Sacramento Sports Collectors Show 2016: Preview (May 14, 2016)

There is a lot of sports enthusiasm in Sacramento, California. The California state capitol and its region currently hosts several professional sports teams, including the Sacramento Kings (National Basketball Association), Sacramento River Cats (San Francisco Giants Triple-A Minor League Baseball affiliate), Sacramento Republic FC (United Soccer League), and its namesake rugby team. The region’s proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area means that many residents also cheer for Northern California teams such as the Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Athletics, and Oakland Raiders.

In other words, Sacramento loves sports, and this Saturday’s inaugural Sacramento Sports Collectors Show at the McClellan Conference Center (May 14, 2016, 10AM-5PM) is a welcome addition to the region’s many sports fans and sports collectors.

The show’s special guest of honor is Major League Baseball’s All-Time Hits Leader Pete Rose, as well as four-time National Football League Pro Bowl running back Roger Craig (49ers), two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and former Sacramento Monarchs guard Ruthie Bolton (Women’s National Basketball Association), and former professional wrestler Marty Jannetty (World Wrestling Entertainment).

Attendees will be able to browse and shop from more than 100 exhibitors and artists on hand, grab autographs and pose for photographs from the special sports guests, listen to panels and Q&As, watch live wrestling via Supreme Pro Wrestling, and bid on sports memorabilia prizes in a silent auction (a portion of the proceeds benefits homeless charity Sacramento Loaves & Fishes.

Mike Millerick, who helped organize the show, was kind enough to answer some questions ahead of Saturday’s big event (edited for clarity).

This is the first Sacramento Sports Collectors Show. What inspired you to start a show like this in Sacramento?

I’ve always been a sports fan and sports collectibles [fan]. We thought bringing some special guests, sports collecting vendors, [and] some of the local sports teams could make for a fun day.

What kind of support have you received from the local professional sports teams in the region?

All the teams have been very supportive, and most will be at the show with a couple of exceptions due to home events. I thought it was important to have them involved, and they have been very helpful.

How did Supreme Pro Wrestling get involved?

I have worked with SPW at other events. They have always done a great job and put on a fun event.

What can [attendees] expect?

[Attendees] will have a chance to meet some great sports celebrities (Pete Rose, Roger Craig, etc.), find some collectible treasures, and pick up some cool things. Most of the sports teams we have coming will be giving out some sort of swag. They can also find some cool things in our silent auction, while at the same time help Loaves and Fishes.

What are plans for future shows?

We are hoping for a great first show, and I’ve always felt it’s important to learn from other shows and make adjustments.