Is Fanatics Fest Worth It? My 2026 Review & Tips for 2027

Is Fanatics Fest worth attending?

For me, yes. I went back for a second year, attended all four days in 2026, and would go again. If you love several sports, there is an enormous amount to enjoy: live panels, athlete appearances, interactive challenges, collectibles and the chance to see familiar faces somewhere other than a screen.

But I would spend my money differently next time. I paid approximately $271 for general admission and close to $1,000 on photographs. The event was worth returning for. The hours I spent waiting for those photos are the part I would change.

I’m the kind of fan who wants to see everything: basketball, Tom Brady, UFC, Kevin Hart’s podcast, LeBron James on stage. That variety is exactly why this event works for me.

The panels were worth making time for

LeBron James’s opening appearance was my immediate reminder of why I had come back. Watching a live conversation in the room feels very different from watching the clips afterward. Our footage from the opening day captures LeBron alongside Tyrese Haliburton for Mind the Game.

Another standout was the Top of the Game panel: Derek Jeter, Novak Djokovic, Alex Morgan and Diana Taurasi, moderated by Gayle King. The conversation about leadership, mindset and performing under pressure stayed with me.

These are sessions I would build my day around. If you only have one day, look at the announced schedule before choosing which ticket to buy. Your favorite person’s appearance matters more than someone else’s idea of the best day.

My best Amex Platinum benefit was the panel seating

I attended on general admission, but my Amex Platinum helped me access reserved panel seating. In my experience, it was first come, first served: I showed my card and was able to sit right at the front for the panels I most wanted to see.

That made a real difference to my weekend. I had taken time to scan the area and find where the access was, rather than discovering it after the seats had filled.

I also walked through the Amex Lounge. There were novelty items, but no athlete of particular interest to me during my visit, so I did not spend long there. The panel seating was the standout benefit for me.

For next year: check the published card eligibility, participating sessions and capacity rules. My 2026 experience does not guarantee the same access in 2027, and this cardholder seating was separate from buying a VIP event ticket.

My strategy for getting close to the athletes

The biggest change from my first visit was where I spent my time. I positioned myself near the DICK’S Sporting Goods golf challenge at the Fanatics Games, in an area where athletes were interacting with fans and signing memorabilia.

That put me close to people including Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Davis and James Harden. I was able to capture moments that felt much more immediate than watching from across the exhibition floor.

I also found a good viewing position near the FIFA kick challenge. Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic and Justin Bieber were in one group; Victor Wembanyama and Roman Reigns were another memorable combination. I came away with close-up videos of athletes trying sports outside their usual specialties.

My tip: use the floor map and activity schedule to choose a viewing area you actually care about, then give yourself time there. Stay within the public viewing areas and follow staff directions. You cannot count on a personal interaction, but you can make a considered choice about where to spend your day.

Nearly $1,000 on photos: what I would change

I booked my paid photo sessions in advance and spent close to $1,000 on photographs with Grant Hill, Allen Iverson and The Undertaker. Those were people I particularly wanted a photo with. I prefer that kind of memory to collecting autographs.

Even so, I would probably skip paid photo sessions next time. The problem was how much of the event I lost while waiting.

A ticketed time did not mean I would be photographed at that time. People were called in groups. Earlier groups could still be going through, followed by another wait inside before reaching the booth. One photo could take close to two hours of my day.

If I could arrive at 10:30 and leave with my Undertaker photo at 10:45, I would feel differently. Instead, I was standing in a queue while other things were happening across the floor. I missed the chance to watch Shaquille O’Neal doing a shootaround. My Allen Iverson session ran particularly late, stretching into the late afternoon.

Next time, I would rather have the time to explore.

I also looked at more photo opportunities before realizing how quickly the costs could grow. My recollection is that a Scottie Pippen session was around $685. That was beyond what I wanted to add to an already expensive photo budget.

Before booking a photo: decide how much the person matters to you, set a separate spending limit, read the organizer’s queue instructions and leave a generous time buffer. Avoid booking several sessions so tightly that the rest of your day disappears.

This is a personal choice. A photograph with your sporting hero could be the whole reason you attend. For me, the balance tipped toward seeing more of the event.

Which ticket would I buy next time?

I would look seriously at VIP. Earlier entry would give me time to scan the floor and get into position for the panels before general admission. Queue benefits would also matter after this year’s experience.

I entered with general admission from 10 a.m. My understanding at the event was that VIP could enter from 9 a.m. I did not buy or test that package myself, so I would check the precise entry times and queue benefits before paying for it. I would not assume every photo queue or every front-row seat is covered.

These are my recalled personal costs, not an official price list or a quote for next year. Food, transport and any other purchases are additional. Check what each pass includes when tickets are released.

I would also attend the full event again if the schedule and budget worked. Four days let me return to different areas, watch panels and explore booths without trying to fit everything into a single visit.

Saturday felt the busiest to me. The opening weekday felt easier for getting around and finding a viewing position. That is my experience of 2026; the next edition’s lineup and timetable should guide your choice.

Who will enjoy Fanatics Fest most?

Fans who follow several sports. This was the biggest draw for me. Basketball, tennis, football, wrestling and UFC all gave me reasons to keep exploring.

Card collectors. The trading-card side is a substantial part of the experience. Even though autographs are not my priority, I could see why collectors would want plenty of time there.

People interested in leadership and the business of sport. The panel program added depth beyond celebrity sightings. Our clips include a discussion involving Serena Williams, Tom Brady, James Harden, Lindsey Vonn and Candace Parker about women’s sports ownership.

Families and teenagers. I saw plenty of younger fans, and I can imagine the excitement of seeing a favorite athlete in person. I would plan more breaks for children, make sure everyone stays hydrated, and choose comfortable shoes. Long queues and crowds need to be part of the decision.

I also enjoyed the booths and displays. One memorable photo opportunity was with Justin Gaethje at the UFC setup, which did not require a separate paid photo booking. It was a useful reminder that spending more is not the only way to come home with a good memory.

What to bring—and how to pace your day

• Comfortable walking shoes. Expect a lot of standing as well as walking.
• A charged phone and power bank. I carried two phones, a charger and power banks because I was taking so many photos and videos.
• A simple priority list. Pick a few must-see experiences and leave gaps for discoveries.
• A food and hydration plan. Food and drinks inside felt expensive to me. A substantial breakfast helped. Check the current rules for bottles, refill options and outside food before packing.
• Time for breaks. Especially if you are bringing children, avoid planning every hour around a queue.

I would consider lunch outside if re-entry is permitted, but check that year’s policy before leaving. A saving on food is not useful if you cannot get back in.

My plan for Fanatics Fest 2027

I would definitely go again. I will sign up for the official ticket alerts, compare the first packages when they are announced and look closely at VIP. I would rather put more of my budget toward access and keep the rest of my time open.

As of October 19, 2026, the official website says to stay tuned for 2027 dates. I am watching for presale news, but a November release and cheaper pricing are not confirmed. Use the official Fanatics Fest website for announcements and signup.

My biggest lesson from going twice is to give the event room to surprise you. Some of my favorite moments came from choosing a good place to watch and staying long enough to see what happened. Then there was the closing ceremony, when Travis Scott made it feel like a concert.

I would go back for the panels, the unexpected encounters and the chance to be close to so many people I have watched for years. Next time, I would just spend less of it waiting for a photograph.