The National - Ticket Packages Perks

[J Pack Ripper]

Hey everyone! My dad and I are going to the National in Chicago this year for the first time since 2016. I took a few years off from cards but have been back fully invested for the past few years but I know the convention has changed a good bit since 2016.

We were wondering what ticket admission package is the best value/makes the most sense? We plan to go all 3-5 days.

I’ve read the descriptions/pass details on the website but was hoping to get some opinions from those more knowledgeable on the topic.

For example: What does “Exclusive Gift Package” likely entail? Or what has it been in previous years? Is it just a swag bag with T-shirt and water bottle etc.? Or card/memorabilia related items?

What is the VIP party and what do you get from attending it?

What are the VIP lounges and benefits?

Lastly, “access to 12 selected free VIP autograph signers” - does that mean 12 free autograph tickets?

Appreciate any insight and I apologize if this is the wrong place to ask this or if it’s already been answered somewhere else.

Thanks again,
Jack


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[OhioLawyerF5]

Everyone's mileage will vary, but for me, I got so much benefit from the VIP package last year that I intend to do it every year. I sold the autograph tickets (the VIP signers are usually not the biggest names anyway) and the exclusive cards that came in the gift bag, right there in the show. Made a good chunk of the cost of the tickets back immediately.

But to me, the VIP lounge was the big benefit. Having a nice comfortable place to sit down whenever you want is a gamechanger for such a long show. Plus, there was never a line for the VIP bathrooms, but people complained of waiting for hours for the regular bathrooms.

[Big35Hurt]

Ohio gives some solid points above. I am not an autograph guy, so I too have sold my autograph tickets to recoup a chunk of the VIP ticket costs. Also, three days is about my limit, so I have either given away or sold my pass for the remaining two days.

The 1-hour head start over general admission is a nice start if you like to dig through bargain boxes like I do.

In the past, this forum has had a subforum for talk about the national if I remember correctly. I think it opens about a month before the national. Don't quote me on that but from what I recall, there is some additional valuable info there.

[hammerva]

I know people will say that this defeats the purpose of the VIP itself but I kind of wish there was a daily VIP ticket. I plan on only being there for 2 maybe 3 days. So buying VIP for 5 is a waste. Create a daily VIP version that gives us early access and VIP lounge and probably that's it

[Big35Hurt]

I know people will say that this defeats the purpose of the VIP itself but I kind of wish there was a daily VIP ticket. I plan on only being there for 2 maybe 3 days. So buying VIP for 5 is a waste. Create a daily VIP version that gives us early access and VIP lounge and probably that's it

I would love that. 3 days is about as much as I can handle. I know some people spend all 5 days there and that's cool, but my eyes and neck tend to tell me 2-3 days is the max.