The 2026 National is underway in Rosemont: dates, admission and trade-night details

The hobby’s largest annual gathering is open

The 46th National Sports Collectors Convention is taking place July 29 through August 2, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. The venue is near Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

The National’s official site lists general admission at $30. Children age 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Attendees should verify current ticket availability and entry terms on the event site before traveling.

Official trade nights run through Saturday

The event’s official Trade Nights are scheduled for July 30, July 31, and August 1 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The National says the space exceeds 50,000 square feet and is open at no additional charge to attendees with a valid show ticket or badge.

The organizers list sports cards, trading card games, soccer, Formula 1, memorabilia, and related collectibles among the categories represented.

Plan purchases like a collector, not a spectator

Large shows create access to inventory and face-to-face negotiation, but a busy room can also encourage rushed decisions. Record the exact card, grade, certification number, seller, purchase price, tax, and any travel-related allocation you choose to include in your collection expenses.

• ✓Inspect the card and holder under good light
• ✓Verify certification numbers directly with the grading company
• ✓Treat sticker prices as asking prices, not comparable sales
• ✓Request a receipt for major purchases
• ✓Keep high-value items secured and out of public view

Why the event matters

The National concentrates dealers, grading companies, auction houses, manufacturers, and collectors in one place. That makes it useful for discovering trends and building relationships, but observations from the show floor are still anecdotal until supported by completed transactions or published data.