This made me laugh........and then think who the hell was dumb enough to head into that alley with you.

I'm guessing some Aggieville action. Spent a great deal of time there in the late 70's early 80's. And there was also quite a bit of action downtown at Cowboy Palace.

Aggieville was a blast. Brothers was a favorite. Good times...

Atlantic City
 

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Philly to AC
 

Getting from Philly to AC might be the easiest ride you will have. Its more difficult to get out of the Philly airport, then once on the road getting to AC. Literally, going over the Walt Whitman bridge from Philly......you stay straight for 50+ miles straight to AC....LOL.

An easy commute for me, so I'll be there for sure.

Bob

I lived above Kites in Aggieville while attending Kstate 1980-84

I frequented Dark Horse, Rockin K and Cowboy Palace downtown after hours during those years.

Kites, Mother's Worry, Dark Horse

Agree.

Fun memories resurrected from the aggieville comments. Getting old isn't much fun.

AC National
 

AC to NYC is a relatively easy drive also. Its a rough commute to do every day of the con, but you have the advantage of one of the best city in the world at your disposal. Easy to fly into as well.

As was mentioned by another poster, I'll probably take Casino buses back and forth between AC and Brooklyn. For those that don't know, these are buses run by the Casinos to bring in NYC patrons. Super cheap, sometimes free and some will even give you like a $20 voucher for whatever casino is running the bus.

My show partner's primary client is actually in DFW that weekend to play the Rangers and there is a good possibility we will be dong a private signing/small card show that weekend. If so, that would be a blast for me and I'm ready for 2017 in Chicago.

That is understandable.
I am still not decided completely but am leaning towards going. It's the one show I really like to make. And without setting up or having a Dinner to tend to, it might even be enjoyable again.

Anyone have an opinion on the Tropicana as far as being a good middle ground for proximity to family type activities vs the show.

Taking the wife and kids but last time we all went wasn't very appealing to the to be at the show so much. She was thinking they could go to a beach or places on the boardwalk to entertain while I was at the show, then they could go to the show in smaller doses.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks :)


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I think the Trop is probably the single best hotel in AC to take a wife and kids who aren't into the show. There is a large indoor mall area ("The Quarter") that has some nice stores and great places to eat. There is an IMAX theater there kids are welcome at. And they are on the boardwalk/beach. As a footnote, also has a totally awesome fitness center if you are into working out. I'd totally recommend for families.

It's kind of an ebb and flow with me as to going or not :). Today I am not really "feeling" it. AC might be a good year to pass.....And with Mike Berkus's passing it won't be the same even if I do go. He was certainly a great hobbyist (to me) and did more for the hobby than most.

Wow, there were ones and ones of people there!

I spoke with Uncle Dick at the Robert Morris show on Friday. He said that this will be the first one that he misses in 33 years. He said that 2003 was the only one that he ever lost money at. He said that it was very light on Thursdsy Friday and they kept waiting for the traffic to pick up over the weekend but it never did - hotel rates doubled over the weekend and traffic getting out was a nightmare so folks stayed away. I'll be there so hopefully folks will be ready to deal to generate some volume.

I am not saying this to be dismissive or rude, but A.C. never really seems like much of a family destination, IMO. I am a huge fan of low limit poker, so I have probably been to Atlantic City 50-60 times in my life. Most of the shops on the boardwalk are very cheesy/tourist trap type of places and the city itself is a ghetto a few blocks off the boardwalk.

The Borgata is far, far and away the nicest casino in town, but it is in the marina district and not located on the boardwalk. Most of the casinos on the boardwalk have a tired, worn-out vibe to them.

Again, I am not trying to hate on the show. I hope it is hugely successful. But Atlantic City never really seems like much of a destination unless a person is going there to gamble or for a specific reason like a show or a concert. I say that just as a word of caution that your wife and kids may not enjoy A.C. as much as you hope they will. Atlantic City is a very grimy, adult-oriented city with many pawn shops, bars and adult themed venues.

On the whole, A.C. is dying. Four of the 12 casinos in town have closed since 2013 -- and more closings are expected. Legalized casino gaming in other states, especially Pennsylvania and Maryland, has just gutted A.C. in recent years. Personally, I have gone from going to A.C. 5-6 times a year to 1-2 times a year now that poker is legal in PA. As someone that has been going to Atlantic City only since the early 2000s, I can visibly see what a downturn the city has experienced just over the past five years.

http://money.cnn.com/2015/12/01/news...asinos-moodys/

http://www.politico.com/magazine/sto...s-dying-112057

I completely agree with Eddie. It actually was a family destination BEFORE the casinos were built, but it is not now. If you are deciding to take the family, I would strongly recommend not to and go by yourself.

There was a vote for the 2016 National between Anaheim and Atlantic City. Many of the dealers voted Atlantic City (which won the vote) since the dealers didn't want the west coast site. The reason Atlantic City was even considered in this last vote was because basically the National show promoters will pay next to nothing for the Atlantic City convention center for this summers National. The 2003 National was horrible for dealers, but they were willing to try it again.

I personally think the Atlantic City show will be a total disaster, for a variety of reasons, many logistical as mentioned in earlier posts. Most west coast collectors will not attend, so that will eliminate a lot of those collectors. Most New Yorkers and Philly collectors who went to the Baltimore shows by car or train, will definately drive or take a train to this national. So, the show will look very similar to the Baltimore National in terms of attendees.

Baltimore
 

I had heard that dealers were really happy with the National being held in Baltimore. I surely enjoyed the short drive to attend the show. Is there any truth to the rumor that the problem with the Baltimore Convention center is events can't be booked more than a year out?

I couldn't disagree more with people who say keep your family away from Atlantic City. Yes, the outer fringes are pretty gritty, but there is no reason to go there. If you stay on the Boardwalk I am sure your spouse and children will find plenty to keep themselves busy. Hotels have pools, there is a beach, is a great old time amusement part on the Boardwalk. Many sows, an Imax theater at the Tropicana. Many fun restaurants. Yes, it has an urban city vibe, and yes there's a chance to might see some seriously wacky people wandering down the boardwalk, but if you limit your walking around to the populated areas and don't stagger around like a drunken sailor you'll be fine.

Sort of reminds me of when I moved to NJ and my well meaning friends would tell me not to go see the Newark Bears. Yes, Newark NJ has a scary murder rate. But that had nothing to do with the Bears stadium, which was about 2 minutes off the highway. And no one went to the Bears and an amazing franchise disappeared.

I am still trying to find a reasonable mode of transport from Phil. Airport to the convention center(without going the train route). There seem to be several car/limo/ride share options but all that I seem to find are $200++ each way. What else is there? I see reference to some just over $100 online but can never find that price offered.

I've attended six Nationals: 1991 Anaheim, 1999 Atlanta, and the last four Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Chicago.

I'm probably not going to attend this year in AC. Flying into CLE BWI and ORD has been a breeze, with easy to catch free or low cost shuttles from the airport to my hotel. In Baltimore I walked to the venue. In Chicago, the hotel provided a free shuttle to/from the show. Atlantic City just sounds like a pain.

From the National Sports Collectors Convention website http://nsccshow.com "About the National"

"Seeking to involve collectors from around the country, founders of the National stipulated that the event should move around the country to insure all collectors and exhibitors could participate."

Dealers need to vote to move the location around the country some, but Atlantic City wasn't the correct vote for me. I would have rather flown out to Anaheim.

Larry

Spirit air does fly direct into AC from several cities. You need to check thier site as they aren't on most of the others.

This should be a very active show given how heated the card market is currently. I'm betting even this less than optimal host city won't dampen the amount of $ thrown at dealers.

I think most of the dealers who will be there will do well. I also think that it will be a buyer's market. The dealers who might hurt are those with the high ticket items, IF the high ticket buyers don't show. But for the more average Joes (buyers and sellers), I think it will be a good show. Gut feel or wishful thinking, we'll see.

Not directed to AJ...

Y'all need to get a little more creative with your planning. In my case, this is the first year the wife will be able to come along. Will she go to the show? Maybe on one day for an hour or two. But since we got a time share exchange for a week on the beach in Brigantine for the price of one night's stay in an AC hotel, she'll be able to relax on the beach as much as she wants while I make the 15-20 minute drive to the convention center everyday. It's one way to keep her in a good mood while I probably spend more than I should at the show. :D

Any concerns walking directly to and from boardwalk and the convention center during daylight hours?

I wouldn't have any concerns.

Taxis are plentiful in AC. And not particularly expensive. Definately the way to move around after dark.

This will be my first National and have a few questions.

I am only 90 minutes from AC, so getting there is not a problem.

I'm an autograph guy, so do I bring my own items to be signed or do I have to purchase them at the show?

Second, should I bring something to carry my stuff in?

Thanks guys.

I have been to quite a few Nationals and I do some autographs, too.

Yes, you can bring your own items or buy things at the show. I've done both depending on who it is. The VIP bag will usually give you access to all of the freebie autos. Some people trade tickets to get extras of their favorites for ones they won't use.

And most definitely bring something to carry your stuff! I recommend a stand up rolling case, usually available in the suitcase sections of most stores. You can get one on the cheap, doesn't have to be expensive. I like those because you can carry everything from wax to balls to cases and binders to 8x10's!

I usually take some time before the show to organize my case for maximum viability.

Some regulars I can't wait to see, and new friends to meet!

You'll love it!


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Thank you, Mike.

I am looking forward to going there and meeting some fellow autograph collectors.

Chris - They have a fantastic selection of autograph guests !!!

Absolutely.

Thanks guys.

One more question:

Do I bring my own items for the players to sign?

Like I said before, you can bring your own or you can purchase things there. I've done both depending on what I had or what I was looking to collect. Most prices are very fair.

You'll have a great time! :)


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Thank you, Mike, you did reply to my question. Sorry.

I am looking forward to being there.

That's cool. It was kinda long winded so I understand how it was missed.

We might only get there for the first 3 days this year. We'll see the closer it gets.

Either way, I hope to meet up with more than a few net54'ers.


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I'll be there Friday and leave Saturday morning.

I'll be purchasing one of the VIP packages.

Does everything get mailed to me?

Thank you again.

No, bring your printed ticket and they will scan it at will call and give you the VIP package.

I keep hearing the same thing about Atlantic City. Some are coming and some are not. It is really getting to be boring.

It is still the best place to see 'most' of the best dealers in the country.

Who are you really hurting by not figuring out a way to get to A.C.? Just yourself -- if history repeats itself, there will still be plenty of people in attendance, and it appears that pre-sales are enough to predict that attendance should be in the 40,000 - 50,000 range.
Maybe that is true, maybe not, we will see.

What I do know for sure is that I have set up at every National except for the first 4, and my display will be the best I have ever put together in all of those years. I really don't do many other shows anymore, so this is your only chance to buy from me, and many other small business owners just like me who are set up every year.

Now you can wait until Chicago to see what I have to offer, but why wait another 12 months?

Your decision. Either way, I look forward to greeting anyone who does come to A.C.
If you don't come, it is still your loss.

Have a great summer!!!

Steve Sabow

For those attending, please be careful if you are staying at the Taj Mahal, Resorts or the Courtyard Marriott. My son just returned from a big Anime convention and described a mini-horror show, even on the Boardwalk sections away from the casino hotels. Characters abound and one unfortunately robbed his friend who had foolishly exposed his wallet when having a smoke by the Courtyard's rear entrance. I just canceled my Marriott reservation and booked into Bally's since it's so much closer to the Convention Center and Outlet Stores.

I don't get it. If something happened at one hotel why are you naming three hotels???

It's not an attack on those properties. FWIW that section of the boardwalk gets a bit rougher, especially at night.

How's this place?
Flagship All-Suites, a fantaSea Resort

Never stayed; large tower. Assume it's ok but not a full service hotel I don't think. Probably more of a time share place.

Thanks for the info! Any cheaper or better alternatives if possible? It's booked on stand by.

I called Chef Vola and easily got a res a few months ago. Summer might be more difficult. Angelo's Fairmont is off the strip and packs a lot of good local flavor. Is not Chef Vola's though. There is also Carmines near the Trop, in the attached mall ("The Quarter"). A chain but good, especially for large groups.

As far as hotels, I'd be careful with anything that looks like a cheap motel. Under $300 a night I'd say the Tropicana, Ballys and The Chelsea (not the annex part, that's gotten a little run down) are all solid choices.

If money is no object and you want the wife to be thrilled all weekend sporing for the Borgata or attached Water Club. Spas, outside pools with drinks, the whole 9 yards. Or the Golden Nugget.

Do not miss the White House sub shop. And do not order a whole sandwich. As long as your arm. Not kidding.

Shereaton is in the middle of nowhere but is closest to the convention center and no casino, which means its quiet at night.

To all the first timers: Atlantic City is not meant for you to walk around in. You go there to gamble. When you get to the place you're going, stay inside. I'm not surprised to hear about people being robbed who walk around at night. It's not a walking city, it's not a place you need to explore, it's attractions are clear cut: money. It doesn't matter if you won anything or even if you're not gambling at all, anyone who sees you walking around at night is going assume you've got a pocket full of house money. So be smart and you'll be fine.

yeaahh. Ill be staying home this year.

That wasn't meant as an indictment against going. Atlantic City is fine so long as you don't make bad decisions. It's not a nice place by any means, but it's very easy to have a good time. Just stay where you are at night and do your walking in the day time. My point is to know where you're going.

I treat AC the same as I would Miami, New Orleans, Houston, Atlanta and about 100 other cities: if you don't know your way around don't be walking around at night after dark. Taxis everywhere.
First time I went to Seattle 20 years ago someone tried to roll me. Grew up in NYC and never had an issue in my life. Things happen everywhere.

It's the same advice as anywhere

Don't whip your wallet out in a strange place
Don't drink too much, know your surroundings
Don't look like a tourist, walk with a 'porpoise'
To
Yes of fear pull out your phone and pretend like you are meeting someone close by


I'm sure I'm forgetting a few, but it isn't just Atlantic city

Hmmm... wouldn't that actually be more like to draw attention your way? :D

Naughty aquatic mammals....
 

There was a time when you could be arrested for crossing a state line for immoral porpoises.

..

Don't walk around the area unless you're with a trained military swat team. :D

Atlantic City
 

.

Let's not forget, if you're flying into Philly, you'll first have to skirt by Camden before you even get to AC. So make sure you don't make the wrong turn :rolleyes:

DJ

LOL, whomever goes will have to give detailed accounts. I haven't heard it's real easy to fly in and out of, with long taxi rides etc.....I am sure it will be fun for those that go as I skip this one for the first time in about 15 yrs. I will be in ChiTown next year, God willing.

Ditto!

Regards,

Larry

And if you are worried about AC at night, you can stay in Absecon and drive in every day.

Plenty of options, but what would be the point of the Internet if people didn't have things to complain about or to feign outrage over. Whole system could come crashing down in a matter of moments. And none of us wants that.

That's where I'm gonna stay. Is it a safe part? Didn't really research but hotel was a lot cheaper then near the convention center.

Absecon is fine. I would just check some online motel/hotel reviews re:quality of facility.

How far is Absecon from any beaches?


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Longport Beach is located at the southern tip of Absecon Island, just south of Margate and Ventnor. The beach is small and quiet, clean and serene, with sunbathing, kayaking and surfing. Beach badges are required for all beach patrons over the age of 12. Regular beach tags are $15 and tags for senior citizens are $5.

Guarded beaches are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information about ocean water conditions, lifeguards place “Beach Warning Flags” atop their lifeguard stands: green means safe, yellow means caution, red is hazardous and red flags with the no swimming sign indicate that no swimming is allowed.

Brigantine is about 15 minutes away. Be aware that most NJ beaches are not free and require badges during the day.

Atlantic city hotels are fine .. Yes there are bad parts of town but I would be comfortable staying in any of the regular casino hotels.

FWIW, the Casino workers Union just voted to strike at 5 of the remaining 8 casinos starting July 4th weekend.

.

.

Love some of the posts about how I am not going to Atlantic City because its unsafe at night. Wow. Didn't realize how many folks like to walk around urban cities in the middle of the night with a bankroll or rare cards falling out of their back pocket. Who knew?

Inconvenient? Is Philadelphia or NYC inconvenient to? If you fly into Philly (a major US airport last time I checked) you can rent a car or take one of the many short train rides (less than 40 minutes I think) that deposits you within spitting distance of the convention center. Sounds like every business trip I've ever taken.

Realize of course if you live across the country it sucks. I wouldn't be flying out to Aneheim for a card show. Or probably even Chicago. But lucky year for me as I drive to AC all the time.

It's really not that easy. Getting to Philly is easy. Getting to AC from there not so much.

Most of the rental cars are already taken and the prices were already well above normal($300 for 4 days) and then you get to pay the hotel to park it there.

The train is not real feasible if you have much stuff to tote around.

So far the cheapest direct limo/car service I have found is $135 each way, might be some shuttles with multiple stops a bit cheaper, but would take 2 hours plus to get to the center. Still checking though, going to check with RapidRover today.

Thank God that we have a ton of East Coast Collectors!,! I still think this show will be a Blockbuster. There are a lot of collectors that don't like to fly to Chicago so this will be a chance to drive to the National.

Scott is right. It gets complicated. Another option is to fly into Newark airport & rent a car from there and drive to Atlantic City. There are several car rental shops at the Newark airport and driving to Atlantic City will take about 2 hours via the Garden State Parkway.

Uber from philly, better than a rental car as you don't have to drive and cheaper.

So........after many emails and searches and phone calls, I believe i have found the cheapest and quickest transport co. Tropiano runs a shared ride from Phil Airport to the Sheraton direct(since it's their first stop) for $55 per person each way. They also pick up at most of the AC hotels for the trip back to Phil Airport.