The Chantilly (Va.) Show continues to attract big crowds, good sales

The three-day summer Chantilly Show in Chantilly, Va. is set for June 24-26 at The Dulles Expo Center, and is riding the momentum of another strong show in April.

On Sunday of The Chantilly Show in April, I was caught by surprise — in a good way. The turnout for the finale of the three-day event bustled with patrons, some for the trading cards and sports memorabilia, some for the autograph guests.

Longtime vintage sports card dealer Bill Chappell, a veteran of the Northern Virginia show, said an even bigger part of the weekend had come and gone. “You could hardly move on Saturday, there were so many people,” he said.

Show Calendar: Find a sports card show near you 

Larrie Dean of Dean’s House of Cards offered similar feedback: “We’ve done well, one of our best shows.”

Justin Mammarelli of JM Box Breaks, meanwhile, had a mixed experience. While Mammarelli enjoyed several sales, he noted “the market has turned down a little since October 2021 (the last Chantilly show).” Even so, he said baseball cards are still hot, especially prospects such as Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco.

Mammarelli said there were “more onlookers and comp [online sale price check] searches” than normal. He added that “computer apps and online influencers” are among the reasons for the trend.

“The Chantilly Show is always great with lots of great people in the hobby who set up and are willing to make great deals,” he said.

Mammarelli brought more than 100,000 cards in the $1-$4 to range in addition to some “higher-tier cards.” He had one primary focus for his inventory and customers: “the lower and mid-level cards since they are much more affordable for the daily hobbyist.”

For more information on summer Chantilly Show presented by CSA, go to CSAshows.com.