I’m all for card shows. It’s the one time that I can actually find cards that I need without having to deal with all the hassles of eBay. While I love the idea of attending the National Sports Collectors Convention later this month, there is no way I could see myself plunking down over $100 dollars for a VIP pass.
There are lots of goodies should you choose to buy a VIP pass, including exclusive cards from all the companies. Last week Topps showed off their 1959 Topps-themed exclusives. I think it’s fair to say many collectors are a little burnt out from 1959 Topps by now but it still manages to work well.
Today, Upper Deck released their own National Exclusives. While the 1989 design has been used to death this year, it would have been better than whatever was done here. The 10-card set features all sports (even Hockey) but it just cannot be saved, in my opinion.
Which National Exclusive do you like best?
Upper Deck VIP Exclusive
Topps VIP Exclusive
wow, i can get 50s cards from topps if i pay 100 bucks? that seems to be a pretty good dea……
wait, cant you just go buy a pack of that crap at a store for $3 and pull 4 mantles there? another strikeout by both major card companies. its seems like theyre both trying really hard to be the worst company, and to lose business. but as both of them suck (nearly) equally, they stay afloat.
If you are just going for 1 day, then the VIP pass doesn’t make sense. However, if you are there for the whole thing, the $119 ticket gets you in for all 5 days of the convention, plus a TON of other stuff. This is directly from the website:
Admission to all 30th National Public Events.
Early Admission to all five show days Wednesday July 29- Sunday August 2.
VIPs will enter the show one-half hour ahead of General Admission attendees.
Exclusive Beckett Media VIP Reception on Wednesday July 29 from 2:30-4:30 pm with refreshments and free autographs. Special guest signers are Andre Thornton, former Indians Superstar and Charley Trippi, NFL Hall of Famer. Players will sign from 3:30-4:30PM for VIPs only
Admission to Sneak Peek Wednesday July 29 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Additional free autograph signer will be Craig Krenzel former Ohio State QB who lead Buckeyes to their last National Championship in 2002
VIP Autograph Package – 12 autograph tickets (6 random VIP Guest Tickets and 6 Wild Card Tickets to be used for any VIP Guest as time permits) VIP Guests will appear as scheduled Wednesday-Sunday. Signers include Bob Gain, Dick Schafrath, John Montefusco, Rick Reuschel, Jerry Sherk, Jack Clark, Joe Charboneau, Jim Stillwagon, Jan White, Mike McCormick, Ron Blomberg, Charles White, Kevin Mack, Len Barker, Mike Pruitt, Don Schwall, Lee May & Sonny Siebert – See below for details
Exclusive Gift Package loaded with promos and other items made exclusively for the 30th National Sports Collectors Convention. National Convention Promo cards are always a high demand item.
The Upper Deck VIP Set will consist of 10 great looking cards including current players as well as favorites from the past. Set includes Lebron James, Sidney Crosby, Derek Jeter, Joe DiMaggio, Bob Feller, Grady Sizemore, Peyton Manning, Gordie Howe, Ken Griffey Jr & Michael Jordan (see below)
Topps will provide each VIP with a 4-card pack of 1959 Retro cards. Set includes 2 poses of Mickey Mantle, a Jackie Robinson with the Giants, Roy Campanella as Dodger Coach and Roger Maris with the Yankees – See images below
Panini America (formerly Donruss) will provide a 6-card 20th Anniversary Retro Set in the style of 1989 Score Football. Set includes Matt Stafford, Mark Sanchez, Matt Ryan, Big Ben Roethlisberger, Brady Quinn & Larry Fitzgerald – See images below.
Press Pass will give VIPs a 6-card NASCAR set featuring Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch and rookie phenom Joe Logano (Sample below)
VIP Lounge off the Show Floor for your exclusive use all week.
Exclusive VIP Show Entrance to avoid the General Admission lines.
If you are going for the whole 5 days, there is nothing else that even makes sense, except maybe the Super VIP for $159.
hmmmm… boring or ugly. What a choice!
I’m only about 40 minutes from the I-X Center but I’m only going one day. The giveaways and other VIP perks would be nice but I work for a Chrysler dealer.I’m lucky to have a job let alone that much extra cash !! My two sons and I hope to be there on Saturday.
The VIP thing isn’t too bad. We had it when the National was in Anaheim. The Sneak Peek thing was better than expected. Pretty much could get as much stuff as you wanted signed.
moe.
Hmm, not a tough choice….The great ‘59 design (the favorite power ballad that is now played every hour on the radio) or the 1950’s art deco prison ship video screen design….bleah.
now that i think about it more, i like the UD one. it gives off that weed vibe. its makes joe come alive almost if you did some. sure, the topps one might be better, but we have seen it 100 million times. i wish they just lay it to rest… and try to think about making a great 2009 card.