A complete run of home programs from the Cleveland Browns’ inaugural season in 1946 was featured the last time Cleveland hosted the National Sports Collectors Convention in 2018. (Morning Journal/Ron Firth)
CLEVELAND — The world’s largest gathering of sports collectors and dealers are in Cleveland this week.
The 44th National Sports Collectors Convention, affectionately known as The National, will be held tonight through Sunday at the Cleveland I-X Center.
“The National Sports Collectors Convention is the sports and entertainment industry’s largest collectibles annual premier event,” said NSCC show managers. “A once in a lifetime experience the entire family can enjoy!”
The National will utilize more than 500,000 square feet with more than 600 dealers from around the country, trading card manufacturers and 150 autograph guests.
Attendees will be able to buy, sell and trade every kind of sports and entertainment collectible. If there is something you are looking for, it will be at The National this weekend. Last year’s convention in Chicago drew 100,000 people.
This is the eighth time Cleveland has hosted The National since the first in 1997. The is the first time the national convention has been in Cleveland since 2018 due to a change in ownership of the I-X Center.
“We are extremely excited that the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention is returning to Cleveland,” said Ray Schulte, NSCC communications director. “Cleveland has an exceptionally strong sports tradition with very avid and knowledgeable collectors and a diversified sports fan base.”
Single-day admission is $30 at the door or online plus parking. Children ages 12 and under are free. All the popular VIP packages are sold out.
A sneak peek will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today. Regular show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
There are three National Trade Nights from 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with more than 40,000 square feet on the lower level concourse. Attendees must show their NSCC badge or show admission wristband for free entry .
The iconic 125-foot Ferris wheel that was inside the I-X Center for 30 years is no longer there. It was moved to the Hall of Fame Village in Canton two years ago.