RazMania, the sports and trading card festival taking over Pontiac's UWM Sports Complex on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29-30, is billed by organizers as Michigan's first sports and trading card festival built around getting kids close to the athletes and the games they love. The festival is co-founded by Jason Raznick and his 9-year-old daughter Aria, with help from Jason's son Josh. It is a far more ambitious undertaking than an ordinary autograph show. Organizers expect more than 100 athletes and 400 vendor tables, with sports cards, Pokémon and other trading card games, memorabilia, live card breaks, panels, and interactive attractions spread throughout the complex. Kids can try a 40-yard dash, take a half-court shot, test their putting skills, and participate in other sports challenges. The weekend also includes athlete appearances, photo and autograph opportunities, live podcasts, and discussions with players, coaches, agents, executives, and collectors.
The guest list is anchored by Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who will headline a group of current Lions that includes kicker Jake Bates, punter Jack Fox, tight end Brock Wright, and linebacker Hogan Hatten. Several current Michigan Wolverines are also expected, among them Jordan Marshall, Zack Marshall, Enow Etta, Avery Gach, and Marcus Ray. United Wholesale Mortgage CEO and Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia is scheduled to speak Sunday on a talk titled "The Walk-On Advantage." Sports agent Brandon Grier is scheduled Saturday to discuss working with athletes including Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, while collector Jason Koonce will talk about building one of the world's largest Michael Jordan collections. "I don't just want kids dreaming about becoming professional athletes," Raznick told MLive. "I want them to see, at RazmaniaFest, how many ways there are to build a life and career around sports — as agents, scouts, broadcasters, entrepreneurs, marketers and executives."
The kid-friendly ethos extends to the ticket booth. Children get in free with a paid adult admission, which runs $10 in advance online and $20 at the door, with organizers warning that tickets may not be available at the door at all. The festival is partnering with Pontiac United and the Boys & Girls Club of Troy to bring local children through the door, including kids who otherwise might never have the chance to meet a professional athlete. "We believe every child deserves the opportunity to meet the athletes they admire — not just those with courtside seats or VIP access," organizers say on the festival website. It is also a family affair behind the scenes: Raznick says Josh handled much of the athlete outreach, while Aria was coordinating with the live-shopping platform Whatnot on the morning he went on television to announce the event. "After more than 15 years of building companies, I'm still amazed by what kids can do when you give them something real, trust them with it, and get out of the way," he said.
Gates open Saturday for VIP ticketholders at 10 a.m. and for general admission at 11 a.m., running until 5 p.m.; Sunday's hours run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with VIP entry beginning at 9 a.m. Tickets and details are available at RazManiaSports.com.