@ 2.5 to 3 hrs depending on traffic from Newark Airport to AC plus tolls, and AC is not a great place to visit

Atlantic City
 

.

That BlockBuster must be in AC

I'm starting to think Franks' idea of kayaking from CA through the Panama Canal to AC isn't such a bad idea after all. :cool:

A man a plan a canal panama

Just thought in case it matters to anyone and is still available - the Shereaton is pet friendly. Think your dog has the be under 70 pounds.

The Sheraton has been sold out since the first of the year.

Hey Don, I'll be looking for you in AC. I'll have my list with me. I don't understand all the negativity. AC is like any other tourist/casino area. We're all adults; I don't think anyone will be kidnapped. Just bring your common sense and all will be fine. :o.
Herb

other ways to AC
 

One could fly into Salisbury, MD, rent a car there, drive to Lewes, DE, take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, and drive north from Cape May to AC.

If you're Air Force, hitch a flight into Dover AFB, get a car, go to Lewes, proceed as above. Or, hitch a flight into Maguire AFB, rent a car, drive south to AC.

Or, fly into Wilmington, DE, rent a car there, drive to AC, or take a variety of buses/trains to AC.

If I go? I'll have the wife, so probably Borgata for me. It had recently opened last AC national, and it was great then. And I'll take the ferry from Delaware. It's a relaxing ride.

Borgata still very nice. Vegas quality joint.

Planning on doing a day trip myself, from Long Island, on that Saturday.

Coffee, Drive, Spend (leaving enough for return trip coffee), Coffee, Drive. :)

Flying in from Los Angeles
Carrying cards for SGC
Don't rob me, please
Mr. AC Man

Anyone staying at the Taj Mahal?..it was pretty cheap but I hear its become a poophole. Just wondering

Its run down but for a weekend I think you'll be fine.

Definitely a little long in the tooth.

See you there. I'll be set up at Booth 153, not my first rodeo either. At my age it might be my last though.

Every show is a new adventure, I've been in a lot of big cities at night, and the folks talking about walking around at night make me cringe. You don't even want to do that in certain areas of San Diego. That goes back at least 100 years, so I can't see how anyone would expect AC to be completely crime free.

parking
 

I haven't seen this covered before but apologize if it is a repeat.
I will be staying at a cheap motel some 7 miles out of town and am looking for inexpensive yet safe parking options within a few blocks of the convention center. (Uber will cost $35 each way from my motel in Absecon!!)
I can't find definite info on convention center parking but have heard stories that it is very limited and expensive. Don't mind walking a few blocks as long as it is safe around 9am and 5pm. Anyone have definite info/suggestions? garages? casinos? I'll be staying for the week and helping one of the dealers - Sam Majors.
Richard D
I've been to Nationals before in Baltimore, Cleveland and Chicago and am surprised at how difficult the logistics are in AC, unless you are willing to fully open your wallet (which I am not).

There's parking under the convention center and across the street. There is valet about 2 blocks away and then all of the hotels have parking. If you have to walk from the boardwalk hotels to the convention center you can do it.. its a little walk but I've done it many times. I think most people will be able to find parking at the convention center though.
Matt

This will be my first National.

I will be there Friday.

I am looking forward to meeting some of the members in person.

AC Convention Center Parking
 

Here is the link with regards to the Atlantic City Convention Center Parking:

http://meetac.com/meet/ac/parking-and-transportation

Parking is $15.00 per day.


Patrick

thanks
 

Patrick,
Thanks for the convention parking link.
Next question, since apparently there is other parking around, and I don't mind walking, is $15 / day reasonable in AC, or is there much cheaper and just as safe elsewhere within walking distance?
I've heard that perhaps the convention parking may be the best deal, what do people think?
And do you need to reserve a spot?
Thanks again!
Richard

I'd stick with convention parking or if you are a large hotel maybe there. $15 for a day is about as good as you will find.

i would
 

like to thank steve for being a great guide on behalf of the Garden State! Thanks Steve!!!


I will be chasing Wagner at the show;).......I am looking for a table to set up at with "The Circus".....

possibly be at table where "Rare Sports Films " sets up......I will be there Saturday ....and maybe Sunday set up....:confused:??? more details as we get close.....as I live in Jersey and will drive each day...


if you have a 206 Wagner or the means to trade for "The Circus"....I'm am there to display and listen to offers:)

this will be my first national and I'm stoked to meet board members and see what's out there!!!


more to come...............

This will be my first National since Baltimore in '12 or whenever that was and I am very much looking forward to it. Growing up in Jersey and visiting Atlantic City about 730893 times has me even more excited. No, it's not the cleanest looking city in the country, nor is it the most interesting if you don't like gambling, but it's not nearly as bad as people make it out to be. Use common sense, stay on or near the boardwalk/Marina, avoid back alleys at 2:00 a.m. and you'll be just fine.

I'll probably spend more money at a blackjack table than I will on the show floor but it's all in good fun!

I'll be sharing booth 2220 with a friend. Will have nothing but 50s-70s vintage at budget prices. .25, .50, $1, $2, $3, $5 boxes with other low-mid end cards priced cheaply. I will not have bulk, but will have great deals. Mainly hoping to make enough money that I can buy some stuff for my PC.

Will be my first National. Looking forward to meeting some of you all.

Budget prices ? Oh hell yeah.

Curious
 

I am curious about something. The emails that I have been receiving from the National all say "limited dealer tables still available". Is it unusual that all of the table space is not filled when we are only a month away from the start?

Rick

Very much so! Look forward to meeting you. I don't know many other Jewish collectors besides me!

My experiences, from what I remember :), have always been that there is always more room for another table, especially at $1k and up......

.

Don't think this is the case as they have to submit a floor plan ahead of time for fire department reasons, etc

When my buddy and I picked our tables a few months back there were 4 booths left.

I know this topic was debated a bit a few months back . . . but do most vendors at the National take credit cards for high ticket items? Put another way, if you are buying a pricey card are you expected to be toting a big roll of $20s? I don't mind the cash aspect, but the ATM fees piss me off. Yes, charge me $5.99 to access my money. And there is a $200 limit.

Just take a big roll of 100 dollar bills and a small roll of fifties. Cash is the preferred medium of exchange at most all big shows.

ATM fees that high should be illegal.

You should see what the ATM fees are at the strip club. Er, uh, so I've heard. ;)

Yeah, but no one wants to carry around that big of a stack of ones at the National. ... or so I've heard. :cool:

I was once enlisted to escort a former professional running back to numerous strip clubs. I did not tip, don't drink, but can appreciate a fine figure. The big problem is you have a hard time seeing them through the smoke haze.

The running back had a fine time I am happy to report.

I'd keep " male escort" off your resume'...just sayin'

Better question

Did he make it rain?

On a more serious but no less inappropriate note, there are a slew of gentleman type clubs off the strip in AC. I have never partook in any of them. Putting aside that all such establishments draw a dicey crowd, I would imagine AC could run a little too seedy for comfort. If anyone is heading to AC and would like to do their part in supporting unwed mothers and other nice ladies, I'd stick to the large Scores out post on the strip at the Taj Mahal. I hear its a nice place.

In the past, I would attend a sports card show during the day & then go to a strip club at night. Seriously. No joking. Because, sometimes you gotta say, 'WTF" :D:D:D:D:D

Poorly worded. Should have used drive instead of escort I suppose.

Amazingly enough, yes he did! Ladies played it well and were well rewarded.

For all the board members attending the National, booth #329 should be your first stop. Unless you're too old to handle the NOIZZZE!!!!

Marshall B. in da hizzle!

AC.....
 

Everyone Is GOING to have a BLAST!!!




:)


AC is AWESOME:D


bring your wagners to trade with me:D

btw.....
 

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

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:eek:


Looking forward to seeing everyone

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

I know that guy. Has some interesting stuff.

AC
 

Marshall in da ho !..Im there !

This will be my first national. Pretty excited.

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

They might be ashamed.

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

http://tristarproductions.com/National/

Holy BLEEP, I looked and they should be ashamed.:eek:

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

That's a little harsh.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

He's getting an appearance fee to attend.

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

Anyone stopping a Harrah's......
 

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!

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

Traffic
 

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?

AC
 

Yes ..don't worry

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

An alternate , if possible---
 

...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?

Maybe leave at Five A.M. if possible ?
 

...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.

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.

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!