ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Chicago area once again became the center of the sports card and memorabilia universe on Wednesday with the opening of the 38th National Sports Collectors Convention — and Panini America took its place at the heart of it all.
Panini’s dynamic set is traditionally a can’t-miss place to visit at the National. This year is no different with larger-than-life photos of today’s top NBA, NFL, MLBPA and NASCAR stars covering the corner displays and an eye-catching collection of Panini Authentic game-used items on display. Of course, Panini America’s portion of the blue-carpeted Corporate Pavilion will also be a hub of nearly non-stop activities through Sunday. Wednesday’s sneak peek served as the appetizer for a full National menu this weekend.
The colorful world of NASCAR is about to meet its collecting match. Indeed, a quick review of what racing’s biggest superstars — and their rides — look like on Panini America’s Select technology is to see the sport in a whole new light. Of course, the new 2017 Select NASCAR Racing is about more than just vibrant hues. It’s also about rich autograph and memorabilia content from current stars, fast-rising newcomers and all-time greats.
You got an extended preview of 2017 Select NASCAR Racing in Monday’s revealing Quality Control Gallery. Today, we’re taking you directly to the box level by going pack by pack through three early boxes. On average, each hobby box of 2017 Select NASCAR Racing will deliver two autographs, three memorabilia cards and a rainbow array of Prizm parallels. Enjoy the imagery below and stay tuned for additional coverage.
Few will argue that the 2017 NBA Draft Class is one of the most exciting young crops to enter the league in years. And that notion was entrenched before many of the group’s top picks sent shockwaves throughout the NBA Summer League with one high-flying performance after another. The presence of Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum, Markelle Fultz, Dennis Smith Jr. and so many more has basketball fans and collectors genuinely excited for the trading cards and highlights to come.
In late August, before this stacked rookie class has a chance to officially make its first impact in an NBA uniform, Panini America will honor its collegiate legacy with the release of 2017 Contenders Draft Picks Basketball.
For most collectors who attend the National Sports Collectors Convention every summer, the industry’s marquee consumer event is essentially a five-day celebration of collecting passion. But during each of the last five years, Panini America has breathed new life into that celebration with its exclusive — and quite breathtaking — National VIP Party.
Anyone lucky enough to have attended the Panini America National VIP Party in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 or 2016 will tell you that there’s no other party quite like it. From the guest list to the goodies to the food to the fun, Panini America’s National VIP Party has not only become the talk of the National Sports Collectors Convention — it’s talked about for days, weeks, months and even years afterward, too.
Panini America is set to write another chapter in its short-but-vibrant NASCAR trading card history book tomorrow with the release of the first-ever Select racing product. Based on a history of performance, design, a three-tiered base-set structure and content, the colorful, Optichrome-fueled Select franchise is a staple brand in the NBA and the NFL. Judging by the looks of 2017 Select NASCAR Racing, the same will be true on the track, too.
On average, each hobby box of 2017 Select NASCAR Racing (five cards per pack, 12 packs per box, 12 boxes per case) will deliver two autographs, three memorabilia cards, 12 Prizm parallels, three Pit Pass SPs, one Hot Pass SSP, three Speed Merchants, two Up Close & Personal and one Select Stars.
