The National Sports Collectors Convention

Name: The National Sports Collectors Convention
Start: 2026-07-29
End: 2026-08-02
Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

The Biggest Sports Card Show in the World

📍 Rosemont, Illinois 🏷️ 1000+ dealer tables 🏢 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

2026 Dates July 29 – August 2, 2026

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center · 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018

46th National Sports Collectors Convention
Five days, Wednesday–Sunday
Single-day general admission $30 (was $25 on advance sale through June 30)
VIP packages from $199.99 · Kids 12 & under free
Second of three consecutive Rosemont years (2025–2027)

Official tickets & info ↗

Upcoming Dates

Wed, Jul 29, 2026 – Sun, Aug 2, 2026National Sports Collectors Convention 2026 · Rosemont, Illinois

Show Overview

The National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC) is the largest and most prestigious sports card and memorabilia show in the world. Held annually since 1980, The National draws tens of thousands of collectors, dealers, and industry professionals from across the globe for a multi-day event that features over 1,000 dealer tables, exclusive card releases, athlete autograph signings, and major hobby announcements.

The National rotates between major cities across the United States, with recent shows held in Rosemont (Chicago area), Cleveland, and Atlantic City. The show typically spans five days (Wednesday through Sunday) and attracts an estimated 50,000–100,000 attendees. Major card companies like Topps, Panini, Upper Deck, and Fanatics use The National to debut new products and hand out exclusive promotional cards.

Whether you are a seasoned collector looking to make major purchases, a casual hobbyist browsing thousands of tables, or a newcomer curious about the hobby, The National offers an experience unlike any other card show. From vintage tobacco cards to modern-day rookie autos, the breadth of inventory at The National is unmatched.

Official website ↗

Venue & Location Guide

Venue

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018

Parking

The convention center has on-site parking garages with daily rates around $15-20. The Rosemont CTA Blue Line station is a short walk away. Arrive early on opening day as parking fills up fast. Overflow lots are available nearby with shuttle service.

Nearest Airport

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) — 5 minutes away. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) — about 30 minutes.

Nearby Hotels

Hyatt Rosemont (adjacent to 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)

Nearby Restaurants

Carlucci (upscale Italian, walking distance)
Hofbrauhaus Chicago (German beer hall in Rosemont)
Morton's The Steakhouse (Rosemont location)
Fogo de Chao (Brazilian steakhouse, nearby)

First-Timer Tips

1Buy your VIP pass early if you want first access on opening day — general admission lines can stretch for hours
2Bring a rolling cart or backpack to carry purchases — you will buy more than you expect
3Check the autograph signing schedule before you go and pre-purchase tickets for the athletes you want
4Visit the corporate booths (Topps, Panini, Fanatics) for exclusive wrapper redemption promos and free packs
5The best deals on vintage cards are often found at smaller dealer tables toward the back of the convention hall
6Bring cash — many dealers offer cash discounts, and some smaller tables do not accept cards
7Pace yourself. The show floor is massive. Wear comfortable shoes and take breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is The National in 2026?

The 46th National Sports Collectors Convention runs 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 (2025, 2026, 2027).

How much does it cost to attend The National?

For 2026, single-day general admission is $30 (it was $25 on advance sale through June 30). VIP packages, which include early access and exclusive cards, start at $199.99. Children 12 and under get in free.

When is The National held each year?

The National is held in late July or early August. In 2026 it runs July 29–August 2 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. It returns to Rosemont again in 2027.

Is The National worth attending for beginners?

Absolutely. The National is great for beginners because you can see every type of card and collectible in one place, attend free seminars, meet athletes, and talk to experienced dealers who are happy to help newcomers learn about the hobby.

Can I sell cards at The National?

Yes. Many attendees bring cards to sell or trade. You can approach dealers on the show floor, but if you want your own table, you need to rent booth space, which typically costs $500-2,000+ depending on location and size.

Where does The National take place?

The 2026 National is at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018 (Chicago area). The show is in Rosemont for three consecutive years, 2025 through 2027, before it rotates to other major U.S. cities.

How many days should I plan for The National?

Most serious collectors attend 2-3 days. If you are just browsing, one full day is enough to see the highlights. VIP collectors who want first picks often attend all five days (Wednesday–Sunday).