History of the National Sports Collectors Convention
National Sports Collectors Convention – The Beginning
This page is dedicated to honoring the pivotal historical events that have shaped the National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC) into the premier event it is today.
The tradition of card collecting dates back to the early 20th century, when tobacco companies began inserting cards into their products to boost sales. For decades, collectors pursued the hobby in relative isolation, often trading cards informally on local streets. This began to change in the early 1960s, when collectors started connecting through sports trading magazines. These connections sparked the formation of local collector clubs in cities like Boston, Detroit, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, St. Louis, and New York, among others.
By the 1970s, many of these clubs were organizing their own card shows—regional gatherings that quickly evolved into family-friendly events. Some clubs even developed their own convention programs, drawing dealers and collectors from across the country. These regional shows laid the groundwork for something bigger.
The concept of a national convention for sports card dealers and collectors was discussed in hobby circles nationwide, but it was a trio of enthusiasts from Los Angeles who turned the dream into a reality. After months of planning and promotion, the inaugural National Sports Collectors Convention was held in 1980 at the Los Angeles Marriott Airport Hotel. The event attracted attendees from numerous states and was an overwhelming success.
To truly make the National a hallmark event, it had to be accessible to collectors from coast to coast—and that vision continues to drive its legacy today.
The National Sports Collectors Convention
The National Sports Collectors Convention, often simply called "The National," is the largest and most prestigious gathering of sports collectors and memorabilia enthusiasts in the world. Held annually, it has become the cornerstone event for the sports collectibles industry, attracting dealers, collectors, celebrities, and media from across the globe.
The roots of The National trace back to the growing momentum of the hobby during the 1970s. A decade after the first-ever card show in 1970, a passionate nationwide network of collector clubs called for a dedicated annual convention—a place where collectors and dealers could connect, learn, trade, and celebrate their shared interests. The inaugural National took place in 1980, and from there, a tradition was born.
In an effort to truly make the event national, collector clubs from different regions began lobbying for the right to host. Each year, dealers vote on the next host city—a tradition that continues to this day. Over the past 44 years, The National has been held in 13 different cities across 10 states, reflecting its widespread appeal and ever-growing reach.
From humble beginnings, with a few part-time hobby dealers and simple 6-foot tables, The National has evolved into a multimedia, multi-billion dollar industry event. Today, it features hundreds of corporate sponsors, expansive exhibit halls, and high-profile media coverage.
The loyalty among dealers is one of the event’s hallmarks—more than half of the vendors have participated in 16 or more Nationals. In its early years, the convention might feature 4 or 5 athlete guests giving speeches. Now, it regularly hosts over 250 sports celebrities and personalities, many of whom engage in podcasts and panel discussions live from the show floor.
One of the most distinctive aspects of The National is its commitment to the hobby’s culture of creation and sharing. The event produces and gives away millions of collectible items annually, many of which become coveted memorabilia in their own right.
For a visual glimpse into this rich history and vibrant community, browse our photo archive showcasing moments from past conventions, exclusive collectibles, and behind-the-scenes highlights.
Locations of Prior National Sports Collectors Conventions
Locations of Prior NSCC Shows.
2024 I-X Center; Cleveland, OH
2023 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; Rosemont, IL
2022 Atlantic City (NJ) Convention Center
2021 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
2020 Atlantic City (NJ) Convention Center (Cancelled due to the COVID-19)
2019 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; Rosemont, IL
2018 I-X Center; Cleveland, OH
2017 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; Rosemont, IL
2016 Atlantic City (NJ) Convention Center
2015 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; Rosemont, IL
2014 I-X Center; Cleveland, OH
2013 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; Rosemont, IL
2012 Baltimore (MD) Convention Center
2011 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; Rosemont, IL
2010 Baltimore (MD) Convention Center
2009 I-X Center; Cleveland, OH
2008 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; Rosemont, IL
2007 I-X Center; Cleveland, OH
2006 Anaheim (CA) Convention Center
2005 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; Rosemont, IL
2004 I-X Center; Cleveland, OH
2003 Atlantic City (NJ) Convention Center
2002 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; Rosemont, IL
2001 I-X Center; Cleveland, OH
2000 Anaheim (CA) Convention Center
1999 Georgia World Congress Center; Atlanta
1998 Rosemont (IL) Exposition Center
1997 I-X Center; Cleveland, OH
1996 Anaheim (CA) Convention Center
1995 Cervantes Convention Center; St. Louis
1994 George R. Brown Convention Center; Houston
1993 McCormick Place; Chicago
1992 Georgia World Congress Center; Atlanta
1991 Anaheim (CA) Convention Center
1990 Arlington (TX) Convention Center
1989 Hyatt Regency Hotel; Chicago
1988 Atlantic City (NJ) Convention Hall
1987 Moscone Center; San Francisco
1986 Arlington (TX) Convention Center CA
1985 Disneyland Hotel; Anaheim, CA
1984 Aspen Hotel; Parsippany, NJ
1983 Holiday Inn O'Hare-Kennedy; Chicago IL
1982 St. Louis Marriott
1981 Plymouth (MI) Hilton
1980 Marriott Los Angeles Airport Hotel
History of the National Sports Collectors Convention Promotional Items
The History of National Convention Promotional Items
The historical archive of promotional items from the National Sports Collectors Convention is being carefully curated by Phil Regli, a long-standing dealer and respected board member of The National. Phil's dedication to preserving the legacy of the convention is reflected in this remarkable collection of artifacts, and we are proud to showcase his efforts as part of our ongoing commitment to honoring the rich history of the hobby.
