Should You Grade Game Tickets, Stickers, and Non-Card Sports Items?
In 2025, the sports collectibles hobby is evolving beyond traditional trading cards. From vintage hockey stickers to game-used tickets, collectors are expanding their horizons—and grading companies are keeping up with demand.
But does it really make sense to grade these non-card items? Should you send in that 1980s Wayne Gretzky sticker or your ticket stub from Sidney Crosby’s debut game?
Let’s break down the growing trend of grading non-card sports items and whether it’s worth it for collectors and investors.
Why Are Collectors Grading Tickets and Stickers?
1. Rarity and Historical Value
Game tickets and stickers often hold unique value because they represent a moment in time. A full or torn ticket from an iconic game—like a Stanley Cup Final or a debut performance—can be more emotionally powerful than a card.
Stickers, especially vintage hockey stickers from brands like O-Pee-Chee, have become increasingly desirable due to low survival rates and nostalgia. Unlike cards, many stickers were actually used and thrown away, making mint examples quite rare.
2. Increased Acceptance by Grading Companies
Major grading companies like PSA, Beckett, and CGC have expanded their services to include:
Game tickets (full and stubs)
Sports stickers (vintage and modern)
Magazine covers
Team-issued photos
Oddball items from cereal boxes, promos, and more
These items now receive formal authentication, encapsulation, and population reports—boosting their legitimacy and market value.
3. Surging Market Interest in 2025
The collectibles market has matured, and hobbyists are looking for fresh and rare assets outside traditional trading cards. Sales of high-grade, slabbed ticket stubs from milestone events—like Connor McDavid’s first NHL game or Wayne Gretzky's final game—have seen significant increases.
Auction houses like Goldin, Heritage, and PWCC have also helped legitimize and spotlight these unique items. Some rare game tickets now sell for thousands of dollars if graded well and tied to key moments.
4. Nostalgia and Display Value
Graded stickers and tickets make for incredible display pieces. A slabbed vintage ticket or an O-Pee-Chee sticker can be framed alongside signed memorabilia, adding visual and emotional depth to any collection.
Collectors enjoy preserving items that speak to their personal fandom—whether that’s a Montreal Canadiens playoff run or their childhood sticker album.
When You Should Grade a Ticket or Sticker
✅ It’s tied to a key game or event: Rookie debut, milestone, record-setting game, playoff or championship moment.
✅ It’s rare and in excellent condition: The fewer copies that survived in mint condition, the more desirable the item.
✅ You plan to sell or insure it: Grading adds a level of protection and legitimacy that appeals to serious buyers and insurance companies.
✅ It’s a vintage piece from a major player: Stickers and tickets from players like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe, or Bobby Orr carry high historical value.
When You Might Not Want to Grade
❌ It’s very common: Regular-season games with no notable significance may not have much market value.
❌ It’s heavily damaged or altered: Torn, stained, or written-on items will not grade well and may not justify the cost.
❌ You're not concerned with resale: If you're keeping it purely for sentimental value, a raw display might suffice.
What About Modern Tickets?
With the rise of digital tickets, physical game stubs are becoming increasingly rare. That scarcity may make physical tickets from recent years—especially from historic games—more valuable in the future.
If you have stubs from events like:
Connor Bedard’s NHL debut
A Stanley Cup Final
An outdoor or Winter Classic game
…they could be worth grading now for long-term preservation.
Final Thoughts
Grading game tickets, vintage stickers, and other non-card items is no longer a fringe idea—it’s part of the evolving landscape of sports collectibles. These items provide both historical context and emotional connection, which is what collecting is all about.
If you're sitting on tickets from legendary games or mint-condition vintage hockey stickers, grading might be one of the smartest moves you can make to preserve and add value to your collection.
Need help evaluating what to grade?
Our experts at The Heritage Hockey Vault can help you assess your tickets, stickers, and oddball collectibles—so you know what’s worth slabbing.
📩 Contact us for a free consultation.