What you're seeing/hearing at the show...

[N8theGR8]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

I could be wrong, but I thought they leased the whole west side of the building out commercially now. So the west entrance isn't available for the half of the building the national is in.

That could be true. They have the restrooms available in there and you can leave through there just can’t go in.


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[Brobocop]

Originally Posted by jmarascojr

With it being Sunday, it'll be interesting to see how many dealers start packing up early...

I know that is "shunned upon", but I doubt it's gonna stop them from trying to get outta there a little early if the crowd is "light"....

And I heard Geoff Wilson had to call his wife and ask her for more monies (she's the actual successful one of the relationship), his PPP loans ran out

I was wondering if places like Dave and Adam’s would drop the prices a bit on the wrapper redemption boxes? Kind of want to try my hand on a ROTJ Sapphire box.


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[messier2]

I had an itch this morning to stop by the show one quick time and see if I can spend more of my money, but alas, common sense took over and focused on heading to the airport now! lol

[charliebrown]

HI All,

Ive seen a lot of questions as to why the IX center works the way it is, and some of the things Ive heard from organizers and attendees are strange to say the least.

I am not a member of the IX Center team, NSCC, but I have worked in major event planning, worked some events at the IX Center, and Im a local, so I thought Id clear some air.

"Why do promoters pick the IX center?"

First off, it's massive. It was built to manufacture tanks and Airplanes for WW2. Because of this, it has a much higher ceiling than most convention centers. Its also as decent insulation, so it isn't as loud.

Also, vendors really like the IX center because 1. Its literally across the street from the airport, and 2. IT is really easy to load cargo in and out. It has tons of entry points, and that way a lot of major events, like the Auto Show, and the (former) IX Indoor Amusement Park like the space.

"Why Don't They Have More Bathrooms"?

They Do!
This is an odd decision, but the IX center has 1 additional restroom on the main level near the ticketing area that isn't open. Im not sure why, but my guess is that is closed off for Celebrity Signers to have a private restroom.

There are also 2 bathrooms downstairs, in what I think is the VIP area. Im not a VIP, so IDK if they have both open, and to be honest, I have rarely seen both open for conventions. One is in an area of meeting rooms, and Ive only seen it open once for convention type events.

Also, there is a bathroom on the west side of the hall, that I don't think was open the first 2 days. Its open now, but requires a long walk.

"Why isn't the west entrance/ side of the IX Center open?"

The west side of the building was leased to GOJO, makers of Purell. I wouldn't be surprised if they still have the space leased. It's roughly 20% of the building. It doesn't look like anything is in there at the moment.

"Why do I have to walk around the building to enter?"

No sure on this one, so don't quote me on this. I believe the reason the building owners leased out the west side because that entrance is not as handicap accessible, and has more freight entrances. The East entrance is also nicer. I believe the owners own some land they plan on paving to make a larger parking lot on the east side, but Im not sure if that has changed.

"Why are the food lines so long?"

There are a lot of people! I can tell you I have NEVER seen the IX center so crowded. But, then IX center is in the Top 10 in total convention space in America, and the 5 largest spaces ( Vegas, Orlando) are EXPENSIVE. Most promoters cant touch it.

"Why isn't there carpet everywhere?"
Promoters said that with the amount of people, the carpet would move and create tripping hazard. Not sure if I buy that, but I could see it being true.


Again, I'm not in charge, so don't shoot the messenger, but this is what I know. I think there are ways to fix a lot of these issues ( build another parking lot, trailer bathrooms outside, multiple ticket booths at both entrances, more food trucks) but I wanted to clear the air.

[messier2]

How is the show so far today?

[nabzy28]

Did anyone get the alleged "free previously signed 8x10" that they were supposed to get for being one of the first 500 VIP ticket purchasers? The guy I got my packet from had no idea what the heck I was talking about and I wasn't about to waste my time for a (probably) $5 signed photo.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by charliebrown

There are also 2 bathrooms downstairs, in what I think is the VIP area. Im not a VIP, so IDK if they have both open, and to be honest, I have rarely seen both open for conventions. One is in an area of meeting rooms, and Ive only seen it open once for convention type events.

Yes, both sets of bathrooms are open for the VIP lounge. That reason alone caused my wife to say we will get VIP from now on every year.

[asujbl]

Originally Posted by charliebrown

HI All,

Ive seen a lot of questions as to why the IX center works the way it is, and some of the things Ive heard from organizers and attendees are strange to say the least.

I am not a member of the IX Center team, NSCC, but I have worked in major event planning, worked some events at the IX Center, and Im a local, so I thought Id clear some air.

"Why do promoters pick the IX center?"

First off, it's massive. It was built to manufacture tanks and Airplanes for WW2. Because of this, it has a much higher ceiling than most convention centers. Its also as decent insulation, so it isn't as loud.

Also, vendors really like the IX center because 1. Its literally across the street from the airport, and 2. IT is really easy to load cargo in and out. It has tons of entry points, and that way a lot of major events, like the Auto Show, and the (former) IX Indoor Amusement Park like the space.

"Why Don't They Have More Bathrooms"?

They Do!
This is an odd decision, but the IX center has 1 additional restroom on the main level near the ticketing area that isn't open. Im not sure why, but my guess is that is closed off for Celebrity Signers to have a private restroom.

There are also 2 bathrooms downstairs, in what I think is the VIP area. Im not a VIP, so IDK if they have both open, and to be honest, I have rarely seen both open for conventions. One is in an area of meeting rooms, and Ive only seen it open once for convention type events.

Also, there is a bathroom on the west side of the hall, that I don't think was open the first 2 days. Its open now, but requires a long walk.

"Why isn't the west entrance/ side of the IX Center open?"

The west side of the building was leased to GOJO, makers of Purell. I wouldn't be surprised if they still have the space leased. It's roughly 20% of the building. It doesn't look like anything is in there at the moment.

"Why do I have to walk around the building to enter?"

No sure on this one, so don't quote me on this. I believe the reason the building owners leased out the west side because that entrance is not as handicap accessible, and has more freight entrances. The East entrance is also nicer. I believe the owners own some land they plan on paving to make a larger parking lot on the east side, but Im not sure if that has changed.

"Why are the food lines so long?"

There are a lot of people! I can tell you I have NEVER seen the IX center so crowded. But, then IX center is in the Top 10 in total convention space in America, and the 5 largest spaces ( Vegas, Orlando) are EXPENSIVE. Most promoters cant touch it.

"Why isn't there carpet everywhere?"
Promoters said that with the amount of people, the carpet would move and create tripping hazard. Not sure if I buy that, but I could see it being true.


Again, I'm not in charge, so don't shoot the messenger, but this is what I know. I think there are ways to fix a lot of these issues ( build another parking lot, trailer bathrooms outside, multiple ticket booths at both entrances, more food trucks) but I wanted to clear the air.

This was a great post

A - the bathrooms in the VIP were operational for us. Made it easier. The West side restroom was open as well (at least yesterday) even with a walk

B - I’m not 150 pounds by any stretch but they should make most of us park in the West Lot just to walk around the building. That is such an insane complaint. I was in section P (third from the back in the West to get out easy) and it was a 15 minute walk. People are lazy as hell

This show was no different than when the Arnold comes to Columbus outside of it being downtown, so lots of random parking, but not close to the airport

Wednesday sounded awful. I acknowledge that. Friday through Sunday has been totally fine unless you have to be the first person in the building

[bennakid24]

Originally Posted by nabzy28

Did anyone get the alleged "free previously signed 8x10" that they were supposed to get for being one of the first 500 VIP ticket purchasers? The guy I got my packet from had no idea what the heck I was talking about and I wasn't about to waste my time for a (probably) $5 signed photo.

Yes - I got 2 VIP passes and thse are the previously signed 8x10's I received when i picked up my packets Wednesday morning.

[nabzy28]

Originally Posted by bennakid24

Yes - I got 2 VIP passes and thse are the previously signed 8x10's I received when i picked up my packets Wednesday morning.

Okay, cool, didn't miss out on anything I would have had much interest in as I suspected.

[sonnyday]

Just got back, 95% of the dealers were still there. Much less crowded! reminded me of a pre-pandemic National.

[WallyatJCCards]

Originally Posted by sonnyday

Just got back, 95% of the dealers were still there. Much less crowded! reminded me of a pre-pandemic National.

That sounds like fun! I've never set up at the National but have been to conventions before where you are there for days most people have done what they came for and want to get packed up and head home... It's great that most are still set up and looking to sell/buy - does anyone trade at the National Anymore?

[gameissued]

Not a fan of the IX Center. Terrible logistics for shuttle service. After landing at the airport and on my way to the IX Center.. the Uber price was $35 to get to a location that is pretty much the same location as the airport. There are no sidewalks, so walking was not really an option and there's no public transpo other than the RTA/bus which will stop a mile away and you'll have to walk through wet grass anyway. The first couple of days the shuttle service was iffy. Communication was not handled properly. There was a NSCC shuttle and another one sponsored by eBay. At minimum post actual pick up locations, have signage, directionals, etc, etc. A group of 15 people were in front of the hotel lobbly and the bus drove past in the back of the hotel. None of them were labeled. At least put a paper on the window with NSCC bus 1, 2, 3, etc. Duh.

[mrb842]

Originally Posted by jmarascojr

With it being Sunday, it'll be interesting to see how many dealers start packing up early...

I know that is "shunned upon", but I doubt it's gonna stop them from trying to get outta there a little early if the crowd is "light"....

And I heard Geoff Wilson had to call his wife and ask her for more monies (she's the actual successful one of the relationship), his PPP loans ran out

wilson is a hype man but I like his pods. the sound is great and he gets a lot of big people on.

[regionrat]

Was anyone selling any cheap wax or box blasters at the National this year?

[N8theGR8]

Originally Posted by regionrat

Was anyone selling any cheap wax or box blasters at the National this year?

Very little. Like next to nothing. Best deals in terms of case prices I saw compared to current market…someone had a case of 2023 NT NASCAR for $950 and a case of 2019 Heritage High Number for $600. Those were solid deals if looking for that product. Not much on the front of cheap boxes. Marvel Shang Chi boxes were $20 at one of the big boys which is super cheap but it’s also not a great product.


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[N8theGR8]

Also I will say the show was great today! Could feel the AC and most everyone was still set up and it felt like a pre COVID National. Loved it!


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[avalanchefan21]

Originally Posted by asujbl

This was a great post

A - the bathrooms in the VIP were operational for us. Made it easier. The West side restroom was open as well (at least yesterday) even with a walk

B - I’m not 150 pounds by any stretch but they should make most of us park in the West Lot just to walk around the building. That is such an insane complaint. I was in section P (third from the back in the West to get out easy) and it was a 15 minute walk. People are lazy as hell

This show was no different than when the Arnold comes to Columbus outside of it being downtown, so lots of random parking, but not close to the airport

Wednesday sounded awful. I acknowledge that. Friday through Sunday has been totally fine unless you have to be the first person in the building

I get what you're saying... i like exercise and dont mind the walk at all but:
people have likely been sitting in their cars in traffic for a while, the parking lines (at least Thursday) were obnoxious, plus had to pay for parking, people probably have to use the restroom after the drive, have tons of stuff to carry thats heavy, could have issues walking long distances, plus they are excited af to be at this event plus not knowing why the west entrance was closed adds to the frustration... all stuff to consider

[asujbl]

Originally Posted by avalanchefan21

I get what you're saying... i like exercise and dont mind the walk at all but:
people have likely been sitting in their cars in traffic for a while, the parking lines (at least Thursday) were obnoxious, plus had to pay for parking, people probably have to use the restroom after the drive, have tons of stuff to carry thats heavy, could have issues walking long distances, plus they are excited af to be at this event plus not knowing why the west entrance was closed adds to the frustration... all stuff to consider

Like I said… Wednesday and Thursday were real issues

But people acting like they were turning around and going home were insane (social media)

By 11:00 it was fine every single day

I’m not a 10-6 guy. I don’t feel that pain… and it sucks as it costs money… but the show as a whole over 5 days was as a piece of cake for 99% of us

So the 1% should absolutely make their feelings known

[Triple B]

Little kids tugging on my shirt asking me if I had anything for sale was eye opening. One guy said he did so I stuck around to see what was going to happen. The kid picked out 4 or so cards and asks how much, the guy says $2,000 and the kid peels out $2k and the deal was done.

[sci2007]

Was Marty's Sports Card Exchange there?

[bigroger1980]

I did not see him and was asking the same question

[mrb842]

How do dealers feel their actual sales went. I'm guessing well see them post their thoughts later in the week when they get home and resettled.

[fulltritty]

Originally Posted by messier2

Doc Gooden’s line is super long. He’s at a different show every week across the country. Did not know he is that popular!

My Son was super excite to get him. He was really great with him to. He encouraged him to stay in baseball and practice pitching.

[fulltritty]

Originally Posted by messier2

Here we go again for the people lining up for the vip entrance! No need to line up! Once they open the floor, itÂ’s a free for all to get in! Lining up is useless!!!

I finally adopted this from you and threw it back at a new VIP. On Saturday, I did want to get in fast to get to Topps to see the process to get Piazza. I got there pretty early outside and once they let us into the lounge, I by passed a rather large gentleman and his family and was maybe 3rd in line by the escalator. He was behind me and kept getting louder and louder about how he was outside earlier and people were rude and got in front of him. At the point he called me a "monster," I turned around and tried to explain the reasoning that you use all of the time about no lines, wait until people push and shove from all directions when they open, etc. He proceeded to curse at me (in front of his 5 kids who kept telling him to calm down) and said that if anyone else pushed him or got in front of him, he was going to punch them. I told him good luck getting his kids into the show when he's in jail.

About a half hour later, he calmed down and apologized to me. Obviously he didn't learn his lesson and proved what a VIP noob he was since I heard he got into it with Platinum people in the autograph pavilion.