Live National Report Thread....

[stadiumechoes]

My brief summary. My son (20) and I (48) spent all day Saturday at the National. We were in line when it opened and left at 5:45. I had no "want list" or objective, I just wanted to take in the experience and enjoy the day. I thought I made it to all tables, but based on the photos, I guess i missed a few. I liked the layout, but with the set up of the building, you couldn't really just go up and down rows. High level overview:
* I was impressed with the friendliness and overall interactions with the dealers. I was routinely greeted at each table with a hello and a "let me know if you need any help or are looking for anything".
* I was amused with the cheering and countdowns (or whatever) at the corporate booths. I'm not sure what was going on, but it was entertaining to hear. Maybe if I had a booth near there I wouldn't have been so amused, but to me it added energy to the overall atmosphere.
*I was impressed with the selection and displays (as a rule). I agree with some previous posters in that I caught myself occasionally slipping in to "work mode" and doing some quick math with the cost of the show vs. what the booth had for sale. Some of it didn't add up, but they spent the money, I guess they can arrange their booth however they want.
*I shook my head at the number of Ruth autographs (both "raw" and in "designed scarcity" insert cards.
*Dropped some things off at SGC and, like all other interactions I have had with the company, everything was handled in a VERY professional, friendly manner.
*Didn't see much non-sports stuff (which is a good thing). I remember one comic display and another one that was 50-50 cards and rock memorabilia. I thought it was interesting that a few booths focused on old sporting equipment. Not the mainstream sports, but just about anything sports related and vintage.
* The soft serve ice cream booth was very good and I impressed myself by only having one cone.

[mrvster]

I know I have been obsessing....

but did anyone see any T206 Scrap??? blank backs??? cool ghost Freaks???? anything odd T206??? upside down backs?? were any for sale?? any on display??

everyone I spoke with said there was very little available to be seen in that arena ..



any input on this

thanks

Johnny v

[Matvoo]

Originally Posted by mrvster

I know I have been obsessing....

but did anyone see any T206 Scrap??? blank backs??? cool ghost Freaks???? anything odd T206??? upside down backs?? were any for sale?? any on display??

everyone I spoke with said there was very little available to be seen in that arena ..



any input on this

thanks

Johnny v

You sure like asking
But I want to know to

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by mrvster

I know I have been obsessing....

but did anyone see any T206 Scrap??? blank backs??? cool ghost Freaks???? anything odd T206??? upside down backs?? were any for sale?? any on display??

everyone I spoke with said there was very little available to be seen in that arena ..



any input on this

thanks

Johnny v

I saw blank back. I can't remember which auction house had it, I believe the guy at the booth was named Al.

[shernan30]

Originally Posted by I Only Smoke 4 the Cards

I saw blank back. I can't remember which auction house had it, I believe the guy at the booth was named Al.

Love Of The Game Auctions

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by shernan30

Love Of The Game Auctions

Thanks for the assist!

[dstudeba]

Tony - glad you had a good show, it was a pleasure to meet you and you sure had some good stuff!

[Bicem]

Originally Posted by stadiumechoes

* The soft serve ice cream booth was very good and I impressed myself by only having one cone.

Agreed, was by far the best thing food-wise.