Is anyone excited about the National?

[MikeGarcia]

..In keeping with the 50-post rule for showing a pre-war card :


...

[1954 topps]

This will be my 4th National but first in 4 years so heck yeah I'm excited! Covid ruined the past two years and honestly covid is on the rise big time right now so I fully expect to finally get the vid and have a mass outbreak linked to the National. Even so I'm looking forward to it. If your going just assume your going to get it.

I don't care too much about what is outside of the show as far as attractions, how nice the area is, etc. because my main focus is on the cards and talking with people collecting post-war vintage.

The main thing for me is how much space a venue has for people to spread out and see everything on the tables and in that aspect Cleveland wins hands down, followed by AC, and lastly Chicago. If you have to look around people to see cards in showcases, how fun is that? So I'm hopeful it gets back to Cleveland every 3rd year. Cleveland is so massive that they could expand the number of dealers by 30% and still have plenty of space.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by 1954 topps

This will be my 4th National but first in 4 years so heck yeah I'm excited! Covid ruined the past two years and honestly covid is on the rise big time right now so I fully expect to finally get the vid and have a mass outbreak linked to the National. Even so I'm looking forward to it. If your going just assume your going to get it.

I don't care too much about what is outside of the show as far as attractions, how nice the area is, etc. because my main focus is on the cards and talking with people collecting post-war vintage.

The main thing for me is how much space a venue has for people to spread out and see everything on the tables and in that aspect Cleveland wins hands down, followed by AC, and lastly Chicago. If you have to look around people to see cards in showcases, how fun is that? So I'm hopeful it gets back to Cleveland every 3rd year. Cleveland is so massive that they could expand the number of dealers by 30% and still have plenty of space.

Cleveland could probably expand by well more than 30%. Those curtains on the northern side of the IX Center's main floor weren't there to cover up blank walls. There were there to cut off the room to only the space they needed. They didn't want to have all the extra space just open. They probably need to limit the number of exhibitors so it doesn't exceed the number that can be fit into the other smaller venues they've held the National at. Doubt that would go over well with a lot of dealers if they opened the National up to many more of them in Cleveland, and then had to boot a lot of them out in subsequent years because they couldn't fit them into the Chicago, AC, or other venues.

And there are multiple floors to the IX Center as well. Years ago I seem to remember Tri-Star hosting a large autograph oriented show on the first sub-level, as the main floor was too big and would make the show seem more like some kids running a lemonade stand in a Walmart parking lot. They could literally give the various groups, autograph area/pavilion, breaker's area/pavilion, AHs or TPGs, their own room(s) if you will.

[lowpopper]

"The Nationals"

[puckpaul]

I am going for the first time in some years, since I am in NY for a bit and can get down there. how can you not be excited to go to a National? get to see so many great cards and memorabilia in person. hopefully I can find a few things I need to finish some sets. sure will be better than other random summer days.

[jefferyepayne]

I can't wait!!! It's within driving distance for me so really enjoy not having to deal with the airport, etc this year. The last time it was in AC I was there as well and thought the show and city was just fine.

But I'd probably go if the Natty was in Des Moines, Iowa so I'm probably not normal, LOL.

jeff

[ALBB]

Oh yes, going

[58pinson]

I was super excited to get to my first National. I live in Ocean County, NJ so it's a real nice little day trip for me.

That said, with the recent Covid numbers and me being a few weeks short of 74, although vaccinated and boosted, I just don't think it's worth the risk.

For everyone who gets there have a great one!

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

I'm probably not going this year. Like I've been saying for awhile now, the novelty of attending the National is over. It's really just a large social meetup nowadays. And, the ones on here who say you want to meet other Net54 members, that will really be difficult with so many people at the show, unless you arrange beforehand to meet.
Attachment 524948

You know you're going to leave me with no one to say "How the Hell are you?"

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Fballguy

I think the Dallas show is 5 or 6 times a year too. Houston has twice the population and just reduced their big show to once a year. I'd think a National in Houston would probably be cheaper and nearly as easy to get to.

The dealers do get a chance to vote on going to Houston and frankly although it's driving distance for me, who in the heck wants to go to Houston during the middle of the summer.

Rich

[Yoda]

If Houston is being considered then why not Orlando, FL or West Palm Beach, which has a beautiful new convention Center, loads of fine hotel and restaurants and easy access.

[Fballguy]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

The dealers do get a chance to vote on going to Houston and frankly although it's driving distance for me, who in the heck wants to go to Houston during the middle of the summer.

Rich

Yeah...This Summer has been especially miserable. But Houston hosts every other thing, so why not the National? It's not like you go to the National to sit outside.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Just like 2016 did, this National will bring lots of collectors from the east coast, some from the middle of the country, and few from the west coast.

True... but I would insert the word "very" in front of "few".

[Jason]

Always and I have a fun train trip planned to get their.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

I don't care where it is, I wish I could go this year, but I can't. Best wishes to everyone who attends.

[Lucas00]

I'm very excited!

[Snapolit1]

counting the hours ……

[A2000]

If you're a collector and you love cardboard, and you're going to attend the National, how can one not be excited?

[Hankphenom]

There's nothing like walking into a National the first day you're there. If you're dead to it, you must be dead to the hobby.

[Johnny630]

When is the earliest you can go ? Wednesday afternoon?

[bigfish]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

There's nothing like walking into a National the first day you're there. If you're dead to it, you must be dead to the hobby.

Well said!

Please send me your address. I would like to return the Walter Johnson book you gave me to read in Chantilly.

Toby

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by bigfish

Well said! Please send me your address. I would like to return the Walter Johnson book you gave me to read in Chantilly. Toby

Hi Toby,
Was it my book, or the Roger Treat book, I can't remember anything these days. In either case, you are welcome to keep it or pass it on to someone else.

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

When is the earliest you can go ? Wednesday afternoon?

Tuesday is dealer set up. I've heard that's the day on the down low where lots of good stuff get's purchased/traded among dealers and those lucky enough to have a dealer's badge.

[Belfast1933]

Have been selling my dupes for weeks trying to build a kitty to buy like crazy at the National - really excited and appreciate the advice from all.

Slightly off topic question - my daughter has a high-grade Pokémon card that she has asked me to help her sell... think there will be any opportunity to sell it in AC? It's probably a $400-500 card, I'm told.

Thanks - see you in AC!

Jeff

[Snapolit1]

I'd say extremely likely there will be a reasonably deep Pokemon contingent.


QUOTE=Belfast1933;2245668]Have been selling my dupes for weeks trying to build a kitty to buy like crazy at the National - really excited and appreciate the advice from all.

Slightly off topic question - my daughter has a high-grade Pokémon card that she has asked me to help her sell... think there will be any opportunity to sell it in AC? It's probably a $400-500 card, I'm told.

Thanks - see you in AC!

Jeff[/QUOTE]