SoCo Expo 2025: World’s Premier Soccer Card Show - Your Complete Guide

Experience the So Card Expo | July 31 - August 2, 2025

Looking for soccer card shows near you? SoCo Expo 2025 is the ultimate destination for soccer card collectors in the Midwest and beyond. Taking place in Melrose Park, Illinois (Chicago area), this three-day event is the largest and only dedicated soccer card expo in the United States.

What Makes SoCo Expo the Best Soccer Card Show?

SoCo Expo returns to the Chicago area for its biggest event yet, bringing together passionate soccer card collectors, traders, and enthusiasts from across the world for three incredible days of trading, tournaments, and unforgettable experiences.

Why SoCo Expo is Chicago's Must-Attend Soccer Card Event:

• Worlds largest soccer card expo experience 

• Strategic timing during The National Sports Collectors Convention July 30th - August 3rd at The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (About 15 minutes away)

• Melrose Park location - easily accessible from Chicago, suburbs, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis

• Professional tournament facilities with actual soccer fields

• Elite vendor marketplace with soccer card specialists from across the globe

• Bar and Food on-site

Event Details & Schedule

When: July 31 - August 2, 2025

Where: Melrose Park, Illinois (Chicago Area)

Hours: 4:00 PM - Midnight Daily

Complete Daily Schedule

Thursday, July 31, 2025

• 12:00 PM (Noon) - Vendor setup/move-in begins

• 4:00 PM - Show floor opens to attendees

• 6:00 PM - Open Division 6v6 Tournament

• 12:00 AM (Midnight) - Show floor closes

Friday, August 1, 2025

• 12:30 PM - Vendor Kick About starts

• 1:00 PM - Vendor setup

• 4:00 PM - Show floor opens

• 6:00 PM - Open Division 6v6 Tournament

• 12:00 AM (Midnight) - Show floor closes

Saturday, August 2, 2025 - Kids Day & Scavenger Hunt

• 12:30 PM - Vendor Kick About starts

• 1:00 PM - Vendor setup

• 1:30 PM - Vendor Skills Competition 

• 4:00 PM - Show floor opens / Kids Day begins

• 4:00 PM - U-10 & U-12 Tournaments begin

• 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM - Kids Day activities and scavenger hunt throughout the show

• 12:00 AM (Midnight) - Show floor closes

Please note: All times are tentative and subject to change. Additional events will be added as we get closer to the SoCo Expo. Subscribe to our email newsletter for the latest updates!

The Soccer Tournaments at SoCo Expo

Experience real soccer action alongside your card collecting! Sponsored by Breakfast Cards

Tournament Schedule:

• Thursday & Friday: Open Division 6v6 Tournaments (6:00 PM start)

• Saturday: Kids Divisions - U-10 & U-12 Tournaments (4:00 PM start)

Tournament Features:

• Winners receive: Team trophy presentation, medallions, t-shirts, and custom trading cards

• Skills competitions and challenges

• Full documentation and highlight videos

• Registration filling fast - secure your spot today!

Register now for tournaments for your chance to compete at America's only soccer card show with actual soccer tournaments!

Kids Day: Saturday Soccer Card Scavenger Hunt

Saturday is Kids Day & Scavenger Hunt powered by GTS Distribution!

Kids Day Activities (4 PM - 9:30PM):

• Youth soccer tournaments (U-10 & U-12 divisions starting at 4 PM)

• Card-collecting scavenger hunt throughout the show floor all evening

• Meet and greets with featured vendors

• Special giveaways and prizes designed for kids

• Family-friendly environment with dedicated kids' areas

Perfect for introducing the next generation to soccer card collecting while they participate in fun tournaments and collect their own cards!

Vendor Marketplace: Chicago's Largest Soccer Card Selection

Browse the most comprehensive soccer card marketplace in America with vendors specializing in:

What You'll Find:

• Vintage soccer cards (pre-1990 rarities)

• Modern releases and latest pack breaks

• International cards from leagues worldwide

• Graded cards (PSA, BGS, and other services)

• Soccer memorabilia , jerseys and collectibles

• Supplies and protective gear

• Consignment services

• Retail Soccer store on-site

Location & Travel: Easy Access from Across the Midwest

Venue: Melrose Park, Illinois

Strategic Chicago-area location provides easy access for collectors from:

• Chicago and all suburbs

• Milwaukee, Wisconsin (90 minutes)

• Indianapolis, Indiana (3 hours)

• St. Louis, Missouri (4.5 hours)

• Detroit, Michigan (4.5 hours)

Travel & Accommodations:

• Multiple airports: O'Hare (30 minutes), Midway (45 minutes)

• Public transportation options available

• Ample parking on-site

• Food & Bar on-site

• Partner hotel rates available for out-of-town visitors

• During Chicago's card show week - maximize your collecting trip!

Why SoCo Expo is America’s Premier Soccer Card Event

For Collectors:

• Largest selection of soccer cards in one location

• Rare and vintage finds not available elsewhere

• Network with experts and industry professionals

• Educational opportunities from collecting veterans

• Largest soccer-focused show on the planet

For Families:

• Safe, organized environment for all ages

• Kids Day programming every Saturday

• Educational components for young collectors

• Interactive activities beyond just trading

• Create lasting memories through shared experiences

For Vendors:

• Most targeted audience of soccer card enthusiasts

• Prime location during National Sports Collectors Convention week

• Excellent ROI with growing attendance year-over-year

• Professional organization and comprehensive marketing

• Network with industry professionals from across America

Getting Involved: Registration & Participation

Attend as a Collector:

1. Follow daily schedules and plan your visit

2. Bring want lists and trade binders

3. Budget for purchases - cash often gets better deals

4. Download event updates via our social media channels

Tournament Registration:

• Limited spots available - register early!

• Multiple divisions and skill levels

• Professional facilities 

• Trophies and prizes for all divisions

• Adult and youth divisions available

Vendor Opportunities:

SOLD OUT - Almost all vendor spaces have been claimed! Please contact us to be placed on a waiting list. 

• Every table space is now occupied

• Many International vendors confirmed

• No additional vendor applications being accepted

• Waitlist available for potential last-minute cancellations

• Vendor showcase rental upgrades available for existing vendors

The Future of Soccer Card Collecting in Chicago

SoCo Expo isn't just an event - it's a movement. As soccer continues to explode in popularity across the United States, the passion for collecting soccer cards is growing exponentially. SoCo Expo provides the premier platform for this thriving community to connect, trade, and celebrate their shared passion.

Whether you're seeking that elusive Pelé rookie card, looking to complete current season sets, or hoping to discover the next great prospect, SoCo Expo 2025 is where your soccer card journey reaches its peak.

Mark Your Calendar:

July 31 - August 2, 2025 Melrose Park, Illinois (Chicago Area)

Don't miss your chance to be part of America's premier soccer card expo. Join thousands of fellow collectors, traders, and enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of soccer card passion in the heart of the Midwest.

Contact Information:

• Website: www.thesocoexpo.com

• Email: thesocoexpo@gmail.com

• Social Media: Follow @thesocoexpo for daily updates

• Vendor Inquiries: SOLD OUT - Waitlist available

• Media Inquiries: thesocoexpo@gmail.com for press credentials and coverage opportunities

• Hotel Reservations: Book discounted rooms here

Join our mailing list for exclusive pre-event content, vendor spotlights, and special announcements as we count down to July 31st!