Fans from all over the country gathered at the Javits Center in New York City for Fanatics Fest. The three-day event was every sports fan’s “Disneyland.” Former and current professional athletes made appearances and interacted with fans in many different ways. OnNJ was out there for all three days, and we can all agree that the fans in us came out being around such an incredible atmosphere.
No matter what league you watch, MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, WNBA, MLS, NWSL, and even the WWE, there was a station set up for you. Each league had its own section with activities, showcases, and giveaways for fans of all ages. Let’s take a look at some of the events and showcases that stood out:
MLB
The MLB showcase is the first section you see when walking into Fan Fest. A true baseball fan dream featured a simulator showing which player your personal swing was most like. There were some huge TVs that were raised high up to show the games that day, as well as huge cutouts of players like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.
The MLB had former players like Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, CC Sabathia, and Darryl Strawberry. Cal Ripken Jr. and David Ortiz also made appearances for a legendary group.
NFL
With the start of the NFL season right around the corner, the NFL’s showcase had something for fans of each team. The Lombardi Trophy was on display, along with a wrestling title belt for every team. Fans were also able to run the 40 against some NFL players shown on a simulator next to them.
Plenty of NFL legends showed up to enjoy the experience in multiple ways, like Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski switching uniforms and having some fun with the fans in attendance.
Brady also went up on stage with a panel and answered various questions from fans, while Peyton Manning also spoke and even appeared on a live stream with card collectors as a surprise.
NBA/WNBA
The basketball exhibit had fans lining up to shoot free throws like the pros do on a regulation hoop. There were even courts where fans could be seen playing pickup games of 3-on-3 and being watched by plenty of other fans waiting to get their turns. The league also brought in the Emirates NBA Cup trophy for fans to see in person and take pictures with.
The WNBA showcased an old-school classroom setting where fans could watch a film of the WNBA’s legendary moments and history. After the film session was over, fans would take a quick quiz and score a graduation photo to carry around.
Basketball stars Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, and Sabrina Ionescu attended the event. Fans lined up to get an autograph with Ionescu, who made so many dreams come true.
NHL
What couldn’t you do at the NHL exhibit?! The league made sure fans could have multiple experiences at their showcase. Fans could shoot pucks trying to bury a shot in the washer and dryer like so many kids once did. Another station set up a goal with targets on it to see how accurate you were by trying to hit each one.
Do you prefer to be in net rather than shooting pucks at it? No problem! Fans could experience a virtual experience in which they would be the team’s goaltender and try to stop as many shots on goal as they could with VR technology.
MLS/NWSL
MLS and soccer fans showed up to support their teams and enjoy the exhibit’s offerings. A mini field played host to kids trying to prevent others from scoring on them, providing a lot of energy to the surrounding crowd. Also featured was a holographic photo booth and plenty of gaming stations where fans could challenge one another in FIFA.
The league even showcased a makeshift supporters bar called the Corner Pub to replicate the many soccer pubs throughout the US and around the world. From pints to mixed drinks, it was a fun spot for adults to attend and feel like they were right in the middle of a supporters pub.
Gotham FC fans were treated to pictures with the team’s 2023 championship trophy and some free giveaways. Fans could also buy all kinds of merch from the team and meet up with fellow supporters.
WWE
Ever wonder what it feels like to walk out to your favorite WWE superstar’s entrance music? Well, at Fanatics Fest, you got to know exactly what it’s like to walk out in front of fans all cheering for you. Fans of all ages jumped at the opportunity to imitate WWE stars like Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and the Undertaker.
The crowd that gathered around the showcase played into every entrance as if they were at RAW of Smackdown.
The Place to Be for Fans
All good things must come to an end, and as the day journeyed into night, the final whistle blew on the 2024 Fanatics Fest. If you were not able to make it out this year, there are videos of the events up on social media. There is nothing like this event, and it should be a bucket list item for all sports fans. Once you take a few steps into the event, you’ll wonder if you’re in heaven. Nope, you’re at Fanatics Fest!
Article written by Bobby Santoro. Photo credit: Riley Lorenz – ONNJ
