Atlantic City

[mrvster]

Everyone Is GOING to have a BLAST!!!







AC is AWESOME


bring your wagners to trade with me

[mrvster]

trying to set up Saturday With "RARE SPORTS FILMS" booth.....not sure of the # yet.......still working on details........

[vintagewhitesox]

Just booked flight and hotel for Thursday-Saturday. Can't do it for a whole week with a 2 1/2 yr old and 6 month old at home. Settting up at booth 440 with MSB sports/BST auctions.
Will have plenty of T206s and some vintage hockey


Looking forward to seeing everyone

[e107collector]

I'm planning on attending Saturday. Hopefully, I will get to put a face to some of the fellow board members. This will be my first National.

I live in NE PA, and most of the local bus co.'s have day trips to AC everyday. For $50.00, I can go round trip to AC, and don't have to worry about gas, tolls, aggravation, etc.

Can't wait!!

Tony

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by mrvster

trying to set up Saturday With "RARE SPORTS FILMS" booth.....not sure of the # yet.......still working on details........

I know that guy. Has some interesting stuff.

[hangman62]

Marshall in da ho !..Im there !

[baker85]

This will be my first national. Pretty excited.

[packs]

Are they ever going to put the autograph prices on the website?

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by packs

Are they ever going to put the autograph prices on the website?

They might be ashamed.

[Head928]

Originally Posted by packs

Are they ever going to put the autograph prices on the website?

The autograph prices are listed by clicking on the person you want.

http://tristarproductions.com/National/

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

They might be ashamed.

Holy BLEEP, I looked and they should be ashamed.

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Holy BLEEP, I looked and they should be ashamed.

I was ashamed to look...but I did. Can't wait for my photo op w/ Sheffield.

[Snapolit1]

Might go for the combo Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair photo. That could be a life changing event as well as a wonderful holiday card.

[packs]

Originally Posted by Head928

The autograph prices are listed by clicking on the person you want.

http://tristarproductions.com/National/

Ah didn't realize you had to go to TriStar's site to get the list.

[Head928]

Getting a Joe Namath jersey or helmet signed with "Broadway" will only run you $500.....more power to Tristar as they obviously have the demand for those prices.

[Snapolit1]

Why should anyone be ashamed to charge a price for something that people line up around the block for with smiles on their face? No one's arm is being twisted as far as I can tell.

[packs]

You should be ashamed because there are probably countless young fans who can't afford your autograph because you'd rather make an extra buck than a new friend. You should also be ashamed to charge anyone a price to take a photo with you.

[Snapolit1]

C'mon . . . I'm sure most of these guys have signed 10,000s of autographs no charge. For some of these people it might be their only retirement income or only hope of contributing to their grand kids college costs or paying for a family members medical bills. I don't begrudge them the right to have people line up and tell them how important they were in their lives. If people want to pay for it they can pay for it.

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by packs

You should be ashamed because there are probably countless young fans who can't afford your autograph because you'd rather make an extra buck than a new friend. You should also be ashamed to charge anyone a price to take a photo with you.

That's a little harsh.

[packs]

Is it? Donovan McNabb is charging $100 for you to take a photo with him. That price does not include an autograph. Mariano River is charging $250 to take a photo with him. Make your money, more power to you, but I still think the way you make your money says something about you.

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by packs

Is it? Donovan McNabb is charging $100 for you to take a photo with him. That price does not include an autograph. You think that's reasonable? That doesn't seem grimey to you? Mariano River is charging $250 to take a photo with him. How many kids do you think have $250 to spend on taking a photo with someone?

I wouldn't pay it, but if that's what the market demands, who am I to judge?

[packs]

It's not what the market demands. It's a set fee that the player or his representatives establish. It's taking advantage of people. No one is bidding to take a photo with McNabb or Rivera. That's where the shameful aspects of it come in.

[PM770]

Originally Posted by packs

Is it? Donovan McNabb is charging $100 for you to take a photo with him. That price does not include an autograph. Mariano River is charging $250 to take a photo with him. Make your money, more power to you, but I still think the way you make your money says something about you.

I'm not sure the bolded is exactly true. The show pays McNabb and Rivera a flat rate to show up, which they wouldn't do otherwise. The show organizers then decide how much to charge for a pic, autograph, whatever.

[PM770]

Originally Posted by packs

It's not what the market demands. It's a set fee that the player or his representatives establish. It's taking advantage of people. No one is bidding to take a photo with McNabb or Rivera. That's where the shameful aspects of it come in.

Of course its a market transaction. The fee is set by the show and people decide whether to pay or not. It is a market transaction.

And its not "taking advantage" of anyone. You are getting exactly what is advertised - a pic with McNabb for a $100. If that price is too steep don't pay it. I won't. That's the market working.

[packs]

Well when I went to shows when I was younger taking a photo was an expectation with your autograph fee. It wasn't a separate price. There are separate tickets for photos and autographs because one doesn't include the other. My overall point is that just because a dollar can be made doesn't mean it should be made.

[Snapolit1]

Mariano Rivera gives millions to a church he built from a dirt pile. I'm not spending his or anyone else's money. You have no idea what their needs are or what they are doing with the money.

[packs]

I don't see what that has to do with charging people $250 to take a photo with you. Can't you take a photo with a person who pays you to write your name?

[Snapolit1]

He's getting an appearance fee to attend.

People pay $750,000 to have breakfast with Warren Buffett. It takes all types.

[jeromebelasco]

We are flying in from England for my first National, would love to get together with anyone else who might be stopping at Harrah's Resort or indeed anywhere else in AC!

[MGHPro]

Any dealers have an extra badge with Tuesday set up they want to sell ?
Pm me
Thanks
Matt

[Huck]

I plan to drive up from Virginia, early Sunday morning. Traffic wise, what can I expect? Beach traffic heading to MD or DE beaches is unbearable. The plan is to leave around 6 am, which would put me in AC before 10 am. I figure the 1000 parking spots at the convention center will be gone by that hour.

Thoughts?

[hangman62]

Yes ..don't worry

[vintagesportscollector]

Originally Posted by biohazard

I plan to drive up from Virginia, early Sunday morning. Traffic wise, what can I expect? Beach traffic heading to MD or DE beaches is unbearable. The plan is to leave around 6 am, which would put me in AC before 10 am. I figure the 1000 parking spots at the convention center will be gone by that hour.

Thoughts?

NJ shore traffic can be a bear too. Leave yourself plenty of time.

[MikeGarcia]

Originally Posted by biohazard

I plan to drive up from Virginia, early Sunday morning. Traffic wise, what can I expect? Beach traffic heading to MD or DE beaches is unbearable. The plan is to leave around 6 am, which would put me in AC before 10 am. I figure the 1000 parking spots at the convention center will be gone by that hour.

Thoughts?

...if you are coming from Eastern Coastal Virginia , you might want to look at a map and plot a drive to Lewes , Delaware----the ferry from there to Cape May puts you in Southern NJ quickly and with a relaxed demeanor.....if you are coming from the I-95 areas of the DC suburbs , then all bets are off and Vaya Con Dios.

..

[Huck]

Originally Posted by MikeGarcia

...if you are coming from Eastern Coastal Virginia , you might want to look at a map and plot a drive to Lewes , Delaware----the ferry from there to Cape May puts you in Southern NJ quickly and with a relaxed demeanor.....if you are coming from the I-95 areas of the DC suburbs , then all bets are off and Vaya Con Dios.

..

I am coming from the DC area. So, traffic to AC is going to problematic?

[MikeGarcia]

Originally Posted by biohazard

I am coming from the DC area. So, traffic to AC is going to problematic?

...Problematic ..I like that.....Problematic----


...yeah , that's the ticket...

.

[Huck]

Originally Posted by MikeGarcia

...Problematic ..I like that.....Problematic----


...yeah , that's the ticket...

.

Oh, I so don't want to sit in non-moving traffic for hours to get to AC. Now I am thinking about not attending the show.

[bigfanNY]

I unfortunately have traveled the I95 route many times and find it works out MUCH better if I can avoid rush hours. My advice is to leave later say 930 10am you will have an hour and a half drive that wont be bad and will enjoy the rest of the day. Looking forward to NATIONAL...

[Huck]

Originally Posted by bigfanNY

I unfortunately have traveled the I95 route many times and find it works out MUCH better if I can avoid rush hours. My advice is to leave later say 930 10am you will have an hour and a half drive that wont be bad and will enjoy the rest of the day. Looking forward to NATIONAL...

Unfortunately, I collect autographs and some of the guests are signing at 11 am, so I can't leave later.

[Huck]

Originally Posted by MikeGarcia

...if you are coming from Eastern Coastal Virginia , you might want to look at a map and plot a drive to Lewes , Delaware----the ferry from there to Cape May puts you in Southern NJ quickly and with a relaxed demeanor.....if you are coming from the I-95 areas of the DC suburbs , then all bets are off and Vaya Con Dios.

..

Mike,

The Lewes ferry might be less problematic. What is the traffic situation from Cape May to AC, on a Sunday morning? How long is the ferry ride from Lewes to Cape May?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by biohazard

Mike,

The Lewes ferry might be less problematic. What is the traffic situation from Cape May to AC, on a Sunday morning? How long is the ferry ride from Lewes to Cape May?

Thanks!

You might need a reservation, just from my past experience summertime vacations

The Garden State Parkway sucks during the summer all beach traffic and the tolls, North and South especially going south starting at Sayreville, NJ through Toms River

[Huck]

Originally Posted by rgpete

You might need a reservation, just from my past experience summertime vacations

Thanks. While checking the Lewes to Cape May route, I found the ferry information and reservation system. The ferry ride is 80 minutes and then AC is another hour up the road from the Cape.

[maddux311]

I have yet to make any reservations for the National as I just worked it out so I can attend. I know reservations anywhere in AC will be tough, ideas on where else would be feasible? I am coming up from NC early in the week. Also, what would be the best avenue to get VIP tickets? Thanks for the suggestions.

[Rich Klein]

I would imagine the NSCC web site still has MVP tickets available. Once ordered, you can pick up at the door in case you are worried about receiving them in the mail in advance.

And I know many people are staying in Absecon. I heartily recommend doing that and driving in each day if you can't find a place in AC

Rich

[bigfanNY]

I see on Ticket website they ask for a promo code to get a discount on admission If anyone has one they could share please pm or post.

[Kco]

Originally Posted by packs

I don't see what that has to do with charging people $250 to take a photo with you. Can't you take a photo with a person who pays you to write your name?

A little late here, but I feel the need to chime in on this question from the other side of the table as I've done several signings during my nearly decade in the industry.

If Mariano were to stop and take a photo with every single fan, and the line is 300-400 people long, maybe even bigger, it would literally add 2-3 hours of time to his signing session which would substantially reduce the amount of time visitors could spend at booths, getting other signatures or otherwise use during the day to spend money elsewhere. This, inevitably, would cost everyone involved a lot of money, which, whether you would like to admit it or not, is what the National is all about from every angle.

Additionally there are literally dozens upon dozens of signings each day at all times. Then, what if the first photo isn't great, then you want another, or more than one, its a slippery slope. If you don't like the cost of signers, don't buy/pay for it. That simple.

If you don't like the prices don't buy the auto/photo op, I've passed on plenty of players because their prices were just a bit to high for my liking. I regret only once not buying into a signing. If enough people don't buy it two things will happen:

A. That athlete will substantially drop their price or
b. They wont be doing future signing because no one will want them at their ridiculous prices.

[Huck]

Originally Posted by Kco

If Mariano were to stop and take a photo with every single fan, and the line is 300-400 people long, maybe even bigger, it would literally add 2-3 hours of time to his signing session which would substantially reduce the amount of time visitors could spend at booths, getting other signatures or otherwise use during the day to spend money elsewhere. This, inevitably, would cost everyone involved a lot of money, which, whether you would like to admit it or not, is what the National is all about from every angle.

Funny, but Cal Ripken manages to take pictures with anyone who pays for an autograph ticket. Which makes sense because, he is the iron man. Cal KNOWS he is going to be there for a substantial amount of time. Cal signs 15-20 items, gets up and someone from his organization takes a picture with your camera. I just checked the Tristar site and the autograph ticket entitles the ticket holder to a photo with Cal with your camera. His autograph is not cheap at $159, but at least he is not doubling up and charging for the photo op as well.

Cal gets it.

[BigSix]

I will be attending the convention in Atlantic City this year and appreciate all the insight provided by Snapolit1 and others. I will definitely visit the Knife and Fork Inn and the White House Sub Shop. In regard to lodging, I’m staying at the Tropicana. I was just advised by a co-worker to check out the bed bug registry website and noted that all the host hotels have numerous complaints of bed bug sightings. I assumed this is the exception rather than the norm but wanted to ask others on the board who have lodge in AC to comment on their experiences. I appreciate anyone sharing their experiences and hopefully all positive.

[Snapolit1]

Never once had an issue anywhere in AC, including the Trop.