Autographs, Action Figures and Florida’s Own Stanley Cup Champions: The Hobby Card Show Had Fans Flipping, Fumbling, and Fighting for Their Favorite Cards.

August 23rd – 24th, 2025

The Hobby Card Show returned to the Broward County Convention Center this past August, drawing collectors, families, and fans eager to explore one of South Florida’s most exciting hobby events.

The show floor stretched with vendors offering everything from vintage sports cards and rare graded finds to Pokémon, Funko Pops, comic books, and retro video games. High-end treasures like a six-figure Kobe LeBron Jordan card sat just a few tables away from affordable packs that kept kids tearing into fresh rips. The combination of big-ticket collectibles and accessible finds created a lively balance for both seasoned hobbyists and newcomers.

Athlete appearances were the centerpiece. Fans lined up for Stanley Cup champions Brad Marchand, Ryan Lomberg, and Nick Cousins. Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem drew some of the weekend’s loudest cheers, while UFC fighter Austin Vanderford brought MMA fans into the mix. Hall of Famers like Jim Kelly and Andre Dawson added even more star power with autograph sessions.

Families found plenty to enjoy as well. Pokémon tables were crowded with younger collectors, and some dealers offered interactive games that gave kids free packs and prizes. Adults chased their childhood favorites while kids discovered the thrill of collecting for the first time. The event created a space where nostalgia met new enthusiasm, and both longtime fans and newcomers felt welcomed.

Organizers reported more than 6,000 attendees, over double last year’s turnout. With that surge in momentum, next year’s edition of The Hobby Card Show is already slated to expand into a larger space to accommodate an even bigger crowd.

The show succeeded in blending nostalgia with fresh excitement. Lifelong fans stood shoulder to shoulder with kids ripping open their first packs, and that sense of community gave the event its spark.

Highlights from the Interviews

Ryan Lomberg reflected on his championship season and memorable moments with the Florida Panthers:

fan poses with Ryan Lomberg at The Hobby Card Show ©South Florida Insider

“Yeah, that year… probably spraying my coaches with champagne. That was something I’ll never forget. Seeing my teammates lift the Cup and drink out of it, and having my parents in the locker room after the game—it was a really special moment that I’ll always remember.”

On the difference between Florida and Calgary fans:

“I don’t want to say anything bad about either fan group since they’re both phenomenal. Hockey is more embedded in Canadian culture, so more people are aware of what’s happening with the Flames. There are definitely passionate fans in South Florida…you see examples like today.”

On the new Fighting League having an event at Amerant Bank Arena called Bare Knuckle Ice Wars:

“I’m more of a hockey player, but it sounds great. I’d definitely be interested in going to watch it.”

On fighting in hockey and personal limits:

“There’s always a few guys I’d rather not fight, but sometimes it happens. Going into the year, there are always two or three guys on that list who I’m not going to fight them unless they hurt a teammate or do something that has to be addressed. Last year, there was one guy in Columbus, (Mathieu) Olivier, who was on my no fight list, and I ended up fighting him. There’s always a few, but somehow, I still find my way.”

Keith Yandle reflected on career highlights and memorable goals with the Florida Panthers:

Keith Yandle hangs with fans at The Hobby Card Show ©South Florida Insider

“Honestly, probably the thing I think of the most is the goal that Barkov scored against Carey Price, between the legs. He was obviously an amazing player before that, but that moment really put him on the map, and he’s lived up to the hype ever since. I’d also say just seeing the guys I played with, like Ekblad and Barkov, grow over the years, winning these cups, and what that meant to the city—that’s probably been my number one highlight.”

On playing through injuries:

“There were definitely times I wasn’t feeling 100 percent, but you go out there and do it anyway. Just showing your teammates that you’re willing to play through pain earns respect.”

On the Panthers’ evolution:

“I go back to the year we lost to Tampa in seven games in the first round. Losing that series sucked at the time, but it propelled the team into what they’ve accomplished over the last three years, including playing in three Stanley Cups. It’s amazing to even think about.”

On friends off the ice but rivals on it:

“So many. Probably Brad Marchand. I played with him in juniors in Moncton, and he’s obviously a great teammate and someone you want on your team. But when you play against him, he’s spearing you in the back of the legs or hitting you hard. Off the ice, you like these guys, but on the ice… Marchand’s the number one.”

Doc Gooden, visiting from Tampa, shared his experience with fans:

fan poses with Doc Gooden at The Hobby Card Show ©South Florida Insider

“It’s always good to come home, meet the young fans, and for the older fans, just reminiscing a bit. Seeing kids get excited picking up your card and even getting a chance to have it autographed or take a photo with you, it’s very special. I’ve been retired for 25 years and to see kids still remember and recognize your playing career, it means a lot to me. I remember when I first got my own baseball card and what it meant to me. Now, seeing these kids have that moment with me is very special.”

On advice for young players:

“Go out, have fun, learn the game, listen to your coaches, develop, and get better each year. Playing in Florida, the weather’s great year-round, so you can take advantage of that. Just know not to wear your body down too much, don’t overdo it, but have fun. Take advantage of all the baseball history here. The main thing for kids when they’re young: go out, have fun, learn the game, listen to your coaches, develop, and get better each year.”

Austin Vanderford spoke about attending the show and interacting with fans:

“I’m a big sports card collector myself, so it’s fun to be integrated into the hobby and meet people. I love hearing everyone’s journey, it’s a really cool experience, and I’m honored to be here.”

On previously defeating the recent PFL Middleweight Tournament champion Fabian Edwards and respect that goes beyond the cage:

“The Edwards brothers are both incredible athletes and fighters. I just had a solid game plan going into my fight and was able to implement it. It’s cool to see him having success outside of our fight as well. Most of the time, it’s all cool after the fight. It’s such an intense, intimate experience…you’re in front of thousands, millions of people, going to war with someone else. Usually everything’s squashed afterward, but sometimes there’s some carryover. My last UFC fight had some bad blood after, I got shoved, had to throw up the double fingers, and that wasn’t a happy moment. Sometimes the adrenaline is still going, and you might want to do a little more damage. Outside of fighting, it’s peace and love, but once the cage doors shut, it’s time to compete. Unlike those people who argue and never fight, I respect the other fighters outside the cage. Paige (VanZant) doesn’t really need to step in and calm me down, we’re happy-go-lucky outside the cage.”

On preparing for his upcoming UFC fight vs Ramiz Brahimaj:

“Yeah, super excited. Right now, it’s all about dialing everything in and focusing on October 4th and going out there and performing. It’s a mix of studying opponents and relying on my own skill. I consider myself a cerebral fighter, so it’s important to find patterns and hone my approach. Fighting is 99 percent mental and 1 percent physical. Everyone’s physically gifted and tough, so it’s that mental edge I’m focusing on right now.”