Major League Baseball unveils interactive Fanatics Fest experience For fans
Major League Baseball unveiled its 8,000 sq. ft. interactive Fanatics Fest experience, which officially opened to fans yesterday, welcoming attendees to an immersive baseball environment. Taking place at the Javits Center in New York City through July 19, the four-day convention sits at the intersection of sports, entertainment and culture. MLB's activation is designed to offer fans exclusive access to the game, featuring state of the art baseball simulators, limited-edition merchandise drops and a live stage hosting current stars, legends and baseball personalities throughout the weekend.
A number of current and former players are slated to appear throughout the festival, including 2026 All-Star Game MVP Cody Bellinger, Carlos Beltran, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Max Fried, Derek Jeter, Aaron Judge, Don Mattingly, David Ortiz, Mariano Rivera, Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Darryl Strawberry, Chase Utley, David Wright and more.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can step up to the plate through a series of highly-interactive physical and digital experiences. Fans can test their skills in a pitching challenge, seeing how pinpoint their throws are with Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) technology. Another activation invites fans to step into a batter's box and launch balls throughout any Major League ballpark via HitTrax technology, which measures exit velocity, launch angle and projected distance. For those who want to show their defensive prowess, the space features an outfield wall challenge where fans can attempt a home run-robbing catch measured by various ballpark fence heights. Also inside the MLB footprint are photo opportunities where fans can wear a replica of the 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby chain and take their place on a throne constructed entirely from custom Victus bats.
The main MLB Stage will feature a continuous slate of live entertainment and programming throughout the weekend. MLB Network’s Emmy Award-nominated MLB Central with Mark DeRosa, Robert Flores and Lauren Shehadi will broadcast live today, July 17 at 10 a.m. ET. The Emmy Award-winning MLB Tonight: National Pregame Show will include interviews hosted by Siera Santos from Fanatics Fest later in the day at 4:30 p.m. ET. Fans can witness a special edition of the 6-1-1 Podcast, hosted by 2008 World Series champions and former All-Stars Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard, and an episode of MLB According to CC, featuring Baseball Hall of Famer CC Sabathia. The stage will also host Mr. and Mrs. Met and the Queens Crew during three different New York Mets broadcasts, interactive box breaks with Topps trading card giveaways, and a live demonstration by the "Bat King," who has crafted custom Victus bats for celebrity participants competing in Fanatics Games challenges, among other programming.
Also featured in the footprint will be exclusive in-person drops of the KAWS x MLB Collection, presented by Complex and Fanatics. Designed by globally-renowned artist KAWS, this limited-edition collaboration was created in partnership with MLB and the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees ahead of the teams' highly-anticipated three-game series at Yankee Stadium starting tonight.
The collection brings KAWS’ distinctive visual language to the diamond, re-imagining classic iconography through his signature "XX" motif and COMPANION character across Nike jerseys, apparel, headwear, Rawlings baseballs and Marucci bats. The result is a collection at the intersection of sport, art and pop culture where the two franchises are reframed through one of the most influential artists of his generation. The collection debuts exclusively in-person at Fanatics Fest, in addition to Yankee Stadium and Dodger Stadium team stores. The collection then launches globally on July 20 via Complex.com and the Complex App, Fanatics.com, MLBShop.com, the MLB Flagship store in NYC, Nike.com and Nike brick and mortar stores, and select Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees team stores.
Rounding out the ultimate fan experience, MLB will reward attendees with prize drops and unexpected giveaways tied to varying hourly programming. Collectors and fans will receive limited-edition merchandise, ticket vouchers, custom Victus mini bats and more for those interested in bringing the fun home with them.
For more information on the MLB Fanatics Fest activation, please visit MLB.com or Fanatics.com.