The National Sports Collectors Convention is just a few weeks away! Plenty of fun can be had around the city after the convention lets out each night. Here is our personal guide for you to enjoy the sights and sounds around Chicago!From July 29th - August 2nd, the biggest show in our hobby is happening at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The National takes place just about 15 miles from Chicago. We know you probably have your week planned out for the show, but what about when the sun sets? As veterans of attending the show each year, we've compiled a list of spots for you to enjoy the show beyond the cards.
Eating is a MUST! You're going to be standing in lines, walking the show floor, and sharing stories all week at the National; don't forget to eat!
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse is just across the street from the show. The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is located at 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018. Gibsons is 5464 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018. Make sure to call ahead to place a reservation. Scope out the menu. We recommend the Marinated Skirt Steak; one of the best we've had. Walk in, and there is a bar to the left or main seating directly in front of you. Don't miss the merchandise stand either; take home some of the spices they sell!
The Cubs have a game on the 29th at 6:45 PM against the Cardinals. The National lets out at 8:00 PM, but you could cut out early, head up to Wrigley, and watch a game from the famous bleachers! Or, the best bet of the week is the Sunday game; the Yankees are in town. Cubs-Yankees on the 1st is at 6:15 PM. The show ends at 6:00 PM. Wrigley is about 13 miles from the show, but do account for traffic.
We told you the Yankees are in town - you can go watch the White Sox and Yankees on the 29th at 6:40 PM. You'd have to leave the show a little earlier that day as Rate Field is about 18 miles away. Bonus - there is a Harry Potter shirt ticket promotion.
The "Bean" sculpture is actually called the Cloud Gate. You can learn more about the best photo-op in town here. The Bean is located at 201 E Randolph St, Chicago in Millennium Park, about 20 miles away from the show.
Located at 5501 Park Pl, Rosemont, IL 60018 is an entertainment district! The Park is where you'll find Rockin in the Park concerts on both Thursday and Friday. Join the crowd between 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM each night for music. If you check the calendar, you'll see a Who cover band on Thursday and a George Michael cover band on Friday. Fireworks are scheduled to happen on Thursday, too. The Park is only about half of a mile away from the show!
Looking to swing the clubs after a day of cards? Head over to Top Golf at 2050 Progress Pkway in Schaumburg, about 12 miles from the show. Three floors of fun await! We went with our whole Just Collect crew and our good friends, Todd and Ryan. Our owner, Leighton, and Todd, did well. The rest of us enjoyed the food and remembered why it takes us 4 hours to finish 9 holes.
We did say beyond the cards, BUT - we know what a steak, ball game, and night of golf can cost! Just Collect is buying collections all show and we're ready to pay cash! If you're looking to sell a collection to fund some of the nightlife, come see us any time during the show! Just Collect always offers a
Can't make it to the show? Read below to see how you can contact us any time about your collection.
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Just Collect is always buying vintage sports and non-sports cards from 1879 to 2009 as well as select modern cards. If you have a collection that you are considering selling, contact us today to discuss or get our industry-leading purchase offer. If you have a collection that you want appraised, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss your collection and help you understand the real cash value of your collection in the current marketplace. Check out the Just Collect Buy List.
We always offer a FREE APPRAISAL for your collection here at the Just Collect site. Just click here:
We offer many ways to evaluate your cards other than or using our website, too.
If you can make the trip here like the son from my hometown did for this collection- we can make a deal at the office. We once met a father-son duo that drove eight hours from Virginia to meet us to sell a Michael Jordan rookie card stored in Tupperware since 1986 - great read here.
We keep a LIST of card shows we'll be attending. Come stop by the Just Collect table and chat.
If you have a valuable collection and want us to come to you, we'll hop on the next plane out.
If you're near New York City and would like to meet in a public place, our owner, Leighton, would be happy to meet you; read all the information here.
If you choose to mail your cards for an appraisal, we will evaluate your cards for FREE still. If you choose not to sell the cards, we'll ship them back shipping fees paid by us! We can offer our FedEx account with 2-day shipping, fully insured, all covered by us. Simply contact the office to set up this option.
We've run into a wide range of people and collections over the last 25 years. Although Just Collect is known for buying vintage sports cards and especially vintage baseball cards, we are also extremely interested in buying non-sports cards, too!
Every collection and every collector is different and we treat EVERY collection with the respect and attention that we show for our own collections. We understand that many have put their heart and souls into building their collections. So when you're ready to sell, we understand the feelings that you're going through and will work with you to help you reach a decision that is a WIN/WIN, because if you're not happy, we're not happy.
Whether you have vintage cards or modern wax you want to sell, you can reach out to us any time!