Friday national

[bxb]

I've never been to a National.

After reading this thread, I doubt I will.

To paraphrase Yogi, I predict nobody will be going anymore, it's too crowded!

[Spike]

While a handful of show tables remain that reward searching, they're a vanishing breed (RIP Chandy Greenholt). This group of cards came from a dealer with about 20 3200-count boxes, mixed sports and eras, priced $1 each. Took about two hours to find 80 vintage cards worth pulling. Most of my actual cheap wantlist hits are to 1970 Kellogg's. Dealers otherwse pricing high to match demand and I assume they're getting it!

[LEHR]

Last year in Chicago was my first National since 2004 as this is always a busy time of year for me. I had a great time, met some great people, and had planned to go again this year but had to cancel those plans a couple weeks ago due to work obligations. After reading all the show reports and watching several YouTube videos the last couple of days I feel much better now about not making the show this year.
My perks for missing the show: I saved $2k in travel expenses, instead of dealing with all the headaches listed above I was able to drive straight into my garage last night and park for free, had piping hot pizza for dinner and a visit from my sister-in-laws family with our four cute nieces, the AC was great in our house, there were plenty of bathrooms with no lines, not a Pelican case in sight, and as far as new cards go I'm positive REA will fill that void in about 16 days.

There's always a bright side to every situation.

[ClementeFanOh]

Indy Dave, Jim Todd (and others)- Thanks for the lucid, descriptive updates
that are the result of actually attending(!!). To the others who manage to
complain just for general principle- without attending of course- why not
simply start your own thread about the "joys" of emotionless accumulation
of cards without human interaction? I'm sure it will be thrilling to read. The
amount of gripers on this venue- who don't attend but still weigh in merely
to complain or purport superiority- is staggering. Maybe find another hobby?

To the folks actually attending Saturday, there are those of us who enjoy
news from the front line. Keep it up

Trent King

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Remember, the JPRS guys are still new to manning this particular event. The fact that they implemented free parking and have tried to make corrections quickly and under immediate pressure from huge crowds tells me that the show is in the right hands. We already knew they were good guys and am happy to hear how they are trying to deal with these unforeseen headaches. Kudos.

[Mark]

I was there on Thursday, and it was more chaotic than any show I've seen--simply too many people in one place. Makes me think that they ought to hold this over an entire week.