Question: Hi! I came across this odd card of Larry King. It appears to be from 1992 Topps Stadium of Stars. Did Topps issue boxes for this set? What can you tell me about it?
Answer: No. Topps did not issue these in the traditional box format. The year was 1992, and the 13th National Sports Collectors Convention was being held in Atlanta, GA. For the first time in it’s thirteen year existence, Topps decided to setup a booth. Used as a promotional giveaway, Topps created a 13-card set entitled Stadium of Stars.
- Bruce Jenner
- John Wooden
- Joan Lunden
- Lou Holtz
- Chris McCarron
- Nick Charles
- Larry King
- Ann Meyers
- LeRoy Neiman
- Wilma Rudolph
- Bob Costas
- Nancy Lopez
- Jim Beckett III
The exact number of cards handed out during the show is unknown. Every celebrity on the checklist received (500) copies to hand out at their discretion. Two jumbo-size cards were also printed for each individual. One was given to the celebrity, and the other was autographed. The signed version was auctioned off, and the money went to a specific charity chosen by that celebrity.
Topps sold 5,000 uncut sheets to dealers at the show. From time to time one of those will popup. I believe Jim Beckett III was a late addition and/or had to be obtained differently compared to the others. You can find his single card on the secondary market, but its not pictured on any of the promotional material like the uncut sheet. An oversize souvenir sheet featuring these cards is suppose to be floating around too.
A complete set is worth about $30-$50.
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