History of "The National" - The National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC)

The National Sports Collectors Convention, often referred to as "The National," is the premier event in the sports card and memorabilia collecting world. Below is a brief history of the NSCC annual event, and at the end of this post is a list of where the National Sports Collectors Convention (The National) has been held since its inception:

Origins and Early Years

- 1980: The first National Sports Collectors Convention was held in Los Angeles, California, organized by collectors and dealers who saw the need for a large, centralized event for the expanding sports card and memorabilia market.

- The inaugural event was relatively modest, attracting a few hundred attendees and a small number of dealers, but it set the stage for what would become an annual tradition.

Growth and Expansion

- 1980s: Throughout the decade, The National grew steadily in size and popularity. Each year, the event moved to different cities across the United States, including St. Louis, Chicago, and Detroit, reflecting its growing national appeal.

- The convention became known for bringing together the largest number of collectors, dealers, and hobbyists in one place, offering a unique opportunity for trading, buying, and selling.

The Boom Years

- 1990s: The sports card and memorabilia market experienced a significant boom, and The National grew correspondingly. Attendance numbers were on the rise, and the convention halls expanded to accommodate the increasing number of dealers and attendees.

- During this period, the event featured a wider variety of memorabilia, including autographed items, game-used equipment, vintage collectibles, and of course, sports cards.

- 1990 Skybox is an iconic set. Skybox produced a National Convention card, which was handed out to guests that attended, at the Arlington, TX event. There were a lot of great cards produced in this set, and this is one of my favorites!

Challenges and Adaptations

- 2000s: The hobby faced various challenges, including market fluctuations and competition from online marketplaces. Despite these challenges, The National remained a cornerstone event for the industry.

- The convention adapted by incorporating more diverse offerings, including appearances by sports stars, autograph sessions, and panel discussions. These additions helped maintain the event's appeal.

Recent Developments

- 2010s to Present: The National continued to grow and evolve, reflecting changes in the hobby. The rise of digital platforms, the increasing interest in graded cards, and the influx of new collectors have all influenced the event.

- 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 convention, marking a rare interruption in its annual tradition. However, the event returned in 2021 with strong attendance, demonstrating the hobby's resilience and ongoing popularity. Although there was an uptick in cards manufactured ahead of the pandemic, the pandemic accompanied with The Last Dance documentary sparked a lot of new interest in the hobby, and it also got many folks back into the hobby after a hiatus.

- 2020s: The National continues to be held in major cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and Atlantic City, drawing tens of thousands of attendees each year. It remains the largest and most significant event for sports card collectors and memorabilia enthusiasts. It's also worth noting that Dallas (Texas) has a Dallas Card Show; instead of one annual show (like The National), they now have 4-5 events per year.

Key Features of The National

1. Dealer Tables and Exhibits: Hundreds of dealers and exhibitors showcase a vast array of sports cards and memorabilia.

2. Autograph Signings: Attendees can meet and get autographs from current and former sports stars.

• Check out the 2024 guest list HERE.

3. Panels and Workshops: Educational sessions on various aspects of the hobby, including grading, collecting tips, and market trends.

4. Auction Houses: Major auction houses often hold significant auctions during the event, featuring rare and high-value items.

5. Corporate Presence: Major companies in the hobby, such as Topps, Panini, PSA, SGC, CGC and Beckett have a significant presence, often unveiling new products, services, and promotions. Most grading companies also offer a "drop off" for submissions; so instead of mailing in your order, you can simply drop it off at their booth.

The National Sports Collectors Convention remains the must-attend event for anyone passionate about sports cards and memorabilia, reflecting the hobby's history, its current trends, and its future directions.

Here is a list of cities and states where the National Sports Collectors Convention (The National) has been held since its inception:

1980s

1980: Los Angeles, California

1981: Detroit, Michigan

1982: St. Louis, Missouri

1983: Chicago, Illinois

1984: Parsippany, New Jersey

1985: San Francisco, California

1986: Arlington, Texas

1987: San Francisco, California

1988: Atlantic City, New Jersey

1989: Chicago, Illinois

1990s

1990: Arlington, Texas

1991: Anaheim, California

1992: Atlanta, Georgia

1993: Chicago, Illinois

1994: Houston, Texas

1995: St. Louis, Missouri

1996: Anaheim, California

1997: Cleveland, Ohio

1998: Chicago, Illinois

1999: Atlanta, Georgia

2000s

2000: Anaheim, California

2001: Cleveland, Ohio

2002: Chicago, Illinois

2003: Atlantic City, New Jersey

2004: Cleveland, Ohio

2005: Chicago, Illinois

2006: Anaheim, California

2007: Cleveland, Ohio

2008: Chicago, Illinois

2009: Cleveland, Ohio

2010s

2010: Baltimore, Maryland

2011: Chicago, Illinois

2012: Baltimore, Maryland

2013: Chicago, Illinois

2014: Cleveland, Ohio

2015: Chicago, Illinois

2016: Atlantic City, New Jersey

2017: Chicago, Illinois

2018: Cleveland, Ohio

2019: Chicago, Illinois

2020s

2020: Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

2021: Chicago, Illinois

2022: Atlantic City, New Jersey

2023: Chicago, Illinois

2024: Cleveland, Ohio

2025: Chicago, Illinois

This list highlights the consistent rotation among a few key cities, with Chicago, Cleveland, and Atlantic City being popular venues over the years.