Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention
The Longest-Running Vintage Sports Card Show in America (Since 1978)
Upcoming Dates
The show is typically held in the spring (April). Check Card Show Hub for the latest dates.
Show Overview
The Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention holds a special place in hobby history as the longest-running vintage sports card and memorabilia show in America, having started in 1978. Now held at the Independence Fieldhouse in the Cleveland suburb of Independence, Ohio, this show is a pilgrimage site for vintage card collectors and hobby historians.
What makes the Strongsville show unique is its deep focus on vintage and premium cards. While other shows chase the latest releases, this show celebrates the history of the hobby. Expect to find pre-war tobacco cards, 1952 Topps, complete vintage sets, and museum-quality memorabilia alongside top auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Lelands, and Mile High Card Company.
The show also features on-site grading from SGC and authentication from JSA, making it a one-stop destination for collectors who want to have their cards graded and authenticated at discounted show rates. Cleveland's passionate sports community (Browns, Guardians, Cavaliers) adds a strong local collector base to the mix.
Venue & Location Guide
Venue
Independence Fieldhouse
6354 Selig Drive, Independence, OH 44131
Parking
Free parking at the fieldhouse. The venue is easily accessible from I-77 and I-480, located in the southern suburbs of Cleveland.
Nearest Airport
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) — 20 minutes from Independence.
Nearby Hotels
- DoubleTree by Hilton Independence
- Embassy Suites Cleveland-Rockside
- Hyatt Place Cleveland/Independence
- Holiday Inn Cleveland South Independence
Nearby Restaurants
- Melt Bar and Grilled (legendary grilled cheese, multiple Cleveland locations)
- Slyman's Restaurant (Cleveland's best corned beef)
- The Winking Lizard (tavern with 100+ beers)
- Yours Truly Restaurant (Independence, classic diner)
First-Timer Tips
- 1This is THE show for vintage collectors — come prepared with your want list for pre-war and post-war cards
- 2Heritage Auctions and other major auction houses often have representatives here — great for consigning valuable cards
- 3SGC offers on-site grading at discounted rates — bring your raw vintage cards for submission
- 4The show has a more intimate, collector-focused atmosphere compared to mega shows — great for building relationships with dealers
- 5Cleveland sports cards (Jim Brown, LeBron James vintage, early Guardians) are popular here
- 6The show moved from Strongsville to Independence in 2026 — make sure you are going to the correct venue
Frequently Asked Questions
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Find Upcoming Dates
Check Card Show Hub for the latest schedule, ticket info, and vendor lists.