The National: What to know if you are going

The National Sports Collectors Convention is in Cleveland beginning Aug. 1 through Aug. 5 at the I-X Center.

The National Sports Collectors Convention is in Cleveland beginning Aug. 1 through Aug. 5 at the I-X Center.

If there’s a piece of sports memorabilia you desire, it’s likely you’ll find it among the 650 dealers expected to be in attendance at the biggest show of the year in the United States.

Sports cards from all eras, jerseys, equipment, books, magazines plus any other piece of memorabilia a collector can think of will be on display and for sale during the five-day event.

The National was last in Cleveland in 2014. The 2019 convention is in Chicago. Here’s what you need to know if you are going:

• General admission each day is $19 in advance or $22 at the door. There are many VIP packages available. The standard VIP ticket is $139 in advance, $149 at the door. The Super VIP is $199 ($209) and the All-Access VIP is $259. All-Access Super VIP is $309.

• Parking each day at the I-X Center is $10

• There are more than 100 athletes and celebrities scheduled to appear. Some of the top names include Reggie Jackson, Cal Ripken Jr., Kenny Lofton, Francisco Lindor, Barry Sanders, Deion Sanders, Lawrence Taylor, Dick Butkus, Ozzie Newsome, Mike Tyson, Julius Erving, Dennis Rodman, Oscar Robertson, and Hulk Hogan.

• Fans must buy separate tickets for an autograph.

• Topps is hosting a party on Aug. 1 for VIP ticket holders. The event starts at 2:30 p.m., and includes free autographs from NBA Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy, former Indians manager and player Mike Hargrove, and former Indians pitcher and Luis Tiant.

• A show sneak peek is Aug. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. A general admission ticket is good for the sneak peek.

Cardboardconnection.com offered a few tips and suggestions for those planning to attend the convention, especially first-timers:

• Some dealers take credit cards, but most deal only in cash.

• Carry a backpack, especially if you plan to buy a lot of memorabilia.

• The I-X Center is large, so wear walking shoes.

• Those going for autographs, bring photos, balls and other items to be signed, and the pen or Sharpie you want the item signed with.

• Line up at the autograph pavilion about 30 minutes before your scheduled signer is set to appear.

• The top card grading services are at The National, and will take submissions. Most offer a show discount.

• Don’t be afraid to counter-offer the marked price of an item. Many dealers are willing to negotiate, and the worst that can happen is they say no thanks.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Phil Caponegro, left, and Frank Korzeniewski of Brooklyn, N.Y., sit in front of a sculpture at their booth of the 1961 New York Yankees at the 2010 National Sports Collectors Convention in Baltimore.