2028 National Headed to Detroit or Atlanta?

[Jewish-collector]

Convention Centers by size

McCormick Place Chicago
Orange County Convention Center Orlando
Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas
Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center New York City
New Orleans Morial Convention Center New Orleans
America's Center St. Louis
San Diego Convention Center San Diego
Huntington Place Detroit
Walter E. Washington Convention Ctr. Washington
Sands Expo and Convention Center Las Vegas
International Exposition Center Cleveland
Colorado Convention Center Denver
Mandalay Bay Convention Center Las Vegas
Music City Center Nashville
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Ctr. Dallas
Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia
Moscone Convention Center San Francisco

The Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont is way down below all of these.

[Johnny630]

I asked a couple long time National Badge Holder dealers which one they would rather prefer, each said Atlanta .

[parkplace33]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

I asked a couple long time National Badge Holder dealers which one they would rather prefer, each said Atlanta .

My bet is on Detroit. Dealers are creature of habit, and with many of them from the Midwest/Northeast, Detroit seems logical.

I would love Atlanta, I just don't think it is in the cards

[parkplace33]

Any update on the vote?

This discussion was also on a Facebook group. It was split roughly 50/50 between the cities.

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

Any update on the vote?

This discussion was also on a Facebook group. It was split roughly 50/50 between the cities.

The vote happens onsite at the National

[Leon]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

The vote happens onsite at the National

A bit of an antiquated system of doing the tables etc.. but it has seemed to work. Kind of like this forum (most times)!

I stand by my take, I don't really care that much where it is. I don't go to Nationals for outside attractions. I know a lot of people do. Should be fun again this year. Mostly, it's seeing old friends.

[theuclakid]

the 1992 and 1999 Nationals in Atlanta were awesome, yes very hot but the convention center was first rate as I recall

Bruce Perry

[clamendo]

Orlando seems too obvious to me.

[brass_rat]

As DJ mentioned, the Detroit space is smaller than Chicago and half the size of Atlanta.

I can't imagine this vote is even close...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List..._United_States

[4815162342]

https://www.nsccshow.com/site-locations

“2028 Site Location Choices
Presented by the NSCC Board of Directors & JBJ Management Team

The wait is over! We're excited to announce two incredible venue options for the 2028 National Sports Collectors Convention — Atlanta and Detroit.

Both cities feature state-of-the-art facilities designed with collectors and exhibitors in mind:

Large, Modern, Open-Layout Halls – No obstructive poles, full visibility, and easy booth setup
Next-Generation Wi-Fi – Seamless, high-speed connectivity throughout the venue
Convenient Load-In & Load-Out – Drive directly to your booth or use handcarts with ease
Connected & Nearby Hotels – Stay steps away from the action
Access to Major Airports – Simple, direct travel to both cities
Efficient Mass Transit – Navigate the city easily with public transportation
100+ Restaurants Within Walking Distance – Endless dining options at your fingertips
Major League Sports Cities – Immerse yourself in rich sports history and culture

Whether you're drawn to the energy and innovation of Atlanta or the deep-rooted sports heritage of Detroit, you’ll experience the National like never before — with unmatched convenience, comfort, and excitement.

Explore your options and help shape the future of The National!”

[campyfan39]

Me too

Originally Posted by jingram058

If it is Atlanta, strong possibility it would be my first National ever.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by theuclakid

the 1992 and 1999 Nationals in Atlanta were awesome, yes very hot but the convention center was first rate as I recall

I guess we have to keep in mind that three decades of aging may have affected a convention center by 2028, though. Then again, maybe there already is/will be a new one by that point. I'm not familiar with that situation in Atlanta.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by brass_rat

the Detroit space is smaller than Chicago and half the size of Atlanta.

I can't imagine this vote is even close...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List..._United_States

Well, if that's the case, then the answer is seemingly clear. Not what I was hoping for. Would have been nice to be able to do a day trip to a National for the first time ever and end up back home in my own bed the same night. (Yes, I've sworn off Nationals, but I'd have mainly attended to get together with people if it was a two hour drive.)

[Jewish-collector]

fyi - The National will never be at the IX Expo Center in Cleveland again as it is being reconfigured for a data center. I don't think the National committee was keeping it in the rotation, but this guarantees it won't.

https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the...-a-data-center

[bbsports]

It's a good thing I will be retired from all card shows by 2028. Good luck to all the dealers where ever the show ends up going to.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

AI gave me a good title for this missive.

But as noted, this is for the dealers to vote on and as such, we can have our opinion but it is up to the voters.

Detroit has not hosted an NSCC since 1981 and that was during the baseball strike and Atlanta has not hosted an NSCC since 1999.

The real key for either location is to avoid the perils of Atlantic City from being difficult to get to and then being worried about leaving the facility to go anywhere.

For example, Chicago is well known for some rough areas but Rosemont, the suburb near O'Hare is reasonably safe for people coming in. Detroit is improving as a city but again how is the area NEAR the show. If it's a suburb, then you are probably in a good situation.

Downtown Atlanta can certainly hold enough people but again, how is the infrastructure for the dealers and the collectors.

Without knowing the details of the bids, we can only make some guesstimations but not an answer.

Regards
Rich

Rich: The union was a problem last time I did a show in Atlanta. They had to haul your merchandise and showcases, etc. in and when the show closed haul it out. I had problems getting them to help as they seemed to be waiting for a bribe to get them to help. That was in 2000 at the All Star Fanfest Show, not sure how that will fly now. I am sure that the collecting community is a lot stronger in the south now than it was then.

[sayheykid54]

DETROIT. An absolutely fantastic downtown area. Detroit hosted the draft two years ago and it was incredible!

[ncinin]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

Rich: The union was a problem last time I did a show in Atlanta. They had to haul your merchandise and showcases, etc. in and when the show closed haul it out. I had problems getting them to help as they seemed to be waiting for a bribe to get them to help. That was in 2000 at the All Star Fanfest Show, not sure how that will fly now. I am sure that the collecting community is a lot stronger in the south now than it was then.

At the 1999 Atlanta NSCC you were able to load your inventory in and out of the show. I assume each show negotiates the level of union participation at some convention centers

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

I am sure dealers who attended the last National in Cleveland will be asking about union workers no matter where the show is headed, and the answer will be a resounding "No" if there's a union.

[parkplace33]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

Rich: The union was a problem last time I did a show in Atlanta. They had to haul your merchandise and showcases, etc. in and when the show closed haul it out. I had problems getting them to help as they seemed to be waiting for a bribe to get them to help. That was in 2000 at the All Star Fanfest Show, not sure how that will fly now. I am sure that the collecting community is a lot stronger in the south now than it was then.

I have an image in my head of all these National Dealers Union busting in Atlanta

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

I am sure dealers who attended the last National in Cleveland will be asking about union workers no matter where the show is headed, and the answer will be a resounding "No" if there's a union.

I had no union issues in Cleveland and hadn't heard of any.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

I had no union issues in Cleveland and hadn't heard of any.

Forgive me; am I confusing venues? Could have sworn it was the last time in Cleveland where they were refusing to let people take their own material in and out.

[edhans]

There were no issues last year. There were in years past.

[SAllen2556]

Glad to see the Detroit site is downtown. Seriously, if you haven't been to Detroit in 5 years or more, it really, truly has transformed into an actual city. If the National was in November, I'd say go somewhere else. But in late July, I guarantee you'll enjoy it, especially if you rent a car to see some sites like the Motown museum and the art institute. Traffic here is non-existent compared to Atlanta. New bars and restaurants are everywhere. There's an amazing riverwalk, right outside the door of the convention center.

I grew up, went to school, and worked in Detroit, and every time I go downtown these days I can't believe it's the same city.

[isiahfan]

Huntington Place is 2,400,000-square-foot (220,000 m2) in size and has 723,000 square feet (67,200 m2) of exhibition space, with 623,000 square feet (57,900 m2) contiguous.[4] It previously featured an arena, Cobo Arena, which hosted various concerts, sporting events, and other events.[3] In 2015, the facility completed a renovation that repurposed the Cobo Arena space, adding additional meeting halls, a glass atrium with a view of the Detroit riverfront, and the 40,000-square-foot (3,700 m2) Grand Riverview Ballroom.[5][6]

It is served by the Detroit People Mover with its own station.[7] Huntington Place has several large, attached parking garages, as well as parking on the roof of the facility, and direct access to the Lodge Freeway.[8][9] The facility is located along the Detroit International Riverfront, and within walking distance of several downtown hotels.[10]

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

For example, Chicago is well known for some rough areas but Rosemont, the suburb near O'Hare is reasonably safe for people coming in. Detroit is improving as a city but again how is the area NEAR the show. If it's a suburb, then you are probably in a good situation

As a resident, the area downtown in and around Huntington could not be safer. Not only does the DPD patrol well, but Dan Gilbert owns so much down there the area in downtown has basically its own private police force. While the odd incidents still happen in the Greek town area around one of the casinos, I would say that downtown is now one of the safest major cities in the country around that area. Now if you leave the financial district…well good luck. Anyone with any logic would know better. The hotel situation is out of this world as you have enough to easily handle 100s of thousands in walking distance. Plenty of food in walking distances and ample food trucks allowed. Honestly, I can’t think of a better place for a National.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

I am sure dealers who attended the last National in Cleveland will be asking about union workers no matter where the show is headed, and the answer will be a resounding "No" if there's a union.

Huntington is union. However, the q&a lists all non union activities which would cover 99% of exhibitors. You can set up your own area and unload at the loading docks using carts.

https://www.huntingtonplacedetroit.c...urniture%20etc.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

Forgive me; am I confusing venues? Could have sworn it was the last time in Cleveland where they were refusing to let people take their own material in and out.

I made seven trips from my table to my trailer instead of 3 because the union would not allow us to break the two wheeler down and make it a four wheeler. That was pretty trash of them.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Very weird as I have a convertible hand truck too and nobody said a word to me.

[rand1com]

Zero problems in Cleveland. Drove to booth and unloaded in 20 minutes. I always set up on Tuesday. It cost a $100 but you cannot drive in on Wednesday so it is worth the cost to set up early IMO.