On the Routing Table Today: Limited, Century Collection, Timeless Treasures
I was high-tailing it down the far corridor toward the Product Development room today when I was stopped in my size-10 tracks by the vibrant, stop-sign-red shade of paperwork perched predominantly atop the infamous "routing table." In particular, these gifted pieces of paper contained the first gorgeous looks I'd seen of some inserts slated for 2010 Century Collection, due out in late December. Based on this early glance, it's…
Panini NFL Rookie of the Week
Seyi Ajirotutu, SD – 4 catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns Other Rookie Highlights & Top Performances (more…)
Quality Controlling 2010-11 Rookies & Stars Basketball
I was jarred today from a mid-afternoon brainstorming session (OK, it was a nap) by the feverish unwrapping of packs just to my left. Past Scott Prusha's desk and just over Al Muir's hair, I could see Basketball Brand Managers Aik Tongtharadol and David Porter making quick work of a few just-delivered quality control cases of 2010-11 Rookies & Stars Basketball. (more…)
A Few Quality Minutes with the Phoenix Coyotes’ Oliver Ekman-Larsson
The Swedish-born Oliver Ekman-Larsson has a name like a law firm but he's way more offensive. The point-minded defenseman, the sixth overall pick of the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, has scored 16 points in 21 career international games. He helped Sweden to bronze-medal finishes in both the 2010 World Junior Championships and World Championships, tallying eight…
The Drool Gallery: 2010 Toronto Fall Expo Box Wars Prize Cards
When the 2010 Toronto Fall Expo kicks off Friday from the Toronto International Centre, there will be no shortage of exciting Panini America activities to keep the masses enthralled, engaged and entertained. One of those activities will be weekend-long Box Wars battles at the company's booth that will reward respective winners with bona fide collection-making gems. (more…)
Panini Peek: 2010-11 Playoff Contenders Patches Basketball
The product formerly known as Playoff Contenders Basketball will boast a new name and a new-look Rookie Card when 2010-11 Playoff Contenders Patches Basketball releases in early February. Each of the product's trademark Rookie Ticket Autographs will receive a memorabilia upgrade this season in the form of a manufactured prime patch (hence the enhanced product name) and those Rookie Ticket…
Quality Controlling 2010 Certified Football (Must-See Gallery and Video)
I don't care what anybody says, Panini America Football Brand Manager Carlos Torrez is a good dude, and here's how I know: He tipped me off just before lunch that he and Product Development Director Ben Ecklar were in the process of quality controlling 2010 Certified Football (tough job, huh?). So I grabbed my trusty Flip Video camera and iPhone and set off…
And the Contest Winners Are . . .
It's no secret that we here at Panini America have conducted quite a few contests in recent weeks. (Hey, it's one of our objectives to get cool cards in the hands of our customers and if we can get quality feedback in return, well, that's what we call a "win-win.") So after a few weeks of poring over responses and suggestions and ideas, we…
Panini America Mail Day: A Most Legendary Brian Leetch Game-Worn Rangers Sweater
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qel1eVMrhaI&fs=1&hl=en_US] Spend two minutes with one of Panini America's newest arrivals, a game-worn Brian Leetch sweater from the 2001-02 New York Rangers season bearing a patch of extreme significance.
Pau Gasol ‘Very Interested in the Product’
Late last week, during an impromptu, quick-turnaround trip to Phoenix for a signing session with exclusive spokesman Kobe Bryant, Panini America's Samantha Newman and Brian Bayne took advantage of the proximity and sat down with Lakers center Pau Gasol, too. The Spanish center, a key cog on the last two ring-winning Lakers championship teams, earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2002 and is a…