2027 AirShow23 VIP Collector Weekend

Name: 2027 AirShow23 VIP Collector Weekend
Start: 2027-05-21T17:00:00-0400
End: 2027-05-23T12:00:00-0400
Location: Graduate by Hilton Chapel Hill

Fri, May 21, 5pm - Sun, May 23, 12pm 2027 EDT

Graduate by Hilton Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill NC, United States

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AirShow23

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AIRSHOW23 VIP COLLECTOR WEEKEND

MAY 21–23, 2027 • CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA

WHERE THE LEGACY BEGAN.

Before the championships.

Before the shoes.

Before the global icon.

There was Chapel Hill.

Welcome to the inaugural AirShow23 VIP Collector Weekend — an exclusive three-day experience created specifically for Michael Jordan collectors and limited to just 23 participants.

On March 29, 1982, Michael Jordan burst onto the national stage as a freshman at the University of North Carolina, hitting the game-winning shot in the NCAA Championship Game.

2027 marks the 45th anniversary of the shot that changed everything.

Just weeks after that milestone, 23 Michael Jordan collectors will come together in Chapel Hill to experience the places, history, memorabilia and stories where the legacy began.

THIS IS NOT A CONVENTION. NOT A CARD SHOW.

IT'S A PILGRIMAGE FOR MICHAEL JORDAN COLLECTORS.

THE VIP COLLECTOR EXPERIENCE

Over three days, we'll experience Michael Jordan's Chapel Hill through a combination of exclusive experiences, extraordinary memorabilia, collecting history, storytelling, meals and time together as a group.

EXCLUSIVE CHAPEL HILL EXPERIENCES

Go beyond the typical visit to Chapel Hill with experiences connected to the places and history surrounding Jordan's Carolina years.

We'll explore the UNC campus, Franklin Street and locations connected to the earliest chapters of Jordan's legacy.

RARE MEMORABILIA

This isn't about looking at memorabilia through an auction listing or display case online. It's an opportunity to experience remarkable pieces while hearing the stories and history behind them.

HISTORY & STORYTELLING

Go deeper into Michael Jordan collecting history through onversations ancd stories surrounding Jordan's legacy.

From his years at Carolina through his evolution into a global icon, we'll explore the history behind the memorabilia and the moments collectors continue to chase more than four decades later.

MEALS & EXPERIENCES

Some of the best collector conversations happen away from a show floor.

Meals and exclusive gatherings throughout the weekend are included, giving our group of just 23 collectors time to actually get to know one another, share stories, talk Jordan and enjoy Chapel Hill together.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, MAY 21 — WELCOME TO CHAPEL HILL

5:00 PM — VIP Welcome & Collector Night

Check in, meet your fellow collectors and kick off the weekend at our official host hotel.

Bring a favorite piece from your collection to showcase, discuss, sell or trade — or simply bring the story behind it.

Dinner is included Friday evening, followed by more time together talking Michael Jordan, memorabilia and collecting.

This isn't a dealer show. It's 23 collectors sharing the hobby with one another.

SATURDAY, MAY 22 — WHERE THE LEGACY BEGAN

Breakfast included.

We'll depart together from our official host hotel aboard private group transportation for a full day experiencing Michael Jordan's Chapel Hill.

Saturday will combine Chapel Hill and UNC history, rare memorabilia, iconic locations, storytelling, special experiences and the earliest chapters of Jordan's legacy.

Lunch and dinner are included.

Following dinner, we'll continue the evening with Collector Night and more time with our group of just 23 collectors.

SUNDAY, MAY 23 — ONE LAST MORNING IN CHAPEL HILL

We'll gather Sunday morning for an included breakfast and one final experience together before concluding the inaugural AirShow23 VIP Collector Weekend.

The weekend is expected to conclude by late morning/early afternoon to allow collectors time to travel home.

ONLY 23 COLLECTORS

That's it.

The AirShow23 VIP Collector Weekend is intentionally being kept small.

The goal isn't to put hundreds of people into a ballroom or send collectors walking through rows of dealer tables.

It's to bring together 23 Michael Jordan collectors who can actually get to know one another, experience Chapel Hill together, see remarkable memorabilia, share their collections and spend an entire weekend immersed in the history and hobby they love.

23 COLLECTORS. ONE WEEKEND.

WHERE THE LEGACY BEGAN.

VIP WEEKEND — $995

ALL EXPERIENCES + MEALS INCLUDED

HOTEL NOT INCLUDED

Your $995 registration includes:

• Complete AirShow23 VIP Collector Weekend experience
• Scheduled Chapel Hill experiences and activities
• Friday dinner
• Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Sunday breakfast
• Designated group transportation during the weekend
• Collector gatherings and experiences
• Access to the complete private weekend itinerary

Hotel accommodations and transportation to and from Chapel Hill are not included.

ADD OFFICIAL HOST HOTEL — $199/NIGHT

Stay with the group at our official host hotel, Graduate by Hilton Chapel Hill, at the exclusive AirShow23 group rate of:

$199 PER NIGHT

The regular rate for the weekend is currently approximately $344+/night.

Hotel accommodations are not included in the $995 VIP Weekend registration.

After completing your VIP Weekend registration, you'll be redirected to AirShow23.com, where you can access the official hotel booking link and reserve your room directly with the hotel.

Your hotel reservation and hotel charges are handled separately and directly by the hotel.

Recommended stay: Friday, May 21 – Sunday, May 23, 2027.

Rooms within the AirShow23 block are limited and subject to availability.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Closest Major Airport: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

RDU is approximately 20–25 minutes from Chapel Hill by car under normal traffic conditions.

Attendees are responsible for transportation to and from Chapel Hill.

Once the weekend begins, transportation for designated group activities will be provided when applicable.

Detailed arrival, parking, hotel and transportation information will be provided to registered collectors before the event.

PLEASE NOTE

This is an active, immersive weekend rather than a traditional seated convention. Saturday will involve walking and time both indoors and outdoors. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.

Times, participating locations, activities and itinerary are subject to change. Final schedules, meeting locations and additional private itinerary details will be provided to registered attendees.

SPONSORSHIP

Interested in reaching a highly targeted group of Michael Jordan collectors and becoming part of the inaugural AirShow23 VIP Collector Weekend?

For sponsorship opportunities, contact:

matthew@airshow23.com

HOSTED BY MATTHEW COPPEDGE

AirShow23 Founder • UNC Alum • Michael Jordan Collector Since 1982

AirShow23 began with the same thing that started many great collections: one kid fascinated by Michael Jordan.

More than four decades later, we're bringing collectors together in the place where the legacy began.

A PILGRIMAGE FOR MICHAEL JORDAN COLLECTORS.

23 COLLECTORS. ONE WEEKEND.

WHERE THE LEGACY BEGAN.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION & DISCLAIMER

Michael Jordan is not scheduled to attend or participate in the AirShow23 VIP Collector Weekend. Purchase of a ticket does not include an appearance, meeting, autograph or other interaction with Michael Jordan.

The event itinerary, participating locations, experiences, meals, transportation arrangements and other details are subject to change when necessary. AirShow23 reserves the right to substitute comparable experiences or modify the schedule.

AirShow23 and AirStar23, LLC are independent and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by or associated with Michael Jordan, the University of North Carolina, Jordan Brand, Nike, Upper Deck, PSA, JSA, Beckett or other brands, organizations, businesses or individuals that may be referenced in connection with the event. All trademarks and intellectual property belonging to third parties remain the property of their respective owners.

Historical and educational information presented as part of the weekend reflects research and commentary by AirShow23 and/or Matthew Coppedge unless otherwise attributed.

Event materials, original graphics, descriptions, educational content and other original AirShow23 materials may not be reproduced or used without permission.

By registering, attendees acknowledge that event details are subject to change and agree to the event's posted refund and cancellation policy.

Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity

Refund policy

REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY Because the AirShow23 VIP Collector Weekend is limited to just 23 collectors and requires advance commitments for accommodations, meals, experiences and other event expenses, the following cancellation policy applies: • 60 days or more before the event: 95% refund of the amount paid. • 45–59 days before the event: 50% refund of the amount paid. • 30–44 days before the event: 25% refund of the amount paid. • Fewer than 30 days before the event: No refunds. Refund eligibility is based on the date AirShow23 receives the cancellation request. If you are unable to attend, you may request to transfer your registration to another collector rather than cancel. Transfers must be approved by AirShow23 and completed before the event. If AirShow23 cancels the VIP Collector Weekend, registered attendees will receive a full refund of payments made directly to AirShow23 for the event. AirShow23 is not responsible for independently booked airfare, transportation or other travel expenses. We strongly recommend purchasing refundable airfare and/or travel insurance for any non-refundable travel expenses.

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For almost as long as I can remember, I’ve been a UNC Tar Heel fan. Growing up in eastern North Carolina in the early 80’s, you were either an NC State fan or UNC Tar Heel fan. Since my first recollection of any type of basketball was the 1982 Championship game (and mainly getting cans of UNC cola when they won), I’ve been collecting UNC and a little later, Michael Jordan cards, memorabilia and autographs.

In the mid-90’s, at the height of Jordan’s fame, I was able to meet him 6 or 7 times at various places in North Carolina…first at a bar on Franklin St in Chapel Hill when I was a student at UNC in 1995 and other times at celebrity golf classics in NC (Jimmy V, Michael Jordan’s own Celebrity Golf Classic). The final time was in the heat of “The Last Dance” season, as I interned with the Charlotte Hornets. Luckily, I was able to obtain his autograph in-person on 2 of those occasions, pictured below, along with numerous photos I was able to take during those golf tournaments. (All images copyright Matthew Coppedge, AirShow23).

Jordan Signing AutographsThat's me standing behind MJ in the green, white and blue polo holding an Olympic jersey for him to sign. Wasn't able to get him to sign that, but he did sign the press pass I'm wearing around my neck later in the day at the tournament.

Although taking a hiatus from the hobby from 2008 through 2022, I have ventured back in and developed this website for a number of reasons.

First, it’s been said by many that since Jordan has had an exclusive contract with Upper Deck since 1992 for his autographed memorabilia, that the only authentic Jordan signatures are from Upper Deck. While the contract part is true, I completely disagree on the view about authentic Jordan signatures.

MJ became tremendously famous after hitting the game winning shot at UNC on March 29, 1982 to win the NCAA Championship. From that time until his contract with Upper Deck in 1992, he signed 10 YEARS worth of autographs, some years as one of the most famous people on the planet. I would have no idea the number, but my guess is that it would probably be in the tens of thousands. Given this, and the fact that I prefer unique items with vintage Jordan signatures because of the rarity and the signature style, I’ve made sure to educate myself on the nuances of these signatures and developed relationships with other knowledgable collectors to assess all Jordan signatures.

In addition, although difficult to obtain his signature in-person, it is not nearly impossible. On the occasions where I’ve been able to obtain his autograph, he’s been gracious and we even shared a few laughs. Add those in over the last 30+ years, and you certainly do have the opportunity to find and purchase authentic Jordan autographs that were not commissioned by Upper Deck under contract.

NBA at 50 Book Signed for me During the 1997-98 SeasonNBA at 50 Book I was able to have Jordan and Pippen sign in 1998

Along this collecting path, I’ve met some really awesome collectors that are so much more knowledgeable than I am about Jordan autographs and have been able to learn a tremendous amount from. There are a few I would I like to acknowledge here.

First is the man who was the biggest contributor to my education and learning about early Jordan autographs, Darren Shikina who ran a website called RareAir23.com, dedicated to Jordan vintage autographs. The site hasn’t been updated since around 2010, however it is still live and contains a wealth of information that I’d recommend anyone who is interested in early Jordan autographs read and study. Such a great website and the inspiration behind the sharing of information here on this site. So much appreciate him sharing his knowledge and expertise on these autographs and I feel my website, AirShow23.com is just an extension and building upon the foundation of his knowledge and work.

Next are Wesley Gretah and Eric John, a couple of likeminded Jordan collectors who know Jordan autographs like very few out there. These two run some Facebook groups dedicated to Jordan collectors and can spot most forged Jordan signatures from a mile away. There is no way I would have been able to build my collection or this website without their expertise. And any time I have a Jordan signature without a COA I am looking to purchase, I run that signature by these two as I trust them, I trust their opinion and they are awesome at what they do.

And second, I love to give back any knowledge I have obtained over the last 30 years. So I see this site as a dedicated resource for educating collectors on the signature styles Michael Jordan used throughout his career. Knowledge is power, so I encourage anyone who is interested in purchasing Jordan autographs to study authentic examples (on here, on auction sites, authentication sites and any other resources you can find) and learn the different changes his autograph went through during his career. This will help any collector learn what to look for and to be as educated as possible when it comes to Jordan autographs.