Latest news with #FanaticsFestNYC2024
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
From trade nights to Travis Scott: Fanatics Fest NYC Recap
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 17: Fans attends Trade Night at the Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 at Jacob Javits Center on August 17, 2024 in New York City. (Photo byfor Fanatics) This past week was a major one for Mantel as we touched down at Fanatics Fest in NYC. With a packed schedule and a ton of momentum behind the hobby, we hit the ground running—and it didn't disappoint. Here were the highlights of my week. Wednesday – Mojo x Bleecker Kickoff Things kicked off with a private event hosted by Mojo Sports and Mantel at Bleecker. If you're unfamiliar, Mojo is one of the key voices in the hobby right now . In partnership with Bleecker Trading and Mojo Sports, Mantel hosted an invite only event before Fanatics Fest kicked off. We had pizza from L'Industrie (my pick for best in NYC), and collectors brought the heat. One collection that stood out was a PSA 1 showcase , featuring cards with stories that go well beyond their price tags. Advertisement The big moment of the night came when Steve Aoki showed up. He's no stranger to the hobby and brought the energy. Within minutes, the room filled up, and yes, he did his signature cake toss. Mojo took the hit like a champ. You could say Fanatics Fest week officially started with a bang. Thursday – Trade Night Chaos We were up early setting up the Mantel booth, and by evening, I was back at Bleecker for King of the Kards' trade night. Mantel sets up its booth for Fanatics Fest in NYC. It was absolute mayhem—in the best way. Tables filled, deals flying. The biggest move of the night? King of the Kards dropped $19,000 on a haul that included a Patrick Mahomes Prizm RC, Josh Allen Donruss Optic RC, LeBron James Topps Chrome Refractor RC, and a 2006 LeBron Signature Shots Auto. Advertisement But the most memorable card was a custom Jeff Bezos 'Employee of the Month' card. Not real, but definitely hilarious. The hobby never stops finding new ways to surprise you—especially on nights like this. A custom Jeff Bezos "Employee of the Month" card seen at Fanatics Fest. Friday – The Show Begins Friday was stacked. I'll spare you the full play-by-play and stick to the two moments that stood out. The Panel: Michael Rubin, Tom Brady, and Travis Scott took the stage, and the crowd was loud. Brady even joked about getting a rare warm welcome in NYC. Rubin broke down his mindset on building brands and collaborations, stating, 'I love partnering with entrepreneurial people who move the needle.' He credited Travis as one of those. Travis, on the other hand, said it simply: 'Everything I collab with are things I loved as a kid.' Advertisement Then came a surprise: Mark Zuckerberg appeared on screen to announce a Meta x Oakley collab with new smart glasses. He called on Travis to perform, and the panel turned into a live concert. Travis performed with the new glasses on and the crowd went off. The Vince Carter Moment: As someone from Toronto, this one hit differently. Vince spoke about his journey, his jersey retirement, and even finishing his degree while playing Game 7 in the playoffs. It was raw and thoughtful—something I didn't expect in that setting. Legend then. Legend now. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Vince Carter speaks onstage at Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 20, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by) (Slaven Vlasic via Getty Images) Saturday – Hidden Gems Saturday kept the momentum going. I caught the Brady x Kevin Hart taping for Cold As Balls and then spent more time walking the floor. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 21: (L-R) Tom Brady and Kevin Hart speak onstage during the "Cold As Balls" stage at Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 21, 2025 in New York City. (Photo byfor Fanatics) (Kevin Mazur via Getty Images) The highlight? Talking to The UFC Card Father, who had the biggest UFC card collection I've ever seen. His centerpiece: a $1.2 million Joe Rogan 1/1 cut auto by Upper Deck. The card doesn't say UFC—just 'comedian'—because of a licensing issue with Topps. You learn something new every day. Final Thoughts I flew out Saturday night and missed the final day, but even with an early exit, the week over-delivered. Between the big names, obscure cards, wild trade night stories, and passionate collectors, Fanatics Fest felt like a tipping point for the hobby. The energy is there. The culture is evolving. And this is only the beginning. Your collection deserves a community. Download Mantel today.
Newsweek
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Paige Spiranac Has Hilarious Request of New PGA Tour CEO
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Paige Spiranac is up there with Tiger Woods as one of the biggest names in golf, regardless of whether she plays professionally. She has more followers than Tiger and is known as golf's top social media influencer. With the PGA Tour making a replacement at the top, as Jay Monahan seems to be out, the news is that Brian Rolapp is the new man in charge. The fans were quick to give their first demand, and of course, it included Spiranac. "If the new PGA CEO doesn't immediately hire Paige Spiranac as an on-course reporter, then all is lost," X, formerly Twitter, user McGolfin TV wrote. Spiranac responded to that tweet. "I mean the people have spoken," she wrote. I mean the people have spoken — Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) June 18, 2025 The former professional golfer isn't new to the role. During the PLAYERS Championship week, she was the on-course reporter for the Creators Classic at TPC Sawgrass. Spiranac did a fantastic job providing insight while keeping people entertained with her quick remarks. Her skills shone through as she handled the role with ease. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 17: Paige Spiranac speaks onstage during the Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 at Jacob Javits Center on August 17, 2024 in New York City. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 17: Paige Spiranac speaks onstage during the Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 at Jacob Javits Center on August 17, 2024 in New York City. Photo byfor Fanatics The 32-year-old has already begun her next career phase as she recently signed on with the Grass League, a new par-3 golf tour. It blends pros, influencers and fans to compete. Spiranac will give interviews, work with the marketing side, and help with the new tour's brand, per a story from Forbes. If anyone can do it, Spiranac can because she grew her brand through hard work and dedication to learning how social media works. However, the new CEO could shake up the golf landscape if he hired Spiranac as a reporter. Granted, NBC Sports, Golf Channel, or CBS Sports would likely need to hire her. Unless Rolapp wants to grow the PGA Tour LIVE area and use Spiranac with that team, it would have to be one of the broadcasting companies. Annika Sorenstam already gave her the nod of approval, so why not get her on the broadcast? She also went to bat for Rory McIlroy after his drama at the U.S. Open. Her ability to talk about what's going on in golf will be a significant asset to the television side of the PGA Tour. The idea is a good one, though, because she would attract a younger crowd and bring a fresh face to the sport with her influence. More Golf: Rory McIlroy Reveals His New Motivation after Masters Win
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Here's what to expect at Fanatics Fest this year, including an expanded autograph area
Travis Scott and Michael Rubin attend the Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 at Jacob Javits Center. (Photo byfor Fanatics) Part comic con, part sports fest, part card show, Fanatics Fest brings leagues, athletes and fans together for a weekend of sports culture. It's back for its second year at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from June 20-22. Advertisement But there was so much to learn to get here — some lessons even decades in the making. 'You're taking a chance by saying, we're going to put something truly original into the world, and you just never know how it will be received,' Fanatics Events CEO Lance Fensterman said. 'It was a massive success just getting this into the world launched successfully with so many people that liked it so much.' The inaugural Fanatics Fest had plenty of successes. The WWE booth was one of the most popular last year. Fans had the opportunity to see athletes like Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski walking through the convention center. They got an impromptu concert by Travis Scott, and ran into celebrities on the floor like Livvy Dunne or Alix Earle. But there was room for improvement. One opportunity that stood out was the autograph area was too small and too crowded for the size of the show. Advertisement 'The autographing is being cleaned up and security is helping athletes move around the show. We really want athletes and streamers and entertainers to be visible,' Fensterman said. 'We got to improve these things and make them better so that people can have more fun and have a good time with less stress and hassle and friction' Fensterman comes from ReedPop, one of the top convention organizers in the country and has produced events such as New York Comic Con and Star Wars Celebration. This is also not his first time trying to put on a sports event. In the early 2010s, Fensterman developed a fantasy football event in Atlantic City. It had former athletes and everything that sports fans could love. Advertisement There was only one problem. No one showed up. 'It was a really cool show that nobody came to, and it was a total and complete flop,' Fensterman said. 'What we took away from that was that sports was really about teams.' So, Fanatics Fest has the teams and the leagues. NFL, MLB, NBA, WWE, UFC, NHL, FIFA, Premier League, Formula 1 and so much more are all represented with different activities. Last year's Fanatics Fest featured a 40-yard dash, a Wiffle ball park, a basketball court and more, creating a never-ending playground for a passionate sports fan. This year's event — which still has tickets available — is expected to have all that and more. Much more. Advertisement 'We've got about 40 percent more athletes, streamers, entertainers, a lot more current NFL players because we moved from August to June,' Fensterman said. 'We'll also have more stages and content. We have one main stage and a podcast stage. We've got more brands.' There is also more space on the floor to fit all of the activities, brands and people. Fensterman sees Fanatics as the perfect company to make a sports convention happen –- finally. With the blend of leagues, athletes, collectibles and important lessons learned, the show is expected to be a must-attend event for years to come. 'I think Fanatics is in the middle of so much of what's going on in sports and sports culture right now,' he said, 'that bringing it all to life in a fan-focused playground essentially feels natural.'
Newsweek
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Triple H Is Reportedly Not A Big Fan Of Popular WWE Prop
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE's Chief Content Officer, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, is reportedly not a major proponent of the Money in the Bank briefcase concept itself, according to WrestleVotes Radio. This news came to light during a discussion about the unusual late-August scheduling for the 2026 Money in the Bank premium live event in New Orleans. Speaking on SportsKeeda's WrestleVotes Radio, TC of WrestleVotes stated, "I've been told Triple H not a big fan of the Money in the Bank prop as a whole." This is noteworthy given Triple H's influential role in WWE's creative direction and the longstanding status of the Money in the Bank ladder match. It is a career-altering opportunity for WWE Superstars. The winner of the match receives a briefcase containing a contract for a championship match at any time and place of their choosing for up to one year. The Money in the Bank concept was created by Chris Jericho and first introduced at WrestleMania 21 in 2005. Due to its popularity and the excitement surrounding the cash-in possibilities, it evolved into its own dedicated annual premium live event in 2010. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 17: Paul "Triple H" Levesque attends the Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 at Jacob Javits Center on August 17, 2024 in New York City. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 17: Paul "Triple H" Levesque attends the Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 at Jacob Javits Center on August 17, 2024 in New York Fanatics More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation A women's version of the Money in the Bank ladder match was later introduced in 2017, offering the same opportunity to the female roster. Over the years, numerous WWE fans have witnessed iconic cash-ins that have led to shocking title changes and the crowning of new champions. Despite Triple H's reported personal view on the "prop," the Money in the Bank event remains a key fixture on WWE's calendar. The 2025 edition is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 7th, from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. That card will feature both Men's and Women's Money in the Bank ladder matches, alongside other bouts such as Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena teaming with Logan Paul against World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes. Following this, New Orleans is slated to host the 2026 Money in the Bank PLE, reportedly in late August. This is a shift from its usual June/July timeframe after WrestleMania 42 was moved from the city. WWE has yet to confirm that WrestleMania 42 is moving locations. That is expected to change in the coming weeks. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Paige Spiranac's Chris Pratt Golf Story Will Leave You Chuckling
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Her career as a golf influencer has given Paige Spiranac such a global positioning that she is more followed on social platforms than Tiger Woods himself. Not surprisingly, she has had the opportunity to play with many celebrities. So many, in fact, that Spiranac had a hard time deciding who is the most famous person she has played golf with. Paige Spiranac speaks onstage during the Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 at Jacob Javits Center on August 17, 2024 in New York City. Paige Spiranac speaks onstage during the Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 at Jacob Javits Center on August 17, 2024 in New York was asked this question on the latest edition of the Skratch's Vanity Inside podcast, on which she was a guest, and the answer had several twists and turns, including an amusing story about popular movie star Chris Pratt. "I was in a foursome with Mark Wahlberg and Justin Timberlake and Gary Player," Spiranac recalled. "So, that one was pretty sick." "And then I played at Genesis, they did the Celebrity Writer Cup and my partner was [singer and actor] Nick Jonas and we played against Chris Pratt." "He was very slow," she revealed of Pratt while laughing. "Might be the slowest golfer I've ever played with. Super nice guy, unbelievably slow... He had all these people around him and he tells, like, these amazing stories and we're like, 'Hit the golf ball. Hit it.'" Despite this hilarious anecdote, Spiranac did not settle on Pratt as the most famous person she has ever played golf with. "I would probably say that foursome with Gary Player, Justin Timberlake, and Mark Wahlberg was number one." You do NOT want to be stuck in the group behind Chris Pratt. 😂@PaigeSpiranac joined Vanity Index to talk about playing with celebrity golfers, the evolution of her career, what she would do as Commissioner of the PGA TOUR and more. Watch now: — Skratch (@Skratch) May 20, 2025 Paige Spiranac has been building her career as a golf influencer for 10 years. She is currently followed by more than 1 million X users, more than four million on Instagram and more than 1.4 million on TikTok. Her YouTube channel has over 445,000 subscribers. In addition, Spiranac also posts content on Passes, where the number of users following her is not available. Her career has taken her to numerous challenges, such as modeling in two editions of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and acting in a small part of the highly anticipated Happy Gilmore 2, which will be released next July. Meanwhile, Chris Pratt is an avid golfer who is involved in many activities related to the sport. Two years ago, for example, he participated in a video playing golf with Sir Nick Faldo that has over 428,000 views on YouTube. While a few months ago, he was one of the main stars at the 2024 Memorial Tournament Pro-Am event. More Golf: Collin Morikawa played 'pathetic f***ing golf' at PGA Championship
