The Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention, the world’s longest-running vintage sports cards and memorabilia show, returns April 10–12, 2026 with an expanded event featuring vintage dealers from across the country, Cleveland sports greats and Hall of Fame autograph guests, and several of the hobby’s most respected auction houses.
Founded in 1978, the Strongsville show has built a global reputation as a destination for serious collectors seeking rare vintage sports cards and memorabilia from many of the hobby’s most respected dealers.
The 2026 event will take place at the Independence Fieldhouse (6354 Selig Drive in Independence, Ohio), providing significantly more space and improved amenities while preserving the vintage focus that has defined the show for nearly five decades.
Thousands of collectors from across the country are expected to attend the event.
A Move Designed to Strengthen the Show
In recent years, attendance at the Strongsville show has increased dramatically, and the event has outgrown its previous venues The move to the Independence Fieldhouse gives attendees a significantly improved experience while preserving everything that makes the show unique.
The new venue provides:
• 50,000 square feet of show space
• Significantly more parking
• A professional event venue with improved lighting and layout
• Comfortable flooring for walking the show floor
• Upgraded concessions and food options
• Modern restrooms and amenities
“Strongsville means the nation’s best vintage dealers, the incredible material on the tables, and the collectors who return every year,” said Steve Menzie, Show Production Manager for the event. That’s what makes Strongsville special. This year’s show is going to be even better than ever.”
The Premier Vintage Show Remains Strongsville
Despite the move, the core identity of the show remains unchanged.
The Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention will continue to feature primarily vintage sports cards and memorabilia dealers, maintaining the same focus that has made the event one of the most respected collector shows in the hobby.
Two Shows, One Admission
For 2026, the Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention will operate alongside the Great Lakes Collectors Convention presented by Greenie Sports Cards, one of the region’s premier modern and TCG showcase events, where sports fans and sports talk enthusiasts collide. Together, the two shows create a single, expanded collector experience featuring the full spectrum of the hobby – vintage, modern, and trading card games – all under one roof.
The two events will take place in separate Pavilions of the Independence Fieldhouse while sharing a common entrance and admission. Collectors attending the weekend will be able to explore both shows with a single ticket, making this one of the largest and most diverse sports collectibles gatherings in the Midwest.
Major Autograph Guests Scheduled
Fans attending the show will also have the opportunity to meet a lineup of notable sports figures appearing for autograph sessions throughout the weekend.
Scheduled guests include:
• Browns Hall of Famer Joe Thomas
• Browns legends Bernie Kosar, Joe Haden, Eric Metcalf, Josh Cribbs, Leroy Hoard, and Tim Couch
• Pro Football Hall of Famers Joe DeLamielleure, Randy Gradishar, and Dave Robinson
• Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Hope Solo
• Cleveland baseball greats Cory Snyder and Buddy Bell
• Ohio State national championship quarterback Cardale Jones
Authentication and Grading Services On-Site
Collectors attending the show will also have access to important hobby services.
JSA (James Spence Authentication) will be on site providing autograph authentication services.
CGC will also be accepting trading cards for professional grading and encapsulation.
These services allow collectors to authenticate collectibles onsite and afford them the convenience of submitting their cards and comics for grading without having to ship and self-insure.
Four Major Auction Houses and the Nation’s Best Vintage Dealers
Collectors interested in evaluating items from their collections will have access to representatives from four of the hobby’s most respected auction houses:
• Lelands
• Heritage Auctions
• Mile High Card Company
• Hunt Auctions
Representatives from these companies will be available to discuss expert appraisals, consignment opportunities, and potential purchase options for sports cards and memorabilia.
Just as importantly, the Strongsville show will feature more than 100 of the nation’s top vintage dealers, the true heartbeat of the event. These experienced dealers specialize in vintage sports cards and memorabilia and are often among the hobby’s most knowledgeable experts when it comes to evaluating, buying, and selling historic collectibles.
Collectors are encouraged to bring sports cards or memorabilia from their collections to learn more about their potential value and explore opportunities to sell items through dealers or the hobby’s leading auction houses.
Tickets Now Available – Save by Buying Online
Admission tickets and autograph guest tickets are now available.
Collectors who purchase admission tickets online in advance can save money compared to gate prices.
Tickets and full event details are available at:
https://strongsvillesports.com/
Preserving the Strongsville Legacy
For long-time attendees, organizers emphasize that the goal remains simple: preserve the heritage and character of the Strongsville show while giving collectors a better overall experience.
Auction Report Named Media Sponsor of the 2026 Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention
The Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention (SSCC), the longest-running vintage sports card and memorabilia show in the world, announced that Auction Report will serve as an official media sponsor for the upcoming 2026 event taking place April 10–12, 2026 at the Independence Fieldhouse in Independence, Ohio.
Through this sponsorship, Auction Report, one of the hobby’s leading resources for auction news, will promote the convention to collectors worldwide through its industry-leading auction news platform (https://www.auctionreport.com/) and e-mail newsletters.
Auction Report Supporting the Hobby
Since its launch in 2005, Auction Report has become a trusted destination for news, updates, and information from the world of sports memorabilia, trading cards, and collectibles auctions. Through its partnership with the Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention, Auction Report continues its commitment to supporting hobby events that bring collectors together.
“Strongsville has long been one of the hobby’s great vintage shows,” said Ryan Friedman, Owner of Auction Report. “We are excited to help promote this historic event and connect collectors and auction houses through our platform.”
About the Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention
Established in 1978, the Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention is the longest-running vintage sports cards and memorabilia show in the world. Each year thousands of collectors attend to buy, sell, trade, authenticate, grade, and discover historic sports collectibles from many of the hobby’s most respected vintage dealers.
The Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention takes place April 10–12, 2026 at the Independence Fieldhouse, located at 6354 Selig Drive in Independence, OH.
