough. Baltimore is the cheapest one and best I've attended so far. Speaking travel wise

Andrew

100% DITTO to your comments here.

Although, I live only a 2 HR drive away from Atlantic City....I'd rather take the 2 HR train ride to Baltimore.


Pennsylvania TED Z

[Jewish-collector]

Agree with the previous posts. I'm really suprised that they chose Atlantic City again. Almost all of the dealers said that 2003 show was a disaster.

[Paul S]

I'm sorry I missed the past Baltimore. Would have been my first.

I could make a daily mad blast to AC from mid Lawn Island, although I'd rather train it and be in Baltimore. One thing about AC though, and this is what I intend to do, is that if you live within hog-calling distance of a casino -- and that means NY, PA, NJ, DE and the like, you can grab an early morning casino bus (cheap and free casino tokens!) and then when disembarking just walk over to the National. In the evening you just bus it back home. Then do it again the next day.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

What? No St Paul, MN?!

Ridiculous, we have a convention center, come on! lol

[sycks22]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

What? No St Paul, MN?!

Would love it in the twin cities

[Leon]

I was voting for Lucas Texas.

[Rich Klein]

It is big enough and there is now a hotel adjacent so that will take care of one need.

I don't like Dallas area because too many different places and not all in walking distances and not a lot of good dining areas near enough the show,

But we would be OK

Rich

[autograf]

Wow.....I have no aspirations of Louisville although we have a great convention center, the Louisville Slugger Museum and the AAA farm club of the Cincinnati Reds....the Louisville Bats....BUT.....surprised that Baltimore got chopped. I know both times all the dealers liked Baltimore and as a participant, I could fly to BWI and train it right in to a hotel right next to the center/stadium, etc. I really enjoyed Baltimore. I like Chicago and Cleveland because of the 4.5-5.5 hour drives from Louisville but they do get kind of tiring as far as scenery goes......

[Hankphenom]

Anybody know what happened to Baltimore? Looked like it might end up in the permanent rotation for a while. Guess last year didn't go so well.

[Donscards]

I would love a National in the Boston area---plenty of convention centers plus hotels---but from what I understand, The board says Boston is too expensive---Baltimore was great---but also heard there are no available dates in early August----At least AC is on the east coast---but I dont think they ever had a good National in Atlantic City---I remember around 15-20 years ago, a new fellow tried it and it was the worst ever---lines of dealers waiting hours to register etc.---Anyway excited for this years National in Chicago---I drove to Baltimore last year---flying to Chicago with a carry on for my best cards--and paying another dealer who is driving to take some other stuff. thanks, Don

[murcerfan]

thanks for posting this info.

I'm really suprised that they chose Atlantic City again. Almost all of the dealers said that 2003 show was a disaster.

I must be the only guy who liked the AC national. Then again the craps table was very kind to me (or is it carps? ).

[Exhibitman]

I guess Detroit was booked...

[T205 GB]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Anybody know what happened to Baltimore? Looked like it might end up in the permanent rotation for a while. Guess last year didn't go so well.

From my experience as well as word from several dealers Baltimore last yr was very good to all that attended.

[t206blogcom]

What, no Washington, DC?! I was hoping for at least Baltimore.

[wolf441]

Originally Posted by Donscards

I would love a National in the Boston area---plenty of convention centers plus hotels---but from what I understand, The board says Boston is too expensive---Baltimore was great---but also heard there are no available dates in early August----At least AC is on the east coast---but I dont think they ever had a good National in Atlantic City---I remember around 15-20 years ago, a new fellow tried it and it was the worst ever---lines of dealers waiting hours to register etc.---Anyway excited for this years National in Chicago---I drove to Baltimore last year---flying to Chicago with a carry on for my best cards--and paying another dealer who is driving to take some other stuff. thanks, Don

+1 Don, for selfish reasons. But I agree, Boston is an expensive city to stay in. It's also tough on folks coming from the left coast. I'd actually like to see a National in San Fran. I could sell my wife on the trip, see a few vineyards in Napa and then hit the show. Wins all around!

[z28jd]

I liked the Baltimore one, but AC is about an hour drive for me, so I'm all for it. Now I just sit and wait three years...

[KCRfan1]

Originally Posted by T205 GB

Why can't they do KC, STL, or somewhere on the west coast? Atlantic city sounds like a very expensive national. Chicago is already bad enough. Baltimore is the cheapest one and best I've attended so far. Speaking travel wise

I'll second that for KC, STL or the Twin Cities? All of these locations are easy to get around in and inexpensive. More $$$ for cards.

[kmac32]

San Diego would be nice for us West Coast collectors.

[Danny Smith]

This article from sportscollectorsdaily.com sums up their considerations when selecting sites:

The National Sports Collectors Convention will return to Atlantic City, New Jersey in 2016.** A recent vote by the show’s long-time exhibitors will bring the show back to the Atlantic City Convention Center for the first time since 2003.

The facility contains 500,000 contiguous square feet of space and occupies a site of nearly 31 acres, making it one of the East Coast's largest Convention Centers. It was built in 1997 at a cost of $268 million. It was the centerpiece of a multi-billion dollar Atlantic City redevelopment plan which included The Walk, a retail and entertainment complex.

The show’s schedule is now set through 2019, barring any unforeseen developments.* Other than the venture to the New Jersey shore in three years, it will take place in either Chicago or Cleveland each summer.

The vote for 2016 was between Atlantic City and another trip to Cleveland. *Baltimore, which hosted the show in 2010 and again last year to generally positive reviews, won't be hosting again anytime soon.

Some have clamored for the show to return to a different east coast city, the west coast or south but finding a sizeable venue convention *at a reasonable cost has proven difficult.* Chicago and Cleveland are centrally located for many who attend annually and the show is welcomed.

“We have size requirements now,” NSCC Director and Co-Founder Mike Berkus told Sports Collectors Daily in 2012.* “Operating *under 325,000 square feet would mean that many exhibitors would be shut out. Vegas and Atlantic City pose challenges on diversion of attention and attendance. Philly, New York, and Boston have financial and union issues that require exhibitors to have large increases in booth fees. Anaheim, San Francisco, and Boston will not host us without a cancellation policy that would kill advance travel and planning for all concerned. They want trade shows that require 8000 to 10,000 room night guarantees or they can cancel us without recourse. We are constantly researching and negotiating as many locations as possible.”

[MBMiller25]

I wonder if they considered Charlotte. Really nice sized city, but quite reasonable from an expense standpoint. Very nice downtown convention center that would allow for fantastic night life options.

I hate Cleveland, as there is nothing central to the CC and no real nightlife.

[Jewish-collector]

I wonder if they considered Washington, DC. The (relatively) new convention center is enormous, with plenty of transportation options, hotels, restaurants, and parking. The baseball stadium is a few subway stops away.

[Buythatcard]

Very disappointing. Baltimore was by far the best place. Wish they would get away from Chicago & Cleveland already.

They should select a different State each year. A better idea would be to have the dealers and attendees vote on a location.

[Exhibitman]

I guess they solved the "diversion of attention and attendance" issues for AC; so why not Vegas? At least I know I won't be going in'16. Rio baby!

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Buythatcard

Very disappointing. Baltimore was by far the best place. Wish they would get away from Chicago & Cleveland already.

They should select a different State each year. A better idea would be to have the dealers and attendees vote on a location.

For those of us who value our sleep, the answer to this is no

[tbob]

Originally Posted by KCRfan1

I'll second that for KC, STL or the Twin Cities? All of these locations are easy to get around in and inexpensive. More $$$ for cards.

+1. No offense to Clevelanders but really??? Again next year and 2018? I love Chicago but that is also getting old. They only schedule the National when the Cubs are in town, never the Sox. Wrigley is great but the Cubs are a joke.
I know there aren't any driving forces in Dallas/Arlington anymore since Wanda Marcus passed but avoiding Dallas, Kansas City, St. Louis and the Twin Cities is ludicrous. If you are going to have one in Atlantic City, why not just have it in Vegas?
They need to shake up the membership of the committee that makes these selections

[Cardboard Junkie]

Detroit would be a "killer" show. What is the bs with chitown chitown chitown! Damn.Dave.

[tbob]

"Some have clamored for the show to return to a different east coast city, the west coast or south but finding a sizeable venue convention *at a reasonable cost has proven difficult.* Chicago and Cleveland are centrally located for many who attend annually and the show is welcomed."

Centrally located? Kansas City and St. Louis are centrally located.

[t206blogcom]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

I wonder if they considered Washington, DC. The (relatively) new convention center is enormous, with plenty of transportation options, hotels, restaurants, and parking. The baseball stadium is a few subway stops away.

+1

[g_vezina_c55]

Cleveland is at 1300kmfrom me... More reasonable drive than chicago..(1850km)

1300km in car is possible in 1 day so i will perhaps be at the nats in 2014

[Jason]

I enjoyed Baltimore and had hoped it would come back soon.Looks like Im going to Cleveland next year.I can't miss two in a row.

[Julz24]

Wow. Terrible news. Here's to hoping 2020 comes out west.

[Rich Klein]

And I head a rumour (nothing more) about part of the issue with Baltimore, if true, one or two bad apples ruined it for the rest of us.

Rich

[bbsports]

Baltimore should not be left out of the cold here. It has a great location by the harbor & hotels are close by. Enjoyed the National in Anaheim years ago & it has never returned back to Anaheim since. St. Louis would be an interesting location for the National since it's in the Midwest & I can buy dinner for Bill Goodwin.

[mcap100176]

What does 1300km mean? haha

I live 2 hours from Atlantic City and will say it is a bad venue. Don't worry, by then 75% of the casinos will be out of business and you can spend more money on cards.

Since I live in NJ, this is what I would recommend:
1. Rent a house for the week at the shore and make it the family vacation. You can get a decent shore house 30 - 45 minutes from Atlantic City.

2. For the single people on the board, get together and rent a house as above.

You'll have to rent a car to get back and forth to the show but it would be worth it. If you do a Sunday - Sunday, you'll have a few extra days to go into Philly and NYC.

[travrosty]

it SHOULD be in minneapolis, they have a massive convention center.

here is the list for the rest of the century, j/k but not really.

chicago,
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago,
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago,
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago,
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
Phuket, Thailand
chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland

[egbeachley]

Originally Posted by Danny Smith

*Baltimore, which hosted the show in 2010 and again last year to generally positive reviews, won't be hosting again anytime soon.
[/B]

Well that explains why they won't go to Baltimore again.

[Vintagecatcher]

I guess it will be another 9 years before I attend another National. Lame excuses as usual.


Patrick

[t206hound]

Originally Posted by tbob

Centrally located? Kansas City and St. Louis are centrally located.

I know that 50% of the US population lives within 500 miles of Columbus OH. Perhaps they are referring to population with that statement.

[tiger8mush]

+1 for Baltimore

[EGreenwood]

How did Anaheim works itself out of the rotation?

[KCRfan1]

Originally Posted by t206hound

I know that 50% of the US population lives within 500 miles of Columbus OH. Perhaps they are referring to population with that statement.

That would make sense. It's all about attendance and I would do the same if I were selecting a location for the National. 500 miles, you drive it. Anything further west and people are flying.

[Clark7781]

Originally Posted by tedzan

Andrew

100% DITTO to your comments here.

Although, I live only a 2 HR drive away from Atlantic City....I'd rather take the 2 HR train ride to Baltimore.


Pennsylvania TED Z

+1, but AC is only one hour for me. At least Baltimore has culture.

[HaloFan]

Originally Posted by EGreenwood

How did Anaheim works itself out of the rotation?

There is an issue that the promoters and the Anaheim Convention Center disagree with. It's been said here before, but I cannot remember the reason.

That is the official word. The real reason I suspect is related to majority of the dealers are east of the Mississippi and they don't want to travel several days trucking their wares cross-country. Anaheim is far from the only major trading post in the West. The last National in Anaheim was in 2006 and attendance was poor.

The bigger problem is that the show circuit in our hobby has slumped a great deal since the strike years. It isn't about kids, young people or the internet because they all show up to Comi-Con. But our hobby's culture has become more introverted and internet based. I have friends that collect(even vintage stuff) and they are in their mid-30s, but won't attend conventions.

Like how MLB is doing the World Baseball Classic to influence global competition and expansion, I've seen shows like the Culver City one pop up trying to revive show activity on the West Coast. Like a lot of people on this forum, I definitely try to support these efforts when I can but I expect it will be awhile before the board decides it's worth coming out West again.

Craig H.

[conor912]

I'll go to a national when it's actually in a city and not 30 minutes away in some suburb or by an airport.

[perezfan]

Immensely disappointing. Either Anaheim or San Diego has to be put in the rotation.

San Diego has the following to offer...

Petco Park - 2 blocks away
Seaport Village - 2 blocks away
Gaslamp Quarter - 1 block away, with unlimited restaurants, bars, etc.
Tons of easily "walkable" hotels
A Gigantic Convention Center (which also supports ComicCon)

Nearby attractions for family members including...
San Diego Zoo
Wild Animal Park
Sea World
Mission Bay
The Beach
Belmont Amusement Park
LegoLand
Even Tijuana (if that's your thing)

Plus it's in the City, and less than 10 minutes from the Airport.

Plus you get the certainty of perfect weather. There cannot be a better location. The West always gets jobbed

[travrosty]

They need to spruce it up and give people new reasons to go.

comicon is as popular as ever. how come they can go to different cities?

my revised list of national convention locations

chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
chicago
cleveland
no convention
no convention
no convention
no convention
no convention
no convention
no convention
no convention
no convention
no convention
...........