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The Ultimate 2024-2025 Guide: 7 Must-Visit Sports Card Shows In Minnesota For Every Collector

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Minnesota’s sports card collecting scene is currently booming, offering a diverse calendar of events that range from massive, multi-day conventions to intimate, local swap meets. The North Star State has cemented its reputation as a premier destination for collectors, whether you are hunting for a vintage Harmon Killebrew rookie card, a high-grade modern Justin Jefferson auto, or the latest Pokémon TCG release.

As of late December 2025, the schedule for 2024 and 2025 is packed with opportunities to buy, sell, trade, and get cards professionally graded. This comprehensive guide breaks down the biggest and best sports card shows in MN, ensuring you don't miss a single chance to score your next major collectible.

The Mega-Convention: Minnesota Card Show (MNCS)

The undisputed heavyweight champion of the Midwest collecting circuit is the Minnesota Card Show (MNCS). This event transcends a simple card show; it is a full-scale collectibles convention that draws thousands of attendees and hundreds of dealers from across the nation, making it a critical stop for serious collectors and investors.

Unmatched Scale and Scope at the Saint Paul RiverCentre

The Minnesota Card Show consistently lives up to its reputation as the biggest show in the region. Held at the expansive Saint Paul RiverCentre, the event occupies over 100,000 square feet of floor space, providing an unmatched experience for attendees.

  • Dealer Tables: The show features more than 525 dealer tables, hosting vendors who specialize in everything from high-end vintage baseball cards to modern basketball and football slabs. This massive vendor count ensures a depth and breadth of inventory rarely seen at regional shows.
  • Collectible Diversity: While sports cards—including baseball, basketball, football, and hockey—are the core focus, the MNCS has significantly embraced the growth of Trading Card Games (TCG), such as Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, dedicating substantial space to these markets.
  • Autograph Signings: A major draw for the MNCS is the presence of sports legends. Past and future shows consistently feature autograph signers, giving fans a chance to meet Minnesota sports icons and national stars, adding significant value to their memorabilia and cards.

Key Upcoming Dates: The Minnesota Card Show is a biennial event, with a major upcoming show confirmed for September 11–14, 2025, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.

The Regional Powerhouses: Quarterly and Biennial Events

Beyond the mega-convention, Minnesota hosts several large, recurring shows that anchor the local collecting community. These events are often more manageable than the MNCS but still offer a tremendous selection and high-quality trading opportunities.

1. Twin Cities Sports Card Show (Minneapolis/Quarterly)

Often referred to as the "Twin Cities Sports Card Show" or the "Minnesota Sports Collectibles Expo," these quarterly events are a reliable staple for collectors in the metro area. While locations can vary, they typically occur in major venues in Minneapolis or St. Paul, offering a substantial number of dealers for a one- or two-day show. They are perfect for collectors who want a deep dive into the market without the multi-day commitment of a huge convention.

2. Twin Cities Sports Collectors Club (TCSCC) Shows

The Twin Cities Sports Collectors Club is a pillar of the local hobby, hosting several large, well-organized events throughout the year. Their shows are known for being collector-focused and often take place at venues like the Bloomington Armory or Valley Creek Mall. For example, a major TCSCC show was held at the Bloomington Armory on Saturday, September 21, 2024. These events are excellent for networking and finding specific vintage or local team items.

3. Collect-A-Con Minneapolis

Collect-A-Con represents the new wave of collectible shows, focusing heavily on the intersection of sports cards, TCG, comics, and pop culture. While not exclusively a sports card show, its presence at the Minneapolis Convention Center—a massive venue—signals its importance. These events cater to a younger, more diverse collecting audience and are a must-visit for anyone interested in the broader collectibles market, including modern graded cards and sealed wax.

The Local Grind: Regular and Recurring Shows

For the collector who needs a weekly or monthly fix, Minnesota offers a vibrant network of smaller, more frequent shows. These local events are the lifeblood of the hobby, providing low-cost entry, a friendly atmosphere, and a steady stream of new inventory.

4. Maplewood Mall Sports Card & Collectibles Show

The Maplewood Mall show is one of the most consistent and long-running local events in the Twin Cities. Often held in the mall’s common areas, this show is known for its accessibility (free admission) and its frequent schedule, sometimes running for multiple days in a row, providing a great opportunity for casual collectors to browse. It’s a prime spot for finding mid-range singles and connecting with local dealers.

5. Kaboom Cards and Collectibles Show

Another popular local fixture, the Kaboom show, is often held at venues like the Pan Asian Center in Maplewood. Like the larger conventions, this show explicitly caters to both sports cards and TCG, reflecting the modern collector's diverse interests.

6. Shakopee Bowl Card Show

For a more intimate, community-focused feel, shows at locations like the Shakopee Bowl offer a great local experience. These smaller shows are excellent for finding deals, trading with other collectors, and supporting local businesses that host the events.

7. Owatonna's Inaugural Biennial Sports Card ONLY Show

Moving outside the immediate Twin Cities metro, regional shows like the one at Mineral Springs Brewery in Owatonna highlight the hobby’s reach across the state. This "Sports Card ONLY" show appeals directly to the traditional sports collector, emphasizing vintage and modern player cards over TCG or other memorabilia.

The Collector’s Ecosystem: Grading and Topical Authority

A true sports card show experience in Minnesota is incomplete without access to professional grading services. The ability to submit cards to major grading companies is a huge factor in a show's topical authority and value to attendees.

Accessing Major Grading Companies (PSA, BGS, SGC)

While the major grading companies—PSA, Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC)—rarely set up full-service operations at smaller shows, the Minnesota market has developed a robust network of drop-off points and partnerships.

  • PSA Drop-Off Events: PSA, the industry leader, frequently partners with local sports card shops for dedicated drop-off events. For instance, Real Sportscards in Champlin, MN, has hosted special one-day PSA Drop-Off Events, allowing collectors to submit cards at all service levels without mailing them directly.
  • Local Shop Submissions: Many Minnesota card shops act as authorized dealers for the major grading companies. Absolute Sports Cards in Savage, MN, for example, is a member of the Twin Cities Sports Collectors Club and offers professional grading services, handling the secure shipping and submission process for services like BGS.
  • On-Site Submissions at MNCS: The Minnesota Card Show often features vendors or authorized partners who accept submissions on-site, providing a convenient way to get your valuable raw cards into the grading queue.

The synergy between major conventions like the Minnesota Card Show, the frequent regional shows organized by the Twin Cities Sports Collectors Club, and the numerous local monthly events ensures that the collecting hobby in MN is vibrant, accessible, and constantly evolving. Whether you are chasing a rare numbered parallel or simply looking to complete a set, Minnesota’s bustling card show circuit has an event for you.

The Ultimate 2024-2025 Guide: 7 Must-Visit Sports Card Shows in Minnesota for Every Collector
sports card shows in mn
sports card shows in mn

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