Thoughts, observations and opinions on the National

[Tabe]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by JBirkholm

I would have included Columbus, but alas, no baseball to watch!

Clippers baby! (And a beautiful new stadium!)

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by JBirkholm

I would have included Columbus, but alas, no baseball to watch!

Nah, the place is filled with takers.

[BBSD]

San Diego would be a great venue. All you guys/gals would dig this place for those who have not already been here.

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Nah, the place is filled with takers.

Point taken. Aside from that, much like some parts of the country get invaded by cicadas every 17 years, central Ohio falls prey to an annual summer influx of pissants. So the National committee would have to work around that.

[tbob]

Originally Posted by JBirkholm

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.

If it were held in Pittsburgh we certainly wouldn't have to worry about getting great seats there's going to be plenty available for a long time. (Sorry Pirates fans).

[ChiefBenderForever]

With all the revitalization to Pittsburgh I think it would be a great city to have a national, not to mention so many dealers and collectors seem to be in that area and not to far from the east coast. Won't the Suntimes and Sportsfest Chicago shows take a blow with some many back to back huge shows especially with everyone gearing up for the national ? Chicago is good as it is in the middle for east and west coasts but seems to be a bit overkill.