The National - first timer questions

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by UKCardGuy

OK....it's my first National. I've read a bunch of old threads and I've looked through the National website. But I have a bunch of practical questions that I'm hoping for a little guidance.

1) I'm not really fussed about the autograph package or the gifts in a VIP ticket but I like the idea of early access. Is the VIP entrance much better (e.g. faster) than the standard entrance?

2) If I buy standard tickets, I'm guessing that I have to wait in line for a wristband. Does the line open before the show starts or at 10am?

3) Are the tickets with early entry worth it? I mean, if I get access to the floor 30 mins early will I experience 30 mins of calm with a small number of other collectors or will I still be in a sea of people?

4) I've downloaded the floor map and the list of dealers. Is the floor laid out with sections for different interests? For example areas with mostly modern dealers, vintage or memorabilia? If there's a section where I'm more likely to find vintage and pre-war - where do I head to?

5) Which Net54 members have tables at the National? It'll be nice to say hi and to give business to fellow members.

6) Will SGC or PSA be grading on site? I have a handful of cards that I'd like to have graded but doing it from the UK seems like a PITA. But if there's grading on-site, then I might bring a few cards with me.

Thanks

1. VIP entrance is through a controlled access room. It gets bunched up each morning with people waiting to get in, but you still get in 30 minutes early. You have a "lounge" of chairs to sit in during the day if you need it.

2. Not sure, only have gone as VIP

3. Its not super crowded. You get a nice goodie bag with some exclusives from Upper Deck, Topps, Panini, etc. as well.

4. There is no reason to the madness. You will be at one table looking at pre-war with Cobb, Ruth, Wagner and the table next to it might have modern basketball.

5. Lots of people here!

6. PSA likely is, no word on SGC. It was like $200 a card for PSA last year.

[IndyDave]

I've never done the VIP. The standard entry starts to queue well before 10 a.m. and it is a huge line. The years I have gone it does start moving somewhat before the opening time - but plan to be in it for awhile.

Dealers are eligible to choose their tables based on seniority. You are not going to find much modern stuff near the entrance as this is where all the old timers are. Most of the modern stuff has been towards the back on the room

I've not done in person grading, but the queue has always been long.

Enjoy your trip

[Jewish-collector]

Brings lots of money

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1siB1pbAXU

[Kaneen]

Most of the people who buy the VIP package are folks who primarily go to the National to get autographs from the show guests, and to try to obtain a lot of the exclusive giveaways that various corporate vendors offer. We always sit at our table watching the entertainment when the early entry gates open and here come people running through the show floor like maniacs, only to get to someplace where they will be early in a line to wait for another long period of time when a giveaway will take place. We always jokingly refer to that 9:30am opening as "The Running of the VIPs"...just like The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona Spain, if you are standing in an aisle when The Running of the VIPs starts, you might get gored by a skinny kid's backpack!

Almost nobody who comes running in at 9:30 is doing so to browse dealer tables or to shop. So from that perspective, you probably will have 30 minutes of a less crowded show floor. However, if this is your first time at the national, you will be overwhelmed with how much stuff there is to see. 30 minutes will go by very fast...you will probably not get to very many tables at all in that amount of time. (Unless you have a solid pre-game plan of specific tables you want to visit...and you are way more focused than I am! Lol)

Good luck, and enjoy your first National!

[Oscar_Stanage]

Originally Posted by Kaneen

Most of the people who buy the VIP package are folks who primarily go to the National to get autographs from the show guests, and to try to obtain a lot of the exclusive giveaways that various corporate vendors offer. We always sit at our table watching the entertainment when the early entry gates open and here come people running through the show floor like maniacs, only to get to someplace where they will be early in a line to wait for another long period of time when a giveaway will take place. We always jokingly refer to that 9:30am opening as "The Running of the VIPs"...just like The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona Spain, if you are standing in an aisle when The Running of the VIPs starts, you might get gored by a skinny kid's backpack!

Almost nobody who comes running in at 9:30 is doing so to browse dealer tables or to shop. So from that perspective, you probably will have 30 minutes of a less crowded show floor. However, if this is your first time at the national, you will be overwhelmed with how much stuff there is to see. 30 minutes will go by very fast...you will probably not get to very many tables at all in that amount of time. (Unless you have a solid pre-game plan of specific tables you want to visit...and you are way more focused than I am! Lol)

Good luck, and enjoy your first National!

I am pretty green with only 1 National under my belt. The above is accurate and funny.... I am not getting autos but will still go VIP.

1) True, 30 mins is not a lot of time, but anytime on an empty floor is worth it. By 11am its almost unbearable to be on the floor.
2) I saw the line every day last year. Don't care how fast it moves, I want no part of it. Also, the lounge room is a good option to relax, organize your cards, and talk to collectors.
3) Getting in Wednesday is worth the price for me by itself.