The RazMania Midwest Festival is set to take over Metro Detroit on August 29-30, 2026, at the UWM Sports Complex in Pontiac, Michigan. The two-day event promises to be one of the region's premier sports and trading card game (TCG) collectibles festivals, attracting thousands of attendees from across the Midwest. Organizers expect a vibrant gathering of collectors, sports fans, and families, all converging for a weekend of buying, selling, and trading sports cards, Pokémon cards, comics, memorabilia, and other collectibles.
Headlining the festival are more than 50 professional athletes, including Detroit Lions players Jameson Williams, Jake Bates, Jack Fox, Brock Wright, and Hogan Hatten. University of Michigan football standouts Jordan Marshall, Zack Marshall, Enow Etta, and Avery Gach will also be in attendance, alongside top college recruits DeAndre Bidden (5-star, Class of 2028) and Jayden Evans (4-star, Class of 2028). Fans will have the chance to meet these athletes, obtain autographs, and take photos, creating memorable experiences for attendees of all ages.
Jason Raznick, Founder of RazMania, emphasized the event's inclusive spirit: “RazMania is about bringing together the entire collecting community under one roof. Whether you're a lifelong collector, a sports fan, a Pokémon enthusiast or someone attending their first card show, we want everyone to experience the excitement of discovering incredible collectibles, meeting athletes and connecting with others who share the same passion.”
The festival will feature hundreds of vendor booths offering a wide array of items, from vintage memorabilia to sealed Pokémon products and exclusive collectibles. Interactive fan experiences are planned, including a 40-yard dash, half-court shot, and field goal kicks, providing entertainment beyond the vendor aisles. The event is designed to be family-friendly, ensuring that collectors of every generation can enjoy the weekend.
Beyond the commercial and entertainment aspects, RazMania is committed to community outreach. In partnership with Pontiac United and the Boys & Girls Club of Troy, the festival will host hundreds of local youth for a day of meeting professional athletes and experiencing the hobby firsthand. Jeff Evans, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Troy, expressed enthusiasm: “As one of Metro Detroit's premier youth-serving organizations, the Boys & Girls Club of Troy is excited to partner with RazMania, a fun new family event. Our kids are looking forward to getting autographs and meeting some of their local sports heroes.”
Traciee Hirsch, Founder & CEO of Pontiac United, added her gratitude: “On behalf of Pontiac United, I would also like to sincerely thank RazMania and the Dream Forward Foundation for creating this incredible opportunity for our children. Opportunities like this allow our youth to experience something new, dream beyond their current surroundings, and see possibilities for their futures that they may not have imagined before.”
The economic and cultural impact of the festival is expected to be significant for the Metro Detroit area. With thousands of attendees, the event will draw visitors from across the Midwest, benefiting local businesses and hotels. For vendors and sponsors, it offers a chance to showcase their brands to a highly engaged audience of collectors and sports enthusiasts. Vendor spaces and sponsorship opportunities are still available for interested businesses.
RazMania was founded by Jason Raznick, Patrick Lane, and Elliot Lane to create a destination where collectors can buy, sell, trade, and celebrate the hobby together. The festival's growth reflects the increasing popularity of sports cards and TCGs, particularly Pokémon, as both a nostalgic pastime and an investment opportunity. By bringing together athletes, collectors, and families, RazMania aims to inspire the next generation of fans through community partnerships and youth outreach.
The event will take place at the UWM Sports Complex, located at 867 South Blvd. E., Pontiac, MI 48341. Tickets, vendor registration, and sponsorship details are available at www.RazManiaFest.com. For more information on the partnering organizations, visit www.PontiacUnited.com and www.bgctroy.org.
