Fanatics Fest NYC 2025: Live scenes from Javits Center

Follow cllct's live coverage for all the sights and sounds from the three-day event

Cover Image for Fanatics Fest NYC 2025: Live scenes from Javits Center
The Javits Center is heaven for sports fans and collectors this weekend. (Credit: Getty Images)

NEW YORK — Sports fans of all ages have descended upon the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan for Fanatics Fest NYC 2025.

The full team from cllct is on the ground and will be covering all three days of the events, from the star-studded panels to the exclusive merchandise to the autograph sessions and historic memorabilia displays. We'll also be tracking the Fanatics Games, a competition that will give away more than $1 million in prizes.

Follow along here throughout the event for the latest sights and sounds from the convention floor:

Helmet catch autograph

One fan at Fanatics Fest recreated the famous Super Bowl XLII "Helmet Catch" between Eli Manning and David Tyree and had Manning sign it during availability on Friday.

Nearly two decades later, the Tyree-Manning connection remains one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history.

Still holding that grudge

Tom Brady is certainly one of the most competitive athletes in sports history.

And despite his seven Super Bowl rings, there seems to be one rivalry that the GOAT can't seem to let go of.

As he went all-in with his WWE entrance at Fan Fest, Brady walked out to Cody Rhodes' theme song, spit on a New York Jets jersey and then tore apart an Eli Manning jersey.

Of course, Brady used that rivalry to his competitive advantage as the entrance was part of the Fanatics Games, and the Manning move is sure to have gained TB12 some extra points.

Eli got the last laugh, however — just as he did in his two Super Bowl meetings with Brady, as the former Giants QB surprised Brady with an attack from behind.

We also have to acknowledge Manning's creativity with his entrance as he later walked out to the music of "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns.

Look out for ... the Grill Sergeant!

Brady and Manning will also need to look out for some random fans in the Fanatics Games competition.

Could the two QBs be taken down by ... the Grill Sergeant? Fan Mike Vivalo has a full strategy for how to compete with the pros — at least with his WWE walkout.

Owning the event

Brady was everywhere at the event Friday, and his Card Vault venture was literally at the center of the action in the collectors area.

For the Birds

What is the most interesting fan interaction you've ever had?

That question was posed at the "Franchise Faces" panel, and Eli Manning had a colorful answer.

Even the youngest fans in Philadelphia gave the former Giants quarterback quite the memorable reception.

Welcome to the NFL; We hate you!

Speaking of bad blood, few rivalries are more intense that the battle between the Bears and Packers.

Rookie QB Caleb Williams said he found that out quickly in his first NFL season.

It's up to you, New York!

The "Only in New York" panel united Yankee legends Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada and CC Sabathia on Friday afternoon.

The five former Bronx Bombers reminisced about their favorite World Series wins — and there were plenty to choose from — and shared stories about what it meant to play in the Big Apple and for ever-demanding owner George Steinbrenner.

The questions were often interrupted by chants and cheers from a very pro-Yankees crowd.

Co-moderator Spike Lee did draw some sideways glances when he recounted his favorite Fall Classic memory as watching the 1969 Miracle Mets claim the title in Queens. (And he was wearing all Yankees gear when he did it. Truly Amazin'.)

Sabathia brought the crowd back on theme when he recounted the Yanks' 2009 World Series win.

Spot the REAL Gronk!

Rob Gronkowski always makes a dramatic entrance at Fanatics Fest.

What's better than one Gronk entrance? How about a dozen guys dressed as Gronk? The legendary tight end rarely blends in, but he did so with this crowd.

Even Brady was challenged to find his former teammate in the Gronk gang.

Chasing down Charizard

When New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan isn't sacking quarterbacks, he's in pursuit of Pokémon cards.

Thanks, Alex!

Rodriguez was also one of several Yankees legends and current players in the Autograph Zone on Friday.

Skenes sighting

The card of the year is in the building!

The $1.1 million Paul Skenes 1/1 Rookie Debut Patch Autograph card, which was purchased by Dick's Sporting Goods and put on display at its flagship location in Pittsburgh, has made the trip to the Big Apple.

The place to bee

Countless fans came clad in team jerseys, and these Pittsburgh fans definitely stood out with the Steelers' throwback "bumblebee" look.

You have arrived!

Fans were lined up bright and early, long before the doors opened at 10 a.m. ET.

The Museum of Greatness

Billed as the most valuable collection of sports memorabilia ever assembled, the Museum of Greatness features some of the hobby's most valuable cards and game-used memorabilia from of sports' greatest players.

The cllct team was there for the opening and got the first peak at all the grails on display.

GOAT sighting

Tom Brady, who will be competing in the Fanatics Games and featured on multiple panels, was in the house right as things kicked off.