The National 2026 Is a Wrap
The 46th National Sports Collectors Convention has come and gone. The 2026 show ran Wednesday, July 29 through Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois — the second of three consecutive Rosemont years. As always, the biggest sports card and memorabilia show in the world delivered five full days of dealer tables, exclusive releases, autograph signings, and hobby announcements.
2026 by the Numbers
If you missed it, here is what the 2026 National looked like:
- Dates: Wednesday, July 29 – Sunday, August 2, 2026 (five days)
- Venue: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL (Chicago area)
- Scale: over 1,000 dealer tables, drawing tens of thousands of collectors, dealers, and industry professionals from around the world
- Admission: single-day general admission was $30 ($25 on advance sale through June 30), VIP packages started at $199.99, and children 12 and under got in free
Major card companies used the floor to debut products and hand out exclusive promotional cards, and the inventory ranged from vintage tobacco-era cards to modern rookie autos — the breadth The National is known for.
When Is The National in 2027?
The 47th National Sports Collectors Convention runs July 28 – August 1, 2027, back at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. That makes 2027 the last of three straight Rosemont years (2025–2027). You can already see the 2027 National on Card Show Hub and start planning.
Here is the confirmed schedule through the end of the decade:
- 2027 — 47th National: July 28 – August 1, 2027 · Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL
- 2028 — 48th National: August 2–6, 2028 · Huntington Place, Detroit, MI
- 2029 — 49th National: back in Rosemont, IL
After three straight years in the Chicago area, the show heads to Detroit's Huntington Place for 2028 before returning to Rosemont in 2029.
Start Planning for Rosemont 2027
Rosemont is one of the easiest National host cities to navigate, and a little planning goes a long way. Here is how to get ready for 2027.
Getting There & Parking
The convention center sits minutes from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). On-site parking garages run roughly $15–20 per day, and the Rosemont CTA Blue Line station is a short walk away if you would rather skip driving. Parking fills up fast on opening day, so arrive early — overflow lots with shuttle service are available nearby when the garages are full.
Where to Stay
Several hotels are within walking distance of the convention center, including:
- Hyatt Rosemont (adjacent to the convention center)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago O'Hare Airport–Rosemont (walking distance)
- Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel (across the street)
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O'Hare Rosemont (short walk)
Rooms near The National book up early every year — lock in lodging as the 2027 dates get closer.
First-Timer Tips
- Buy your VIP pass early if you want first access on opening day — general admission lines can stretch for hours.
- Bring a rolling cart or backpack; you will buy more than you expect.
- Check the autograph signing schedule ahead of time and pre-purchase tickets for the athletes you want to meet.
- Visit the corporate booths (Topps, Panini, Fanatics) for wrapper-redemption promos and free packs.
- Bring cash — many dealers offer cash discounts, and some smaller tables do not accept cards.
- Pace yourself and wear comfortable shoes. The show floor is massive; take breaks.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 National is in the books, but the hobby's biggest event is already on the calendar for 2027, 2028, and 2029. Whether you are planning your first trip to Rosemont or your tenth, bookmark our National show guide and the 2027 event page so you do not miss a date. In the meantime, browse upcoming shows on Card Show Hub to sharpen your skills before the next National.