I can see this being a big mess even independent of COVID. I think the idea is fantastic from a wholesome nostalgia perspective, but (as others have pointed out) I just can’t see a feasible way to capture that magic without the shadow of potential profiteers hanging over the whole thing.
Sure, invitations could be limited to kids, but that defeats some of the purpose because kids born in 2010 aren’t going to have the same nostalgic appreciation for the endeavor as '90s babies. And it would be (unfortunately) naive to assume that kids wouldn’t be coached by their parents on what to look for—which undermines the whole point and dampens the experience for participants.
Forcing participants to open their purchases on-site seems like the most viable idea, but that dampens the authenticity of the experience and would leave a lot of people disappointed. I guess that’s not much different than people buying slots for a live box break, but you don’t have people traveling across the country to participate in a streamed box break, like you presumably would have for this. Maybe there could be some sort of compromise where participants have to open, like, half their packs onsite? Whatever, I’m sure there are smarter people than me working on this.
EDIT: Another problem with forcing people to open product onsite, while a deterrent to scalpers, is that it screws people who might want to hang onto a sealed pack as a personal memento from the event. If I were lucky enough to participate in this shindig and traveled to it, I’d love to hang onto a sealed pack I bought as a keepsake. Independent of value, a sealed pack would serve as a much more worthwhile, nostalgic treasure than a nonholo Electabuzz and 10 common cards.
EDIT 2: @joer - posted my comment before I read yours, but agree 100% with those ideas/suggestions
I think a great way to help commemorate it for kids and people there would be to have BGS do their onsite RAW review for the cards. They may not be able to take a sealed pack away, but they could do this as a way to have it preserved.
This event, IMO, should definitely be done after COVID, but even then I see this turning very chaotic. How do you allow fans to take part in this without it becoming overcrowded. Hopefully they are able to find a way that makes this beneficial for all participants, and allow for Lee to have this event not be a negative stain on his reputation. I wish him the best with it, and hope he’s able to become a collecting hub in the future as well as a possible site for events.
Would a contract upon entering/purchasing be necessary? I feel like there will undoubtedly be people who are looking to partake in this purely for the financial gain that could be, especially if they are local. Would a contract stating that you have to open or keep for a specific period of time mean or do anything?
Assuming he does a raffle to be able to purchase one and I happen to win the raffle, I would hate for him to force me to open one of those blisters. That would be an amazing piece for my collection, especially bc it came from his 2021 vintage card shop extravaganza.
My son would go nuts with excitement seeing all the old pack-art/memorabilia (despite being too young to understand the concept of vintage), but would be disappointed by any pack that didn’t have a bright shiny V/full-art inside. Thats what makes modern so fun, the thrill of opening is just like it was back in the day.
My dream scenario = I win, my son and I fly out to Texas, we see all the cool stuff at his card shop, we open up a bunch of modern packs, I get a vintage pack for my collection, Leonhart gets his family fun screams. How he actually pulls my dream scenario off without other people just flipping his packs, I have no idea lol
