Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show featuring Michael Rubin

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Stephen A. Smith Show
• Host: Stephen A. Smith
• Guest: Michael Rubin, CEO of Fanatics
• Episode Title: Interview Only: Michael Rubin, CEO of Fanatics, talks Fanatics Fest, the “Comic-Con of sports”
• Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction

In this special interview episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith sits down with Michael Rubin, the visionary CEO of Fanatics, to discuss the highly anticipated second annual Fanatics Fest. Dubbed the “Comic-Con of sports,” Fanatics Fest has rapidly grown into a premier event that brings together sports enthusiasts, celebrities, and fans from around the globe for an immersive and unique fan experience.

Overview of Fanatics Fest

Stephen A. Smith kicks off the conversation by expressing his excitement and appreciation for his audience's support, highlighting the show's growth to over 1.24 million subscribers across digital platforms. He transitions into introducing Michael Rubin, emphasizing the success of the inaugural Fanatics Fest and the expectations for the upcoming event.

Michael Rubin [07:07]: "We had 70,000 people in the first year and we're definitely gonna have well over a hundred thousand people in year two. It's amazing."

Rubin explains the concept behind Fanatics Fest, inspired by renowned events like Coachella, South by Southwest, and Comic-Con, but tailored specifically for the sports community. His goal was to create a centralized hub where fans could celebrate their favorite sports, interact with athletes, and engage in various activities that go beyond traditional sports events.

Growth and Expansion

The conversation delves into the significant growth from the first to the second Fanatics Fest. Rubin attributes this expansion to Fanatics' unique ability to bring together multiple sports under one roof and form partnerships with a diverse array of athletes and brands.

Rubin [08:04]: "We migrated. Our family migrated here. I'm like second generation."

By shifting the festival dates from August to June, Rubin strategically avoids conflicts with the NFL preseason, allowing active players to participate. This move has resulted in a more robust lineup of attendees, including a substantial number of current NFL stars.

Event Highlights and Activities

Rubin elaborates on the diverse array of activities and attractions that make Fanatics Fest a must-attend event for sports fans.

Rubin [10:25]: "There’s so much to do for everybody... You could go there and spend three days, you'd see so many people that you love, so many people you want to catch up with."

Key highlights include:

• Multiple Stages: Six different stages featuring content every hour, catering to various sports interests such as football, basketball, WWE, UFC, and more.
• Athlete and Celebrity Appearances: An impressive roster of athletes and celebrities, three times the number from the previous year, including NFL quarterbacks like Jaden Daniels and C.J. Stroud, basketball stars like James Harden, and cultural icons like Kevin Hart and Jay-Z.
• Interactive Competitions: Fanatics Fest Games offering eight different athletic competitions where attendees can showcase their skills in events like football throwing accuracy, baseball pitching accuracy, WWE walkouts, UFC punching accuracy, and FIFA precision.

Prize Pools and Fan Engagement

One of the standout features of this year's Fanatics Fest is the introduction of a substantial prize pool designed to enhance fan engagement.

Rubin [14:20]: "We're doing the Fanatics games... We are doing eight different athletic competitions."

The prize pool boasts a total of $2 million in cash and prizes, including:

• Cash rewards up to $1 million.
• High-value prizes such as a $500,000 Ferrari and rare collectibles like a LeBron James rookie card valued at $250,000.

Rubin emphasizes his commitment to ensuring fair competition and exciting outcomes, aiming to empower both professional athletes and everyday fans.

Rubin [16:14]: "If we can have an incredibly athletic, non-professional athlete win this, that's the best of the world right now."

Celebrity Interactions and Entertainment

The event is not just about sports; it also integrates cultural and entertainment elements to create a holistic experience for attendees.

Rubin [15:09]: "We're doing a little threesome going of Tommy, Eli, and Khaled. So there's gonna be a lot of talk during that."

Rubin shares anecdotes about interactions with celebrities like Tom Brady and DJ Khaled, highlighting the fun and competitive spirit that permeates the festival. These interactions are designed to entertain attendees and add a layer of excitement to the competitions.

Stephen A. Smith's Personal Experience and Anticipation

Stephen A. Smith reflects on his own experience attending the inaugural Fanatics Fest, describing the atmosphere as electric and the turnout as overwhelming.

Smith [12:16]: "I couldn't believe how packed it was. I couldn't believe how psyched everybody was to be there."

His anticipation for the second edition is palpable, especially with the expanded lineup and the promise of an even more engaging experience for fans.

Conclusion

As the interview wraps up, Stephen A. Smith and Michael Rubin reaffirm their excitement for Fanatics Fest NYC 2025, set to take place from June 20th to 22nd at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. Smith encourages his listeners to attend, underscoring the event's significance as a premier sports festival that brings together fans, athletes, and entertainment in an unparalleled celebration of sports culture.

Smith [21:04]: "Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 takes place June 20th through the 22nd at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. For ticket information, go to fanaticsfest.com."

Rubin concludes by expressing his gratitude and excitement, emphasizing the community and connections that Fanatics Fest fosters among sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Notable Quotes

• Michael Rubin [07:07]: "We had 70,000 people in the first year and we're definitely gonna have well over a hundred thousand people in year two."
• Rubin [10:25]: "There’s so much to do for everybody... You could go there and spend three days, you'd see so many people that you love."
• Rubin [14:20]: "We're doing the Fanatics games... We are doing eight different athletic competitions."
• Rubin [16:14]: "If we can have an incredibly athletic, non-professional athlete win this, that's the best of the world right now."
• Stephen A. Smith [12:16]: "I couldn't believe how packed it was. I couldn't believe how psyched everybody was to be there."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show provides an in-depth look into Fanatics Fest, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of its inception, growth, and the vibrant atmosphere it fosters. Through engaging dialogue and insightful revelations from Michael Rubin, the episode highlights the festival's pivotal role in uniting sports fans and creating unforgettable experiences that transcend traditional sporting events. Whether you're a die-hard sports enthusiast or a casual fan, Fanatics Fest promises to be an event that encapsulates the passion, excitement, and community spirit of the sports world.