A Guide to The Hobby in Pittsburgh
The NFL Draft heads to Pittsburgh this weekend for one of the biggest annual events on the American sports calendar. The city is expecting over half a million visitors for the occasion, and for all the collectors showing up, RIPPED is taking a deeper look at The Hobby in Pittsburgh to build a definitive guide for those in attendance.
In addition to Topps Collector Celebration Day, held at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday, April 23, Pittsburgh’s vibrant LCS scene will take center stage at the intersection of the Draft and The Hobby. So what better time to celebrate The Hobby in one of America’s favorite cities?
The 2026 NFL Draft Hobby Travel Guide is a collector-focused roadmap to Pittsburgh during draft weekend. With over half a million visitors expected to attend, the guide connects The Hobby with one of the biggest weekends in football, showcasing Pittsburgh’s vibrant card scene, community-driven shops, and can’t-miss experiences across the city.
Think of this as a guide to collecting in the Steel City. Whether you’re hunting for your next big card, looking to trade, or just want to talk shop and soak in the atmosphere of one of America’s best sports towns, these local shops offer something for everyone.
Each stop brings its own story, flavor, expertise, and passion for The Hobby. And beyond the cards, these local institutions have recommended the best of the city to help you make the most of your stay in Pittsburgh. As Topps and these eight Hobby shops prepare for a spectacular event, let’s discover how they’re helping build The Hobby, and what collectors can expect at the 2026 NFL Draft.
Clubhouse Cards – Pittsburgh, PA
The Story of the Shop: “Clubhouse Cards opened its doors in April 2019. We’re located in the heart of the South Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. We have floor-to-ceiling of products that can be viewed from Pittsburgh greats, movie and music legends, and on and on. I don’t think you can find a shop like our shop. We have 10 million singles in all different types of price points. We also carry all major brands of sealed trading cards.
“Our shop is an experience. We have so much on display, from artwork, game used items, bicycles from the movie Rad, a vast array of card singles, tons of framed jerseys, and photos. It’s incredibly engaging. We even have magnifying glasses to check for Grading potential!”
How They Got into The Hobby: “I’ve been collecting since I was a kid. I was a major Cal Ripken Jr fan. When my boys were born, I started buying packs and saving them so when they were old enough, we could open them together. That day came in 2018, and the boys and I started getting into The Hobby. We enjoyed it so much, we decided to open a shop in 2019.”
NFL Draft Weekend at Clubhouse Cards: “It’s amazing that the draft is coming to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is such a great sports town. It’s a great fit for the energy of the draft. We’ll have sales on all our products. We have a 200-inch screen that will show the draft all day. And, Chicks n’ Waffles Food Truck will be at our Draft Party on April 23. Come join us for dinner!”
What Makes The Hobby in Pittsburgh so Special: “I love Pittsburgh because it is a great sports town. I also love the food, architecture, and the fact that Pittsburgh is a big town but has a small town feel. Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania have a lot of collectors. It’s in their blood. They love to collect all things, especially local history.”
Advice for New Collectors: “Always start slow and try different products so you can figure out what you like. I also encourage them to take care of their cards. And always remember, it’s a kids game, so have some fun.”
What to do around Clubhouse Cards: “Our area is made up of old towns with beautiful buildings and houses. Mt. Lebanon has a great downtown. Beto Pizza is one of our favorites with cold toppings on hot pizza. Ramen King in Peters Twp is great too!”
Pittsburgh Recs: “The Zoo, the Carnegie Museum, the Clemente Museum, Gateway Clipper tours. Pop to Oakland to visit Pitt and Carnegie Mellon. Take a stroll near the Point — and check out all the stadiums, of course. There’s a ton to do.”
Sports Card Junction – Pittsburgh, PA
The Story of the Shop: “Sports Card Junction has been in business since 1995. We are family-owned, and that is the level of care we offer to our collectors. Customer experience is at the top of our priorities list, and we do everything we can to make sure everyone who comes in has a great time collecting. We focus on sealed product and single cards, emphasizing bargain boxes and entry price points for collectors young and old.”
Getting into The Hobby: “I personally have been in The Hobby since I was around three years old. Growing up in the shop, I was exposed to The Hobby at a young age. Something clicked and I have been a part of this awesome Hobby my entire life!”
Advice for New Collectors: “Take your time. Learn what products you enjoy, by either opening various packs or sorting through bargain boxes just seeing what cards stand out to you. Find what brings you joy and lean into that. Stay away from popular trends, unless you end up liking some of those same things.”
NFL Draft Weekend at Sports Card Junction: “I think the energy will be great! It will be really fun seeing so many sports fans swarm the city. Pittsburgh is a very sports fanatical city, so adding in thousands of other fans will only intensify it! We will be running discounts in the shop, and we will also be setting up at the Next Up Card Show located at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.”
The Hobby in Pittsburgh “The Hobby in and around Pittsburgh is very alive. We host trade nights and other events that get people from all around the city. There’s a big population of collectors in the area that support the trade events and shows.”
What to do While You’re in Town: “You need to check out the Heinz History Center. There is historical and sports related content. It is very well curated. Our shop is in a suburb, and we have a great park nearby! Especially during draft weekend you may want to get away from all the people for a little bit. North Park covers a large area, with walking trails and a lake.”
What Makes Pittsburgh a Destination: “Pittsburgh has the right mix of being a major city while also having a small-town feel. You can do all the things you would want to enjoy in a larger city while not having to deal with big city traffic and chaos. Pittsburgh is also a very friendly city. Most of the people who live here like to talk and connect.”
SportsCards, Etc. – McKees Rocks, PA
IG: @sportscardsetc
The Story of the Shop: “This shop opened in 1991 and has been in the same location ever since. From day one, we have always tried to stock every new release that comes onto the market. We have singles, packs, and boxes for all sports and Non-sports. We carry new singles and vintage singles back as far as the early 1900s.
“I collected cards as a kid, just like many boys in the ’70s and ’80s. I started doing shows and flea markets once I started driving, and in the summers during my college years. After college, I was working for a finance company, and I met a friend of a friend at a Christmas party in 1990, and we started discussing The Hobby. We decided to open our first location, and then opened two more over the next several years. Several years later, I bought out my partner as other things came up in life for him, and I have owned the business solely since 1997.”
Welcoming The Hobby to Pittsburgh: “We always enjoy talking to customers from all over the world as they pass through Pittsburgh. It is always fun to hear how The Hobby is doing in other towns and discussing what we collect! Being only 15 minutes from the Pittsburgh International Airport, we get quite a bit of people passing time before their flights with luggage in tow. Our store will be fully stocked for NFL Draft Weekend!”
Advice for New Collectors: “Collect what you enjoy! Key on a favorite team, favorite players, or even a favorite set. Having a focus will take you further in The Hobby! The second piece of advice is keeping a healthy budget. If you’re ripping wax and hit some cards that do not fit the collection, sell or trade them to obtain cards you like.”
The Hobby in Pittsburgh: “Pittsburgh has an incredible history when it comes to the sports card industry. First and foremost, one of the most iconic cards in The Hobby is a Pirates card — the T206 Honus Wagner Card.
“Roberto Clemente is one of the most beloved players and most collected and invested-in vintage players in The Hobby. The Pittsburgh Steelers became one of the most iconic football teams of the Super Bowl era, winning four of the first 14 Super Bowls, which resulted in a massive fan and collecting base all over the world.”
What to do in Town: The Heinz History Center is a great place to visit. They usually have a large Pittsburgh-related sports card display on one of the floors. If you’re looking to get some food and watch the draft while you’re near our shop, stop by either Twin Peaks or All-Star Sports Grill. Both have dozens of screens, great food, and are within five minutes of the store.”
G&T Sports Cards Plus – Sarver, PA
The Story of the Shop: “G&T Sports Cards Plus has been in business for almost four years. Our trade nights have become a destination for many local families over that time and usually draw 100+ people. G stands for Garrett (my son) and T stands for Tyler (myself).
“Our store is built on the foundation of bettering our community and helping it grow. I got into The Hobby at an early age when I started collecting baseball and football cards and going to every mall card show I could get to.
“A first-time visitor at G&T Sports Cards Plus can expect to find a wide range of cards, supplies, gaming, and a full retro arcade, and to be greeted by our staff like family.”
NFL Draft Weekend at G&T: “I’m extremely excited to see my hometown showcased on the big stage of the NFL Draft, and I’m looking forward to meeting new collectors from around the world. We are hosting a watch party on Thursday, April 23rd for the first round. We will have free food like smoked pulled ham sandwiches made by myself, giveaways, a football break, and more!”
The Hobby in Pittsburgh: “One thing I love about The Hobby in my area is that everyone is passionate, fair, and welcoming! Most collectors in my store have become friends through collecting. We all love our Pittsburgh cards as well!”
What to do in Town: “If you’re visiting Pittsburgh and enjoy a good view, check out the overlook at Mount Washington at night! It’s hard to put into words, but you’ll never forget it. If you’re in my neck of the woods, in Sarver, you have to stop and get something to eat at La Vigneta Winery and Restaurant just up the road.
Kel’s Sports Cards – Bridgeville, PA
FB: @kelssportscards
The Story of the Shop: “At Kel’s Sports Cards, we are all about the cards. We are in this because we love it. We are so excited for the release of 2025 Topps Chrome Football.”
“I have been in The Hobby since I was a kid, lucky enough to grow up in the mid ’90s when Chrome cards and all that chase stuff was just coming out. I was hooked the second I started. Growing up on the West Coast, I was chasing basketball stars like Kobe, Nick Van Exel, and Eddie Jones, plus like every ’90s kid, I went for every Ken Griffey Jr. I could get my hands on.”
Cards at Kel’s: “Kel’s specializes in value boxes. Our $1 and $3 boxes are the talk of the town. We also take great pride in having very nice high-end singles in our showcases.”
How They Got into The Hobby: “Co-Owner Jon Spadaford got into The Hobby while his two boys were young and becoming interested in sports. Cards were used as a teaching tool about all things from positions on the field/court, to statistics, to individual player stories.
“Co-Owner Mike Lawrence got back into collecting around the same time Jon sent him a complete set of 2018 Allen & Ginter. He has since become obsessed with owning every Los Angeles Dodgers card produced by Topps, as well as completing every Allen & Ginter set.”
New Collectors and NFL Draft Weekend: “For the new collector, I would always just say define what you want to do. Collectors are what drives The Hobby. For the draft, we are really looking forward to buying. There are so many card shows in the area that weekend, everywhere is going to be packed. We are looking forward to seeing what everyone has.”
Don’t Sleep on Pittsburgh Pizza: “Pittsburgh is one of America’s best pizza cities. Pittsburgh has its own old school style, best featured at spots like Mineo’s, Aiello’s, Fiori’s, and Vincent’s Pizza Park. We have standouts like Beto’s Pizza where it’s served with cold cheese. Frank’s Pizza and Chicken, and Iron Born for amazing creations, Detroit-style.
“We have a thriving New York scene headlined by Pizza Lupo, Driftwood, and Davide – all in the heart of the city near the draft; plus Rockaway and Slice of New York in the greater Pittsburgh area.”
Steel City Collectibles – White Oak, PA
IG: @scctradingcards
Steel City at the NFL Draft: “We’re going to have in-store specials on tons of Topps releases! Our retail store will be loaded with your favorite sports and non-sports card releases, so we’re inviting everyone down to check out the shop and rip some packs with our team. Keep an eye on our social media for any additional announcements and events!
“We can’t wait to interact with so many football fans and trading card collectors in person on the field at Acrisure Stadium for Collector Celebration Day. The best part of our job is getting to talk with so many passionate collectors and how much fun they have collecting.
“It’s going to be an electric atmosphere in Pittsburgh during Draft Week, and we think what Topps and Steel City Collectibles has planned for Acrisure Stadium is going to be a can’t-miss event for sports fans, casual card enthusiasts, and veteran collectors alike.”
The Hobby in Pittsburgh: “Pittsburgh sports fans are known for being passionate about their city, and you can absolutely see that translated into the Pittsburgh collecting scene. Regardless of the sport, Pittsburgh fans show up, year after year, sometimes even thousands of miles away from the city. Pittsburgh’s appetite for collecting their favorite players and trading cards is insatiable. Want to see the Paul Skenes Topps MLB Debut Patch Autographed Baseball Card? You can go visit it here in the Pittsburgh area!
Living in Pittsburgh: “The people of Pittsburgh are what really makes this city special. We’re known for our genuine friendliness, and the way we try to make visitors feel welcome as soon as they step out of the tunnels. There’s a strong sense of community here.”
“The legacy of our professional sports teams is also a huge part of Pittsburgh’s culture. People are proud of their city and readily happy to share it with others. The beauty of the area, surrounded by rolling hills and forests, the architecture of the city, the people who live here, the history that was made here; it makes you feel proud.”
What to do in Town: “There are so many unique and fun things to do around the city! You can start by riding the historic Duquesne Incline up to Mount Washington for one of the best skyline views in the country (especially at sunset). The Strip District is a vibrant area packed with local markets, food spots, and cultural energy you won’t find anywhere else in the city.”
“Sports fans can check out the riverfront atmosphere at PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, visit PPG Paints Arena, where the Pittsburgh Penguins play, or stroll around Highmark Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. And of course, no trip to the Steel City is complete without grabbing a sandwich from Primanti Bros. with fries and coleslaw loaded on top!”
Baseball Card Castle – Cranberry Township, PA
The Story of the Shop: “Baseball Card Castle has been operating in Cranberry Township, PA since 1990. We feature more than 20 million neatly organized sports cards. Our mission is to provide a friendly, comfortable sports experience. Our card selection is surrounded by memorabilia from the last century, including more than 100,000 authentic autographed items.
“Our business was birthed from a 50-year relationship with The Hobby. We have been collectors since the mid-1970s, and envisioned sharing that passion with other collectors.”
Preparing for NFL Draft Weekend: “Draft weekend is always exciting, but there’s even more energy when it’s draped in black and gold! Baseball Card Castle will be running sales customized for Draft Weekend and the surrounding festivities.”
What to Expect at Baseball Card Castle: “Whether you’re a first-time visitor, or a regular customer, you can expect a friendly interaction and community feel, while taking in a huge selection of sports cards and memorabilia spanning the last 100 years. To new collectors who come in, the message is simple: Collect what you enjoy. Don’t let someone else define for you what makes up your collection.
“We’re part of great Hobby community in Pittsburgh. Here, it’s enhanced by the long line of sports legends who called Pittsburgh home. Bradshaw, Lambert, Clemente, Wagner, Skenes, all that great sports history make Pittsburgh a great place to have a shop.”
A Local Rec: “When visiting Baseball Card Castle, you can’t miss dropping by the Pittsburgh Penguins practice facility, located less than 2 miles from our front door!”
Greentree Sports Cards – Pittsburgh, PA
The Story of Greentree Sports Cards: “I opened my store in August 1998. It started out as a typical sports card store carrying mainly wax and singles, along with some gaming and non-sport products. While the gaming craze got bigger over the years, we have remained dedicated to carrying a wide selection of sports products, as that is still my passion.
“Last year, we moved into a much larger location. This has allowed us to have a dedicated area for gaming and for customers to comfortably rip products in the store. ”
“We pride ourselves on having a great selection of current products and a friendly atmosphere. Customers will find the store to be clean, well-lit, and spacious. We try to have a little bit of something for anyone. While we have always had a great selection of unopened product, we are focusing on adding more singles to our inventory this year. Our $1 boxes have been a big hit so far.”
How They Got into The Hobby: “I started collecting at seven years old in 1979. Topps baseball was my main priority. Every year, the bunny would bring me a box of the current year of Topps Baseball Cello Pack Box. That was better than the candy! In 1990, I started setting up at local shows and flea markets. I continued this for several years before deciding to open my store.”
Pittsburgh and The Hobby: “Pittsburgh has a great tradition of having passionate fans. You find Pittsburgh fans all over the country, but this is obviously the center of it all. The Steelers have the tradition. The Penguins have had hall-of-fame superstars leading the team for the last 40 years in Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby. And the Pirates now have some of the brightest prospects in baseball to go along with one of the best parks in the nation. People here love their teams, for good reason.”
“While the Pittsburgh area has a large population, it has a small town feel. That goes with The Hobby also. There are many neighborhood shops and frequent weekend shows that bring people together. People here have many great options for their collecting desires.”
What to do in Town: “Take the Duquesne Incline cable car up to Mount Washington. Mount Washington overlooks the city where you can see panoramic views of the skyline and rivers. From there, you can see the stadiums and where the Three Rivers meet.
“Also, one of the most thrilling views you can find is if you can go through the Fort Pitt Tunnel at night into the city. You are driving on a typical highway when you enter the tunnel, but on the other side, the city awaits.”
Advice for New Collectors: “Have fun. I tell customers to try to look at what you’re buying as an entertainment expense. There are so many options to choose from nowadays and so many various price points. While this Hobby can get expensive, it can also be quite affordable.
“For example, you can buy a blaster box of a Topps soccer product for under $30 to just try out a different sport. We’ve had a ton of interest in Topps Disney products lately. These are something fun for collectors and families to enjoy.”
Topps & The NFL Draft FAQs
- Why is Pittsburgh a great destination for collectors during the NFL Draft?
- Pittsburgh combines a historic sports culture with a passionate collecting community, making it an ideal location for hobby shops, trade events, and collector meetups during draft weekend.
- What can collectors expect from local card shops?
- Collectors can expect everything from massive singles inventories and sealed product to trade nights, discounts, watch parties, and community-driven experiences across multiple local card shops.
- What types of collectors should attend Draft weekend events?
- These shops have events built for everyone — from first-time pack rippers and casual fans to seasoned collectors hunting high-end cards or looking to trade.
- What else should visitors do in Pittsburgh during the Draft?
- Beyond cards, visitors can explore museums, scenic overlooks, stadiums, local food spots, and iconic neighborhoods like the Strip District and Mount Washington.
Key Facts
- Event: 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh
- Attendance Projection: Over 500,000 visitors
- Focus: Hobby travel guide connecting collectors to local card shops
- Shops Featured: Clubhouse Cards, Sports Card Junction, SportsCards, Etc., G&T Sports Cards Plus, Kel’s Sports Cards, Steel City Collectibles, Baseball Card Castle, Greentree Sports Cards
- Experiences: Trade nights, watch parties, in-store promotions, live breaks
- Collector Appeal: Entry-level to high-end, singles, sealed wax, vintage, and memorabilia
- Community Angle: Family-owned shops, multi-generational collectors, strong local culture
- Local Highlights: Museums, stadiums, Mount Washington views, Strip District, Kennywood Amusement Park
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