The 2017 Panini VIP Party: What’s Inside the Packs and How You Can Get a Ticket

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.

On Saturday in Chicago, the Panini America National VIP Party returns, intent on another epic night. And considering that previous guests have included Mike Tyson, Joe Namath, Allen Iverson, Reggie Jackson, Scottie Pippen, Kyrie Irving, Yasiel Puig, Jose Canseco, Julius Erving, Dominique Wilkins, Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, Johnny Damon and so many more, you can bet that Panini America officials have another jaw-dropping list of stars to headline this year’s gala. 

Once again this year, the only way to gain admission to the exclusive, invite-only event is to qualify for a ticket by purchasing selected Panini America product at the National from one of four approved National VIP Party vendors (Atlanta Sports Cards, Blowout Cards, Dave & Adam’s Card World and Steel City Collectibles). Actually, there is one other possible way to get a ticket: Win the 2017 Pantheon Football Box War taking place in the Panini America booth at 1 p.m. on Saturday. 

VIP Party attendees will receive National Silver Packs at the Panini America booth upon qualifying. They’ll also receive special Gold VIP packs at the party Saturday night and autographed 8 by 10s from every VIP guest in attendance.

For 2017, Panini America officials have once again added a Super VIP level (tickets available exclusively at iCollectPanini.com) that will include double the typical VIP Party swag, exclusive VIP access to the star-studded list of guests, exclusive numbered autographed photos, an exclusive Panini Authentic Kevin Durant autographed memorabilia piece (suitable for framing) and much more. For both VIPs and Super VIPs, the party delivers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rub elbows with sports royalty in a laid-back atmosphere.

We’ll have plenty more on the Panini America 2017 National VIP Party and the company’s presence at this year’s National Sports Collectors Convention in the coming days and weeks right here on The Knight’s Lance. But just to give you a taste of what the National VIP Party is all about, check out the links below showcasing past events. After that, we provide a small glimpse into some of the exclusive content available to this year’s VIP attendees including, for the first time, diamond cards and diamond autograph cards.

Night to Remember: Must-See Images from Panini America’s 2016 National VIP Party

Panini America, Sports Legends Pack Punch During 2015 National VIP Party (Gallery)

Cleveland Rocked: Panini America, Big Stars Make Magic at 2014 National VIP Party

Panini America VIP Party Steals the Show at 2013 National Convention (Gallery)

Night to Remember: Scenes from the Panini America 2012 National VIP Party

Now, to the imagery . . .