Running National newbie question thread

[polakoff]

CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE CHANGED - PLEASE SEE POST #16

Hi all,

This year will (finally!) be my first year of attending the National. My usual card show partner-in-crime is unable to attend. However, my best friend, who is a huge sports fan but has no interest in collecting cards or memorabilia, will be joining me in Atlantic City.

Having never attended, I'm not sure of all the activities other than what information I can gather from the schedule of events. Are there things that my friend, as a huge sports fan without interest in cards or memorabilia, would be interested in seeing or doing? That is, does it make any sense at all for him to attend the show for any period of time, or should he just be on his own during the days while I dig through cardboard?

Thanks in advance for the input...

David

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

This year I'm taking my Dad and Father-in-law who don't collect and think they'll enjoy seeing the show for part of one day. For the rest of the time I'm sure they'll find things to do in the casinos or sight-seeing. You might want to have your friend buy a one day pass to start

[polakoff]

I was thinking probably single day for him as well

[tschock]

David,

You say he has no interest in COLLECTING cards or memorabilia, but is he someone who would go to the baseball, football, etc HOF museum? If so, then I'm sure he would like the National for at least 1 day. I'm betting there will be a few interesting items there (uniforms, jerseys, etc) that are high roller or museum quality pieces.

FWIW, I'll be there all week so hope to see you there and catch up!

[polakoff]

Thanks all, that's what I was wondering!

Originally Posted by tschock

FWIW, I'll be there all week so hope to see you there and catch up!

Taylor, sounds good! I hope to see some familiar NC faces though Chandy tells me he is likely not going and I hope he changes his mind!

[JustCollectVP]

There should be enough sports related items on the show floor, in addition to sneaking a few peeks at the autograph guests, to keep a non-collecting sports fan entertained for at least one day.

If your friend takes an interest to anything and wants to come back, then you're golden. If not, there are enough things to do around the casinos and town to take up another day while you attend the show.

Good luck and maybe you can bring another collector into the hobby...

[RaidonCollects]

Hi,

I attended my first National last year and it was great.

I also recommend a 1-day pass, if he wants to come back you get buy a pass the next day.

I'm sure as a sports fan he will be able to appreciate the stuff on display. Auction companies show 100,000s of dollars of cool memorabilia, some of which might interest him.

Last National you had the opportunity to hold a Ruth game-used bat, which was really great, I'm not sure if that's coming back this year.

-Owen

[Snapolit1]

Maybe I'm biased as I am a Jersey guy, but I think there is a lot of history in AC that is fascinating. Great boardwalk. Yes, a lot of crazies but still fun. Then the casinos. And there is a beach if you want to kick back. And outlet stores. And other stuff. Fascinating piece of Americana. Don't be afraid to walk around. My wife has no interest in gambling but loves the place. Read a book about AC first. A place with a lot of really unique history. See Boardwalk Empire.

[Enfuego]

I agree, a 1 day pass can potentially spark an interest