TORRANCE, Calif. — Yesterday was an eventful day for sports trading card and memorabilia hobbyists around the world as they celebrated Fanatics Collectibles Topps Rip Night.
Tens of thousands of fans and collectors descended upon 800+ hobby shops in 20 countries across the globe.
Big stars such as Tom Brady, Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks) and others joined fans in different cities to celebrate.
In Los Angeles, Carolina Panthers Quarterback Bryce Young and Fanatics Collectible CEO Mike Mahan made an appearance at Jaspy's Sports Cards & Collectibles.
“It was super fun and still surreal,” Young said about the energy and turnout at Jaspy’s. “It was great to interact with everyone and be around the fans. I had a great time.”
Rip Night launched as a nationwide event on September 30, 2023. It started with 212 hobby shops, 14 athletes, and just thousands of collectors attending all in the US. Today it has grown exponentially reaching up to 10 countries and is now a biannual event that is celebrated every February and September.
“Rip Night connects you to the athlete, the shop and other collectors,” Mahan said. “It’s really about community. It’s about bringing the community out together to celebrate this hobby and celebrate the athletes we love.”
The community of sports trading card and memorabilia hobbyists consists of young children all the way up to seniors. On Rip Night fans are treated by ripping open packs of new cards but also meeting one of the greatest athletes living today.
The event continues to grow and grow with hopes of expanding to more countries and even adding another day or two of celebration.