2016 National Sports Collectors Convention Guide
Overview
While there are many great card shows around the country, the National bests them all as the key event on the card collecting calendar each year. Many thousands descend upon the annual event location with collectors visiting from all over to support the hobby they love. Based out of Atlantic City, the 2016 National Sports Collectors Convention marks the 37th edition of the event.
Highlights include hundreds of card dealers selling nearly any collectible imaginable, top athletes signing autographs and plenty of exclusive cards.
Beyond the obvious collecting aspect, there is also a tight-knit group of collectors that use the NSCC as a great way to catch up with fellow members in the hobby. For many, this is the top draw for attending each year and it offers another element to the collecting experience.
The 2015 event was held in Chicago and future NSCC locations include Chicago (2017), Cleveland (2018) and Chicago (2019). If this is your first time attending, be sure to check out our National Sports Collectors Convention Survival Guide for tips and ideas on what to expect.
Important 2016 National Sports Collectors Convention Details
2016 National Sports Collectors Convention website
Date: Wednesday, August 3 to Sunday, August 7
Where is it?: Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Full directions and parking info here.
The map below highlights the specific location as well as nearby hotels and other notable options for the 2016 National Sports Collectors Convention in one handy option.
Hours:
- Wednesday, August 3 - 4PM to 8PM (sneak peek)
- Thursday, August 4 - 10AM to 6PM
- Friday, August 5 - 10AM to 6PM
- Saturday, August 6 - 10AM to 6PM
- Sunday, August 7 - 10AM to 5PM
Admission:
In addition to basic admission by the day, visitors can obtain various VIP packages that each offer different perks as well as the ability to attend every day of the convention. VIP packages also provide 12 to 18 free autographs from a pool of VIP signers. Perhaps most intriguing, the All Access VIP and All Access Super VIP grants collectors front-of-the-line privileges for autograph guests. Super VIP tickets also include parking passes.
While kids can get overshadowed in today's collecting world, the NSCC continues the tradition of allowing free admission to children that are 12 and under.
Specific details on each of the 2016 National Sports Collectors Convention packages and pricing can be viewed on the National's website. We have added a snapshot of the ticket options below:
- General Admission: $19/day in advance, $22/day at the show
- Children (12 and under): Free
- VIP Package: $129 in advance, $139 at the show
- Super VIP Package: $179 in advance, $189 at the show
- All-Access VIP: $229, $239 at the show
- All-Access Super VIP: $279, $289 at the show
Other Events
Some might be aware that Atlantic City is also known for other things than just being the host of the 2016 National Sports Collectors Convention. Key options include several casinos and the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk.
 | Making purchases through affiliate links can earn the site a commission |
Autograph Guests
2016 National Sports Collectors Convention Autograph Signers
Once again being handled by TriStar, the Autograph Pavilion is one of the highlights of the 2016 National Sports Collectors Convention each year. While some of the tickets packages do include autographs for select signers, most athletes cost extra.
Below is the list of signers planned for the event. Signers and times are subject to change. For full information, prices, signing times, and ticket pre-sales, check out TriStar's website. Some signers appear multiple days.
VIP guests are noted below with an asterisk * and free signers (F) are also noted.
Wednesday, August 3
Bobby Shantz* 5:15 PM
Eddie Giacomin (F) 4:30 PM
Gary Sheffield 6:30 PM
Herb Adderley 6:00 PM
Jack Youngblood 6:00 PM
John Montefusco* 5:45 PM
Mitch Williams* (F) 4:30 PM
Roy White* (F) 4:30 PM
Thursday, August 4
Bill Bergey* 3:30 PM
Boomer Esiason 3:15 PM
Brad Marsh* 11:00 AM
Bucky Dent 4:00 PM
Chris Chambliss 11:30 AM
Darryl Strawberry 1:00 PM
Joe Theismann 4:00 PM
John Starks 3:00 PM
Larry Johnson 3:00 PM
Maxie Baughan* 11:30 AM
Mike Torrez 4:00 PM
Pete Retzlaff* 3:00 PM
Rich "Goose" Gossage 11:00 AM
Ron Guidry 11:15 AM
Walt Frazier 1:00 PM
1986 New York Giants Reunion
Bart Oates 1:00 PM
Billy Ard 1:00 PM
Brad Benson 1:45 PM
Byron Hunt 5:00 PM
Carl Banks 1:00 PM
Elvis Patterson 12:00 PM
Eric Dorsey 4:00 PM
Gary Reasons 12:00 PM
George Martin 2:15 PM
Harry Carson 2:30 PM
Jim Burt 1:15 PM
Joe Morris 4:15 PM
Karl Nelson 11:00 AM
Lawrence Taylor 1:00 PM
Lee Rouson 12:00 PM
Leonard Marshall 3:15 PM
Lionel Manuel 11:00 AM
Mark Bavaro 2:15 PM
Maurice Carthon 1:30 PM
Ottis Anderson 3:30 PM
Perry Williams 5:00 PM
Phil Simms 2:30 PM
Raul Allegre 11:00 AM
Sean Landeta 1:30 PM
Terry Kinard 1:15 PM
William Roberts 4:00 PM
Friday, August 5
Adam Graves 2:00 PM
Anderson Silva 4:00 PM
Bake McBride* 1:30 PM
Bernie Parent 12:30 PM
Brian Leetch 2:30 PM
Christian Laettner 3:30 PM
Curt Schilling 1:00 PM
Dennis Eckersley 2:00 PM
Dennis Rodman 3:45 PM
Dominique Wilkins 4:30 PM
Donovan McNabb 11:15 AM
Earl Campbell 1:00 PM
Frank Robinson 11:00 AM
Gerry Cheevers 4:00 PM
Grant Fuhr 1:00 PM
Jim Bunning 12:00 PM
Jim Rice 2:30 PM
John Smoltz 11:00 AM - Cancelled
Mike Richter 2:15 PM
Nate Archibald* 2:15 PM
Pete Rose 1:15 PM
Ric Flair 1:30 PM
Rick Barry 11:00 AM
Rickey Henderson 11:30 AM
Rod Carew 11:00 AM
Ron Blomberg* 10:30 AM
Ron Jaworski 3:00 PM
Seth Joyner* 11:15 AM
Shawn Kemp 4:00 PM
Vinny Testaverde 12:30 PM
Wade Boggs 11:30 AM
Saturday, August 6
Andy Pettitte 11:30 AM
Andy Russell 4:30 PM
Barry Sanders 1:15 PM
Brooks Robinson 2:15 PM
Cal Ripken Jr. 12:00 PM
Dave Winfield 11:00 AM
Dick Allen 4:00 PM
Eddie Murray 1:00 PM
Frank Thomas 10:30 AM
Hines Ward 2:00 PM
Hulk Hogan 2:00 PM
Jack Ham 3:00 PM
Jack Lambert 12:45 PM
Jim Lonborg* 2:30 PM
Jimmy Hart 2:30 PM
Joe Namath 11:00 AM
Julius Erving 12:00 PM
Ken Daneyko 5:00 PM
Kevin Mitchell* 11:30 AM
Mariano Rivera 11:00 AM
Martin Brodeur 2:15 PM
Mike Piazza 12:00 PM
Mike Schmidt 11:00 AM
Mike Tyson 2:00 PM
Pedro Martinez 2:00 PM
Randy Johnson 10:45 AM
Reggie Jackson 12:30 PM
Rocky Bleier 3:15 PM
Rod Carew 11:00 AM
Ryan Arcidiacono 3:30 PM
Sugar Ray Leonard 11:15 AM
Von Hayes* 11:15 AM
Sunday, August 7
Al Kaline 1:30 PM
Bernie Williams 1:00 PM
Bob Gibson 1:00 PM - Cancelled
Bob Griese 12:00 PM
Craig Biggio 11:00 AM
Dave Cash* 2:30 PM
Don Money* 2:15 PM
Franco Harris 1:30 PM
Gary Matthews* 2:00 PM
Greg Luzinski* 11:30 AM
Hideki Matsui 2:30 PM
Jim Kaat 2:45 PM
Jim Kelly 1:00 PM
Joe Greene 3:00 PM
Johnny Bench 12:30 PM
Lou Brock 1:30 PM
Lou Piniella 10:45 AM
Lou Savarese* 11:15 AM
Ozzie Smith 1:30 PM
Robin Yount 11:00 AM
Roger Clemens 11:15 AM
Ryne Sandberg 11:45 AM
Steve Carlton 10:45 AM
Tim Raines 1:30 PM
Tino Martinez 11:30 AM
Tom Glavine 11:00 AM
Tommy Lasorda 3:00 PM
| Making purchases through affiliate links can earn the site a commission |
Exclusive Cards
2016 National Sports Collectors Convention Exclusive Cards
Full 2016 National Sports Collectors Convention details will be added as they are announced. Most of the major card companies produce special sets for the event.
2016 Topps NSCC Exclusives
Offering several different card exclusives, Topps will again feature a wrapper redemption at their booth (#1640) along with other giveaways and events. Rocky Balboa is featured in an exclusive ten-card set. Limited four-card packs of 2016 Bowman National Refractors can be earned by opening select hobby packs at the booth.
VIP ticket holders will also receive a free four-card pack of 1951 Topps Red & Blue Backs 65th Anniversary cards that celebrate the players from the original set.
2016 Topps National Sports Collectors Convention VIP Set Checklist
- Bobby Doerr - Boston Red Sox
- Bob Feller - Cleveland Indians
- Ed (Duke) Snider - Brooklyn Dodgers
- Phil Rizzuto - New York Yankees
- Warren Spahn - Boston Braves
Topps will host the VIP party to begin the 2016 National on August 3. The event will include free autographs from Eddie Giacomin (NHL Hall of Fame goalie), Mitch Williams (Phillies closer), Roy White (New York Yankees outfielder) and Art Shamsky (Cincinnati Reds / NY Mets).
2016 Panini NSCC Exclusives
In addition to their popular wrapper redemption program, collectors have another Panini cardboard option with a six-card set only available via a coupon included in the VIP ticket packages. Centering on the top rookie stars across several sports, the full 2016 Panini National Sports Collectors Convention VIP set includes Buddy Hield and Brandon Ingram for basketball, Carson Wentz and Jared Goff for football, and Kenta Maeda and Trevor Story for baseball.
2016 Panini National Sports Collectors Convention VIP Set Checklist
- Buddy Hield - Oklahoma Sooners
- Brandon Ingram - Duke Blue Devils
- Carson Wentz - Philadelphia Eagles
- Jared Goff - Los Angeles Rams
- Kenta Maeda - Los Angeles Dodgers
- Trevor Story - Colorado Rockies
2016 Upper Deck NSCC Exclusives
As in past years, Upper Deck will issue exclusive cards for the National, including VIP options and Wrapper Redemption packs. For the main wrapper redemption, the Prominent Cuts set will include ten base cards from several different sports, along with autographs and cut signature cards (1/1). There will also be Top Shelf inserts for ten NHL rookies with limited signed parallels.
View full details and a checklist for the 2016 Upper Deck National Sports Collectors Convention Wrapper Redemption set.
In addition, 2016 NSCC VIP ticket holders will receive a Prominent Cuts set featuring the biggest names in the UD stable. This five-card set includes Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretzky and Martin Brodeur.
2016 Upper Deck National Sports Collectors Convention VIP Set Checklist
- VIP-1 Wayne Gretzky - Edmonton Oilers
- VIP-2 Tiger Woods
- VIP-3 Martin Brodeur - New Jersey Devils
- VIP-4 LeBron James
- VIP-5 Michael Jordan
Upper Deck also created a special "A Piece of History" card for the late co-founder of the National, Mike Berkus. The cards mimic the legendary relic insert design from UD and add a National-worn blazer swatch from Berkus. Cards were issued to his family, as well as an oversized display version, and "to partners at the 2016 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City this summer."
2016 Leaf NSCC Exclusives
In addition to several box and case redemption programs that yield either a 2016 Best of the National box or a NSCC stamped Babe Ruth Original Yankees Stadium Seat Relic (#/10 or less), CEO Brian Gray will be on hand to sign special inscription cards. Leaf will also host a daily promo giveaway that includes top rookies of 2016:
- Alex Bregman
- Brendan Rodgers
- Carson Wentz
- Dansby Swanson
- Ezekiel Elliott
- Jared Goff
- Paxton Lynch
- Yoan Moncada
In addition, Leaf will have a four-card set for VIPs that includes an "In Memory of" card for NSCC founder Mike Berkus. The set features stars of football, hockey and baseball with a Welcome to Atlantic City 2016! headline.
2016 Leaf National Sports Collectors Convention VIP Set Checklist
- Jack Eichel
- Mariano Rivera
- Mike Berkus
- Tom Brady
| Making purchases through affiliate links can earn the site a commission |
Christian Morasse
I have de same card, Wayne Gretzky O-PEE-CHEE 1979, that someone pay 465 000$US few days ago. My card is on perfect shape in a case since long time. How can a know the approximative value of my card?
Thank you and sorry for my english writting.
Christian Morasse
Qubec (Canada)