Thoughts, observations and opinions on the National

barrysloate · #1 08-10-2010, 04:41 PM

Rob- if it were across the street, there's a 50-50 chance I would stop by.

insidethewrapper · #2 08-10-2010, 05:06 PM

I think the first baseball card shows were in "Detroit" in the early 1970's. These shows were the best the hobby had to offer !
Why not a show at "Ford Field"? This is across the road from Tigers Comerica Park. Also casino's within eye range and some great food in "Greektown", HockeyTown restaurant etc. Plenty of vendors in Ford Field . Plenty of seating and room. Would a football field be large enough for dealers ?
One of the few cities with all 4 major sports !!!!
Some slots, some baseball and food after the show each nite should be enough for anyone.

Tabe · #3 08-11-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insidethewrapper

Plenty of seating and room. Would a football field be large enough for dealers ?

Actually, a football field isn't even close to big enough. Now, granted that there's space around the field itself but a football field is 360ft x 159ft (120 yds x 53 yds). That's only 57240 sq ft. Even if you add 100 ft in each direction, you're still under 120,000 sq ft.

Tabe

GasHouseGang · #4 08-11-2010, 11:31 AM

If we actually get to vote, I'd vote for San Diego too. It would be nice to attend another National before I die!

Comic-con was at the San Diego Convention Center, which according to the website is 525,701 gross sq.ft. contiguous exhibit space on the ground floor and has 50 loading docks. The only possible drawback I can see is they also say Floor Loads: 350 lbs. per sq. ft. This might mean some dealers wouldn't be able to attend.

E93 · #5 08-11-2010, 11:36 AM

San Diego is a great idea for a west coast venue. Great convention center, near ball park, tons of restaurants, etc. downtown in the gaslamp area.
JimB

dstudeba · #6 08-11-2010, 04:12 PM

San Diego has lots of beautiful women which might ruin the National's reputation.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2...s/intro/090805

BillyCoxDodgers3B · #7 08-11-2010, 05:12 PM

A few thoughts (most of which have undoubtedly been discussed to death already):

I think it's imperative that the largest show of its kind cater to the majority. Most of the dealer and collector demographic live on the east coast (with the heaviest concentration being in NY and NJ). It makes no sense to have 80-90% of attendees come all the way out to the west coast. The Anaheim show proved what a poor decision that was.

Chicago is centrally located for all involved and has much to offer in the way of non-hobby perks. The Rosemont Center leaves much to be desired, however. Those in charge of running it should look to Baltimore's venue and take note.

I think Cleveland makes a lot of sense, but again, the venue isn't the greatest. The IX Center certainly offers ample and affordable parking, and accommodations can be found on Priceline for next to nothing (I paid $35/night last year at a Holiday Inn, complementary limo shuttle service included).

Out of curiosity, what would cities such as Cincinnati and Pittsburgh have to offer? These would seem like ideal geographic/demographic areas. From past experience, there's plenty to be had in the way of hotels and dining, and each has an MLB team. I would have included Columbus, but alas, no baseball to watch!