NYC debut likely to generate huge FanFest turnout

Big crowds are expected for this year’s MLB All-Star FanFest, which kicks off Friday in New York. The event will cover 450,000 square feet at the Jacob K. Javits Center and will feature the traditional FanFest activities, such as free autograph signings, interactive exhibits, baseball instruction, displays of historic memorabilia and a “Collectors Corner” section featuring approximately 30 dealers from around the country.

With this being the first time FanFest has been held in New York City, attendance is expected to approach 150,000 for the five-day event. And, as usual, baseball card manufacturers Topps and Upper Deck will be a part of the festivities, offering wrapper redemption programs and more.

Topps’ eight-card redemption set includes Jackie Robinson, Alex Rodriguez, David Wright, Lou Gehrig, Joba Chamberlain, Mickey Mantle, Johan Santana and one additional Yankees player. Customers must open three packs of any 2008 Topps or Bowman product to receive one of the cards.

Topps will also offer a complete of 2008 Topps Baseball featuring 2008 All-Star packaging and five exclusive Yankee Legends cards. With each purchase of the complete set, Topps will give away an additional five-card Yankees Legends set exclusive to FanFest. Those five cards include Rodriguez, Chamberlain, Chien-Ming Wang, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada.

Upper Deck’s redemption program involves purchasing any five packs of 2008 UD baseball product with an SRP of $1.99 or higher in exchange for a four-card set featuring Yankees All-Stars and legends. There will be a different four-card set offered each day. Among the players included are Joe DiMaggio, Derek Jeter, Roger Maris, Whitey Ford, Don Mattingly and Yogi Berra.

Upper Deck’s booth will also be the site of trivia contests, a trading zone, card giveaways and a place where fans can get their own customized Yankee Stadium postcards. The company will also be selling three special versions of its All-Star Vinyls throughout the show – a Babe Ruth FanFest LE Figure ($99.99), Babe Ruth “Farewell” LE Figure ($99.99) and Derek Jeter Batting Practice Edition ($74.99).