Is The Sports Card National Worth Attending?

[@thecardboardcollaborative]

This will be my 3rd national and I wouldn’t miss it for the world, no matter where it is. Go with a friend/friends to split some costs and just go. Best week of the year.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - it does sound like fun and I’m glad to hear from collectors who love it!

[@BigHurt1776reborn]

That is a smart way to do it if you have to travel somewhere. Hotels are expensive as is gas money if you drive to your destination.

[@GiantsAlliance]

I’m going to my first national this year, which I’ve started making plans for. Loved your guys insight on the show.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Nice! Keep us posted on how it goes for you. Thanks for commenting!

[@jacobfain6504]

I know this is a baseball card channel but after hearing about spending thousands of dollars on travel, I can't help but mention to y'all about the credit card points and miles game. You guys should look into it. I live in south Texas and recently flew to New York to see the Yankees-Astros series. Round trip and 3 nights at a hotel 2 blocks from Time Square cost us $32.90.

[@Philmington]

Indeed. Very true. I haven’t paid for a trip in a very long time… but my situation is different than most (used to be a traveling consultant plus I have the points optimization game on lock).

[@jacobfain6504]

@@Philmington Hell yeah that's what's up! Ask Sebby, Credit Shifu, and others have taught me a lot through the years 😏

[@socalrams74]

I've never been to the National, hopefully one day, but the Burbank show is enough for me. The Anaheim Convention Center is 3.9 miles from where I live so going there is no problem. It would be hard to spend $1,000-1500 on just traveling when you could really buy quite a few nice cards fo that $ and besides the CardFather is in Burbank! Can't wait for his new shop to open.

[@BigHurt1776reborn]

Understandable. I am not sure I could justify spending $1k again to travel if it was out on the west coast (I am midwest). That $1k could really go far in getting some PC cards.

[@socalrams74]

@@BigHurt1776reborn I agree, only difference is there is way more things that you can do besides the show in the west coast than in the midwest. You can make a vacation out of it coming here.

[@Amersian]

Glad you mentioned the Denver card show, that show is getting SERIOUS! great show in the middle of the United States

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - yeah that one I’d like To get to. Maybe next year

[@ACD1994]

Denver is on the west coast. Possibly a venue for the National to consider in the future.

[@SpitballinCards]

@@ACD1994 I don’t Think the National will ever stray too far from NYC. Thankfully, we got two Burbank shows!

[@ryanbitter809]

Love this show! Just wanted to comment how much I enjoy and appreciate you guys posting. Have you guys considered releasing as audio podcast?

[@Philmington]

Thanks Ryan. We also post to Spotify but it's not as consistent sometimes.

[@chrisc4264]

Those of us like myself on the West Coast don't have a chance anyway. They never bring it to California or Nevada and I can't afford to travel two time zones spending thousands and then even more money haggling over cards. Should be called the Central /Eastern regional spectacle.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Yep. Doesn’t make financial sense to go 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - we’ve got 2 Burbank shows at least!

[@chrisc4264]

@@SpitballinCards I went to one last year but it was a 10 hour drive. I don't mind shows but would prefer a more local trip is all like most would. Also, I think when you buy a 3 day pass like I did, you should get discounted parking.

[@SpitballinCards]

@@chrisc4264 I absolutely agree about the parking. Kind of crazy that you DON’T!

[@danielmcclorey6606]

Vegas would be Fire. That makes a whole lot of sense. They should have one in Vegas, like 1st Raiders Home game.

[@MG-FS_Sports_Cards]

Excellent video Gents. I have struggled in the past with going to the National as like Jeff says, do I want to spend at least $1,000 on room, foot, etc that takes away from what I can spend on cards? That being said, the National is in my backyard this year (I am near Canton, hour drive tops) and it is a no brainer to go. It has been over 10 years and since I have been to a National in Cleveland, but I can tell you that the IX Center is a great venue, although not a great location as there really no option to walk or much around it. It also helps that I know a couple of dealers setting up, so I have a place to hang as a home base per say. Looking forward to just seeing some great collections and hopefully picking up a few PC items. Scottie B, I didn't realize you were near Cincinnati. You really should take a trip to Shipshewana, IN. Absolutely great Regional show done every quarter. Philmington, is your get together private? Sounds like a great opportunity to meet some excellent content creators. Looking forward to the next video. Until next time....

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Thanks for watching and for the comment -- great that the National is close to you this year! I'd love it to be an hour's drive from LA.

[@Philmington]

The get-together is not private. More details to come!

[@dcsoda1]

Went to Chicago last year for the first time and had a great time. Don’t know if I got any real deals but it’s just cool to see so many of the cards you want in person. Living in Chicago definitely helps, don’t know if I’d pay to travel to one.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

That’s one thing I would like about it, seeing so many big cards. But I have to say, Burbank had a ton, too, including a T206 Wagner.

[@SpitballinCards]

You can’t beat that convenience!

[@CDGSports]

National is really what you make it! Those late hotel trade nights were so fun but also get to see the bad side of the hobby (collectors harassing and pushing around hotel employees is NEVER acceptable) in my opinion it’s worth it for the networking and amount of stuff you see. GREAT show to upgrade some big cards. Putting the ask out of what you’re looking for is the BEST idea! Was great talking with you Scott for a few min, I know that Billy Butler BC rookie auto was tough to find on the floor😂

[@Pchorney]

How’s the DC show or philly

[@JQM78]

Last year’s national was my first one since 1995. Here’s what I experienced. Going in, I had my eyes set on 3 player’s cards: Michael Jordan (PSA 7 1984 Star Basketball #101, which I picked up) Devin Hester Cards (found a bunch) & Christian Mcaffrey; which was not easy to find. Being a modern player, many of the modern card dealers focus on bringing big QB cards. The position players are surprisingly not easy to find their higher end cards like Rpas and autos. Many dealers have very limited space, and so many are coming from out of town, so they focus on cards they feel will sell for the most. I did end up finding 4 nice CMC cards. An NT /99 RPA, an Immac rpa, a 2016 select xrc & and optic rookie auto.

[@Awktober]

The National last year was a lot of fun, I am glad Phil mentioned it but I feel like 80-90% of tables were priced over comps. I feel like they are just setting up to be "mobile museums" in order to not lose their yearly spot.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - some dealers are like that at Burbank shows too, but not all. Lots are there to make deals and cash always goes a long way!

[@DeadPandaSociety]

I want to go to the national but honestly I am just going to the detroit sports spectacular which is this upcoming weekend I am excited for my first ever big card show lol.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Nice! Let us know how it goes!

[@SpitballinCards]

Sounds great! Prepare to be overwhelmed, but in a good way!

[@BigHurt1776reborn]

I have gone to a few nationals between Chicago and Cleveland. Chicago is driving distance and that works a lot better. Cleveland is roughly 9-10 hours to drive. It's doable but I feel like that much driving sucks the energy out of me and makes the show less enjoyable. I usually fly out to Cleveland but these guys were right about the huge uptick in expenses. I would say it usually ends up being about $1k between airfare, hotel, rental car (because I do like to be able to go out and explore the city a bit), food, etc. Also worth mentioning is the hassle of flying back home with a bunch of cards. Every single time, TSA wants to know what I have in my carry on bag and I have to explain to them that I purchased a bunch of sports cards. It's as if they have no idea the national is taking place. With all that said - I would recommend that every collector attend one at least once in their life. It's quite the experience and something you will never forget.

[@RatedRookie]

Can’t wait for the Spitballin’ booth at a future National

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - that would be really fun!

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

The finest SSP, Billy Butler, Keston Hiura table ever seen!

[@JohnNP3]

Will probably skip Cleveland. Might try to make a Chicago National. Otherwise, one of the upcoming Burbank shows is on my to-do list. It’s a pain in the rear traveling from way up north.

[@SpitballinCards]

John, if you make to the Burbank show in august, message me or jeff and we’ll try to meet for a beer.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Jeff here: Yes! Would love to see you at the Burbank show.

[@kainslance]

What was the youtuber who had a video on the logistics for the National? I wasn't able to catch it

[@Philmington]

Neo Cards & Comics

[@NEO_Cards_Comics]

@@Philmington👀

[@alabarca8016]

I know they use to have it in Anaheim from time to time. What happened to that?

[@stueystuey1962]

If money was no object I'd go. Phil is right imo, true dealers who do this full time with a business model, distribution channels, and a wide variety of material, shows like the national can work. Most of us whatever we are, collector, flipper, investor, buyer/seller can only make money speculating on bin and sell later. Currently i'm speccing a few guys who imo are under the radar. The expenses involved make it impractical.

[@4TheGame2016]

Phil good advice. Gents, never been. Yup hard to believe I live in Houston and from Chicago and still have never been bcuz of $$$ & why use my PTO for family trips which is where the $$ go. Use the $$ I do have for cards I want. Collect tons of vintage and modern so again I miss the networking and meeting people like you all. I listen to the stories and just always one day will make a trip.

[@SpitballinCards]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Chris here - and yeah I’d go just for the people I’d meet and hang out with. Some networking maybe, mostly just the social aspect. But the cost is just too much.

[@mpsakaguch]

Can’t make the National but will try to make it to Burbank this for my first show ever.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - glad to hear it! If you see jeff and I waking around, or chilling by the bar, please come say hello!

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Jeff here: yes! It might be a bit overwhelming, but a great experience for a first show. Hope to see you there!

[@mikehamm007]

Yeah guys I can't wait for the national. Still got to book my flight but I got my Airbnb with the guys. Definitely going to be interesting with trade nights as none of the hotels are close to the venue so everything's going to be at the venue and or at a very specific location.

[@Philmington]

I heard from a little birdie the NSCC might aid in making trade nights convenient for all

[@mikehamm007]

@@Philmington yeah I was told they had plenty of room at the actual convention center to continue trade nights for each night and or section off areas for rooms. It's going to be my first time being in Cleveland. I was told that it's the best overall venue internally. But Chicago's the best for external convenient. Should be interesting and I'll definitely see you at your get together with Steve, Dustin and Neo

[@JohnMiller-jj9kx]

Bucket list item at age 69. Living in south Texas and would hope San Antonio or Houston could grab a seat at the show table, but probably not.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

I heard they used to have the National occasionally in Texas years ago? They definitely should move it around.

[@TheProfessorsDugout]

As someone who has gone to many, I am looking forward to Cleveland but if I have a few basic pointers (and I have come from the Pacific NW). 1. Have a budget (whether high or low). 2. Come with a plan (it can be overwhelming). 3. The best deals generally can be had on Sundays (I have found deals more difficult early on in the show). 4. Try to take advantage of the silver pack programs. I love 'em and I will buy a few boxes specifically to get the silver packs. 5. Get away from the show for a bit (go see a baseball game; Cleveland - I will go spend a few hours at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame). Of the three primary locations, Chicago is my favorite, followed by Cleveland, then not attending, and finally Atlantic City (so difficult for me to get to, never attending again).

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Thanks for the detailed tips!

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - great tips! I especially agree on going with a plan, AND taking a break. Thanks for watching!

[@willzsportscards]

"I made her change the weekend." Strong work Chris, strong work. One of these times I'll get my lazy butt down to Burbank. As for the National...remember(I'm paraphrasing a legend here)...if you have to split a room to cut costs, you shouldn't be going. 😂😂

[@Philmington]

Haha

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Believe me, every time costs come up for the National, I think about that 😂 . if I were going, I’d DEFINITELY be splitting a room.

[@nabzy28]

Been to 3 or 4. Used to be very interesting seeing the pricing of certain cards and how they were valued by different dealers before all this "comps" and instant research. Haven't been in a long while, since the last one I was planning on got cancelled. The autograph pavilion thing with a bunch of these guys not signing trading cards is just ridiculous.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Oh yeah, I’ve heard about that! Big restrictions on what the autograph guests can sign, right??

[@nabzy28]

@@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin They have Lynn Swann. Lynn Swann hasn't signed hardly ANYTHING in decades. ... and he is not permitted to sign trading cards at the show. There are others, too. Whoever is under contract with Fanatics, allegedly, cannot sign cards.

[@theworstshot]

There was a lot of free cool stuff at last years national, my dad won a case of 2023 topps chrome baseball! And honestly was the most fun I’ve had. It’s expensive though to attend unless you live in that same state. Why I’ll only go to another national if it’s in Atlantic City again.

[@timmccray7507]

This will be my first national. I just want to see some cards in person that I never get a chance too in real life. Like a Babe Ruth or other cool cards like that.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - you definitely will. There will be a handful of 52 Mantles, plenty of tobacco cards and maybe even a Frank Thomas NNO!

[@danielmcclorey6606]

I can't imagine taking a flight w hotel room and all that for the national. Seems like a waste of money. Me being from Detroit, i will probably drive to this one, spend one night in a hotel, spend 2 days at the national and gamble at the casino. Looking forward to it.

[@SpitballinCards]

Scott here, that is my exact plan as well!

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Driving sounds much more palatable! That’s why the Burbank show works for me and Chris.

[@planetawesome3575]

Great content 👌

[@SpitballinCards]

Thanks for watching!

[@matthewcook2097]

I am def going to the burbank show too!

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Jeff here: Nice! Chris and I will see you there!

[@SpitballinCards]

Hell yeah!! 🍻🍻

[@bulldozer_cards55]

You guys need to bring in Neo every now and then, it would spice things up a bit.

[@fern9719]

Dude 100% on using the national to buy on eBay. Lots of people who spend tons of money on ebay aren’t looking and keeping track of cards they would have normally bid on. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen cards go for lower and I would have so purchased if I wasn’t at a big card show buying or selling.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Nice! I plan on utilizing this strategy this year

[@CommercialFreeShow]

Good more balanced insights. I only go for silver packs and corporate promotions. I’ve made money last two years focused on that alone.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Thanks for the insights!

[@paulbowman1442]

Maybe someone can ship their cards to Strongsville 😂, i heard they take great care of mail. 😮

[@paulbowman1442]

Close to Rock & Roll HOF. Set aside 2 days for best results

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - that sounds like a great long weekend!

[@rara1996]

Going to the National is a personal choice each hobbyist needs to make. it all depends on an individual's financial situation, personal time availability, and overall passion for the event itself. I think if you are within reasonable driving distance, it's a must go event and a worthwhile experience if you love sportscards. I've traveled to the last 6 Nationals and i don't have an issue with the cost overlay (airfare, hotel, rideshare, food,, etc), but that is me. Individuals pick and choose how they want to spend their hobby/discretionary funds. I treat it as a vacation and for that week i put that event as part of my work/life balance and have no issue taking time off from my career to attend. Looking forward to it in a couple months.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - I think you nailed it. If I could drive to it, I’d be there!! Thanks for watching!

[@thekeithy4999]

Scott, not sure how far you are into Kentucky, but are you going to the Midwest Monster this weekend in Indy?

[@NinjaSquirrel30]

Have a good week panel & collectors And here's hoping we get a great Stanley Cup & NBA final aswell as a hot month of baseball Good show guys ⚾

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Thanks for watching!

[@jrgeb99]

I’ve been the past few years. I’m going to skip this year’s. Too close to college starting. Too much already happening 🤷‍♂️

[@JasonCardbourne]

Hey, don't be embarrassed to say you have more time and money than most of us. The National is a giant museum. Probably worth the price of admission to see all of the cards and memorabilia.....

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - that’s one thing I love about the Burbank shows out here. All the amazing cards that surface. Like a couple Frank Thomas NNO, and even a 1990 Topps George Bush! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@slimthumbtak]

I'm a 20 min drive from Rosemont. So that's a no-brainer for me. But I won't go anywhere else.

[@4TheGame2016]

Jeff & Chris, I really think Burbank would be much better for me so maybe one day I will.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Definitely give it a shot! It’s been a lot of fun for us, we are looking forward to this year’s.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - Burbank show is definitely worth it!

[@Bulletproofcards]

I was just at a show today one guy kept going with the “I’m into for this “ and I walked away.

[@SpitballinCards]

@@Bulletproofcards smart move. It’s just irrelevant in negotiations.

[@Bw899804]

Will there be One Piece TCG there?

[@DarinsCards]

Another great video

[@SpitballinCards]

Thanks for watching! 🍻🍻

[@JsmithVB757]

I think that someone would have to spend at least 2k to have a good time. Plane, Hotel, food, Uber and that's all before the actual event.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Yeah that’s a lot of card money gone 😳

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - yeah the costs just mount on you. Even the bar at the Burbank show takes a toll!!

[@dsphillips16]

Yes

[@4TheGame2016]

Scott I have some Billy Butler’s for you. Nothing crazy just need to send them to you

[@jeremiahwilson6020]

Given the cost to the vendors for setting up/getting there, and the over cost for an attendee to go to the show, are there deals to be made? Vendors need to make money to cover their expenses and, do some vendors just say, "Hey, you spent $1000+ to get here, will you really go home with nothing because I charge 10-15% more than your local show"

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris - at Burbank there are always dealers looking to make sales. They can write for most of the costs of the trip anyway. No point going if you don’t make any deals! Bring cash - that always helps. Good luck!

[@AlanForest]

Scottie covered it perfectly

[@thomasb6169]

It’s good to go if you are a LCS owner in the hobby bc you can make the trip a tax right off.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - that’s a good point. Definitely a business trip!

[@David-bt7ko]

Can't wait, 35 mins away from IX center were the National is this year!!!!!! Cleveland baby!!!

[@SpitballinCards]

Points for convenience! That’s why jeff and I love the Burbank shows!

[@controversialcardchannel]

Nationals should consider going to different cities every year... like the Super Bowl. The hobby is bigger than just the Northeast.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - I doubt it will ever come west of Cleveland/Chicago. They won’t go too far from NYC. We’ve got the Burbank shows out here in a SoCal, but a vegas convention would be a great addition. Thanks for watching!

[@EdwinLap]

I am going but only to attend the SocoExpo event, geared to soccer (however anyone is welcome and all sports will be displayed)

[@StevenSportsMD]

Chris and Jeff you’re always welcome to stay at my place in Chicago for the National in 2025 or 2026 if you want to save hotel money. I have bourbon, and I’m not an axe murderer 😂

[@Philmington]

😅

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Hey, appreciate the offer! I know John Wayne Gacy was from Chicago, too…

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - that’s exactly what an axe murderer would say!

[@StevenSportsMD]

@@SpitballinCards you can always stay with me for free. All I ask is that you leave a nice SP on the pillow when you leave…..

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

@@StevenSportsMD 🤣

[@Pitchithard]

Fortunately I can get to Cleveland IX center in 20 minutes, so that money I save on travel will go to cards. If your way out west it’s not worth it as I see it.

[@SpitballinCards]

@@Pitchithard Chris here - I’m in SoCal and I agree. Plus we love got the Burbank shows now. Good luck in Cleveland!

[@joecorrigan5796]

Bang I b there everyday! 10 minutes from my house! I would let a dealer stay for a few cards, I gots a duplex!

[@Bazookatom]

It definitely was the hotels that shut them down.

[@SpitballinCards]

Makes sense. Probably a fire hazard haha

[@ryanra44]

I would love to go to the National but living in Louisiana it will cost me 2 grand + just for me and my wife to fly, get a hotel, and pay to get into the show. I’d rather spend that 2 grand on a card(s) i really want. If they ever had a national within driving distance (Texas, Tennessee, Florida, etc). I would love to attend.

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - yep! I hear this. Coming from California, I’d blow a big chunk of my card budget just in travel!

[@kylemclaren8772]

I watch you guys every week so please don’t think this is a troll comment; but how are you guys in this hobby so seriously to run a podcast, and nobody goes to the national? Or know stuff like the dates off the top.. actually nuts to me.

[@JsmithVB757]

The National isn't the end all be all when it come to this hobby. I'd say 98% of collectors never go to the National in their lifetime.

[@wesd832]

Lol. Scott's cracking chair at 1:13😅

[@SpitballinCards]

I was hoping that no one was going to notice 😂 . Thanks for watching!

[@rockiesinoctober]

I want to go and dress up as a baseball card.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Which card??

[@SpitballinCards]

@@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin that’s a great question!

[@simondaughtry4619]

Dr. Phil, let us now when you get the strippers for the after hours party ... I'm not bringing my cards for that. Well~Just the "10's".

[@popsmoke99]

I'd fly out there for that...why not.

[@Philmington]

😂

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - I’d love to see a stripper with some slabs in her g-string.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

@@SpitballinCards “Only accepting slabs for tips” 😂

[@Topps.degenerate]

Boy how you gonna be dropping this video a week after I buy tickets

[@SpitballinCards]

Chris here - oh no!! Sorry our timing wasn’t great but I bet you’ll have a great time!

[@Philmington]

I’m personally psyched for this year’s Nat

[@Topps.degenerate]

@@Philmington oh same same

[@Topps.degenerate]

@@SpitballinCards I am certainly hopeful!

[@hhenry76]

What a waste of money and time on sports cards. I rather used the money going to Europe for summer vacation

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

Hard to argue with this 🇫🇷 🇮🇹

[@wyattallen4195]

You are higher than high if you don’t think fanatics is trying to replace the national.

[@ACD1994]

I agree, I think the fanatics event for better or worse, will be a rival and strong competitor to the National. But I guess we will see what happens.

[@rickm6232]

Then let's not go to any card conventions. The way things are going with inflation what will a picture on cardboard even bring?

[@alphaomega9563]

Cards dead people losing interest and utubers views down. Prices down on 99.99% cards.

[@SpitballinCards]

Thanks for watching! 🍻

[@forpetesake20]

SCV been telling yall to stop falling in love and marring these cards, lol. buy raw, grade and put up for auction. let the market do what the market does

[@JsmithVB757]

These guys aren't necessarily "flipper" or "dealers." All four are collectors to some extent.

[@forpetesake20]

@JsmithVB757 id like to hope that we are all collectors to some extent, lol. bet my house chris and jeff got some cards they wish they hadn't held and phil has a very successful subscription box. im certainly confused by your comment but definitely appreciate the interaction and hearing different opinions.

[@JsmithVB757]

@forpetesake20 I'm confused by your original comment. Nobody mentioned SCV. They talked about flipping cards for maybe two seconds, and when did they talk about marring cards?

[@forpetesake20]

​@JsmithVB757 17:36. phils comment here specifically but his comments starting at 16:49 i think are all relevant. just one mans humble opinion.

[@Blabbin_Bout_Slabbin]

I the confusion is “marring” vs “marrying”! We don’t mar cards (trimming, altering), but sadly we often “marry” cards, or at least hold them longer than we probably should because we like them to much to part with them - even if that is the financially responsible move! Thanks for watching and commenting, boys!

[@SantiagosFakeBeard]

I am man from Poland.

[@ARMENASSATURIAN]

Overpriced event I'll pass

[@SpitballinCards]

@@ARMENASSATURIAN I get it!

[@tylermikita8226]

My dad sets up at the national every year and does game used bats. He’s got a billy butler bat coming to the national this year (Scott) 👀. Mikitasports

[@SpitballinCards]

Scott here-Oh man, that sounds awesome! I will have to come check it out. Thanks for the heads up!