Now that the dust has settled....observations regarding The 2018 Cleveland National

[Johnny630]

LE K-9 Drugs/Weapons/Explosives. I always love to see uniformed law enforcement :-)

Most guys would never guess but there was plenty of law enforcement walking the floor dressed as ordinary guys. Many of us are collectors :-)

[Hot Springs Bathers]

We have limited Dallas shopping routes! I stay on Northwest Highway and Preston most of the time.

I also fondly remember both Arlington Nationals, very poorly run and really hot outside for people waiting in line but great fun. Security was not needed but EMT's had to attend to many people in line, it took forever to get inside.

[vthobby]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

LE K-9 Drugs/Weapons/Explosives. I always love to see uniformed law enforcement :-)

Most guys would never guess but there was plenty of law enforcement walking the floor dressed as ordinary guys. Many of us are collectors :-)

Amen brother,

I live within 1 mile of daily F-16 flyovers and while some in our community complain of the noise all the time, I for one just smile every time I hear or see them. I usually hear them first! The sound of freedom and security.

I brought my daughter to Taylor Swift in Foxboro and saw heavy police presence. It seemed strange I guess to some but I liked it. The more crowds, the more chance of trouble.

Peace, Mike

[Gnep31]

1st Timer

This was my first one and likely first of many. I spent the entire day on Sat at the show. I very quickly realized I needed more than just one day....rookie mistake....especially for a set builder searching boxes.

I was in heaven and my smile was ear to ear. I mostly focused on looking for hits to my vintage sets, but I also ripped a box of A&G with my wife. She happened to open all three packs with the GU....she was happy and I was happy.

This past weekend we were at the Nascar race in MI and she bought her first card ever! It was a Dual Materials 6/25 of her favorite driver (Larson). I think she might have the bug and might even let me go back...lol

Overall had a great time, will definitely go back and spend more time than just one day.

[Arazi4442]

My first time at The National as well. Sounds like I'm the only one, but I was just a tiny bit disappointed. Tons of tables, great to see a huge turnout but, personally, I wish there had been a touch more diversity. Loved all the big-4 cards, espically the number of rarities. I was hoping for some of the harder to find items from other sports.

Plenty of examples from 2015-2018 but only saw one Pele, two Ali RCs(saw both sell for good $) and nearly zip from others- soccer, boxing, tennis, racing, golf (a few 81 Donruss), etc. You pay for a table, you can put out whatever you like, but with 600+ tables, I thought there might be a little more variety.

That said, I'll probably be there next year in Chicago.

[david_l]

Originally Posted by Arazi4442

Tons of tables, great to see a huge turnout but, personally, I wish there had been a touch more diversity.

Just take a look around and it's pretty clear what a lot of the problem is. This thread (and much of this hobby) is far from inclusive and far from welcoming.

Last post in the thread..

David Lu$^ig

Originally Posted by Leon

All Lives Matter.

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2016...l-lives-matter

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Arazi4442

My first time at The National as well. Sounds like I'm the only one, but I was just a tiny bit disappointed. Tons of tables, great to see a huge turnout but, personally, I wish there had been a touch more diversity. Loved all the big-4 cards, espically the number of rarities. I was hoping for some of the harder to find items from other sports.

Plenty of examples from 2015-2018 but only saw one Pele, two Ali RCs(saw both sell for good $) and nearly zip from others- soccer, boxing, tennis, racing, golf (a few 81 Donruss), etc. You pay for a table, you can put out whatever you like, but with 600+ tables, I thought there might be a little more variety.

That said, I'll probably be there next year in Chicago.

I had a showcase of only boxing, as did at least two other dealers. There was also one dealer who is 90% boxing. I expect i will be back at the show next year at the LOTG booth with more boxing.

[Rich Klein]

At the hotel I was staying in, there were either 2-3 boxing collectors I met at the breakfast served at said hotel.

[Arazi4442]

Hey Adam, guess I missed your table. Maybe I was a little punchy after 3 days of wandering. If I'm in Chicago next year, I'll definitely look you up at LOTG.

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I had a showcase of only boxing, as did at least two other dealers. There was also one dealer who is 90% boxing. I expect i will be back at the show next year at the LOTG booth with more boxing.

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by vtgmsc

Amen brother,

I live within 1 mile of daily F-16 flyovers and while some in our community complain of the noise all the time, I for one just smile every time I hear or see them. I usually hear them first! The sound of freedom and security.

I brought my daughter to Taylor Swift in Foxboro and saw heavy police presence. It seemed strange I guess to some but I liked it. The more crowds, the more chance of trouble.

Peace, Mike

Yes Sir! Love It :-)

[wazoo]

Originally Posted by vtgmsc

Amen brother,

I live within 1 mile of daily F-16 flyovers and while some in our community complain of the noise all the time, I for one just smile every time I hear or see them. I usually hear them first! The sound of freedom and security.

I brought my daughter to Taylor Swift in Foxboro and saw heavy police presence. It seemed strange I guess to some but I liked it. The more crowds, the more chance of trouble.

Peace, Mike

Being that I’m up your way too — all I can say is time to base the F35s