Fanatics Fest Sets Attendance Record, Brings Sports Fandom Together
Fanatics Fest, held at New York's Javits Center from July 16-19, set a new attendance record with over 200,000 sports fans in its third year. The event brought together enthusiasts of various sports, including NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, and MLS, as well as WWE devotees, podcast superfans, card breakers, memorabilia collectors, and individual athlete followers.
The festival featured 90 live panels, podcasts, and performances, along with appearances by more than 400 athletes. Immersive exhibits included a trophy gallery showcasing three of sports' most coveted prizes: the FIFA World Cup Trophy, the Heisman Trophy, and the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy.
American Express made its Fanatics Fest debut with a fan experience that paired cardmember perks with playful, home-inspired sports moments. The activation invited guests to compete in rooms themed around everyday versions of beloved sports, rewarding winners with oversized championship-style chains.