Sports stars aligning in Rosemont for collectibles show
Where can you meet some of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers, as well as local heroes like Scottie Pippen, Gale Sayers, Ernie Banks and Derrick Rose?
In Rosemont this weekend at the Chicagoland Sports Collectible Show, a twice yearly event that’s built its reputation by showcasing some of the biggest names in professional sports today alongside legends of the past.
“It’s one of our better lineups,” Brian Schwartz, vice president of show operator Mounted Memories, said of this weekend’s event. “Having some of these guys just gives the show that ‘wow’ factor. It’s a chance to meet your heroes.”
The show takes place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10, with children 7 and under admitted for $5. Autographs and parking fees are extra.
Tickets to meet Rose and obtain his autograph quickly sold out, but show producers added 50 more, which will go on sale when the doors open Friday.
“This is only the second time Derrick Rose has come to the show,” says Becky Batista, show coordinator. “He’s really hot right now.”
Batista manages the show every March and November when it comes to Rosemont. While she says the autograph area is the busiest part of the show, the vendor floor draws nearly as much interest.
Fans often start out by visiting booths to purchase collectibles to have autographed, then get caught up in all of the vintage and rare collectibles on hand.
Schwartz said there will be more than 200 vendors spread out on the floor, selling everything from cards, helmets, photos and bobbleheads to vintage autographs and game-used items.
“There’s still lots of interest in the older memorabilia, like a Babe Ruth ball or one signed by Ted Williams,” Batista said.
Schwartz said they lined up some of the Packers within a week of the Super Bowl, and have nearly a dozen coming to the show. Most will be appearing starting at noon Sunday, including Clay Matthews, A.J. Hawk, Donald Driver, James Starks, Sam Shields, Mason Crosby, Brian Bulaga and B. J. Raji. Saturday’s Packers’ lineup starts at 1:30 p.m. and includes John Kuhn, Desmond Bishop, Jermichael Finley and Jordy Nelson.
For Pippen, this is his first appearance at the show, and his autograph is among the most expensive. He will meet with fans from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, and his autograph ranges from $99 on a sports card to $299 on a special lithograph of 50 of NBA greats.
“He hasn’t done one of these shows in forever,” Schwartz said. “We’re thrilled to get him.”
Beyond meeting the superstars, the collectibles still draw interest for hard core fans and generations of families alike, Schwartz said.
“I know you can get them now on the Internet,” he added. “But there’s nothing like holding and feeling some of the old vintage baseball cards or game used jerseys.”
Sports show
What: Chicagoland Sports Collectibles Show
When: 4:30-9 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road in Rosemont
Cost: $10 general admission, $5 for children 7 and under; additional fees for parking and autographs
More information: Mountedmemoriesshow.com