My Card Show Experience at RMU in Pittsburgh

[vintagetoppsguy]

From my TriStar experiences, I see some kids at the show with their parents, but mostly like 12-13 and under. I really don't see a lot of teenagers there. I think this is the promoter's fault. Most teenagers are on a budget and are limited to whatever funds they have from allowance, mowing yards, part-time jobs, etc. My point is, it would cost a young teen $20 just to walk into a TriStar show before they ever get in the door - $10 parking, $10 entry fee. I think most teenagers would rather spend that $20 on cards and not for the "privilege" to buy.

When I was collecting as a kid in Houston in the mid to late '80s, most shows were free to attend or maybe like $1-$2 to get in. $10 entry fee is ridiculous. Don't they make enough money off the dealer tables? Back then, most of the parking was free too because it was usually at a hotel. Also, back then, there were usually 2 or more shows every weekend around town and you had to pick and choose the one you wanted to go to. The good 'ole days.

Anyway, that's my thoughts on why less kids are attending. They just can’t afford to.