Great Lakes Gaming Convention Announces Trading Card Game Offerings for 2026 Event

MIDLAND, Mich. – Trading card game fans will have plenty of ways to play, compete and learn at the Great Lakes Gaming Convention (GLGC) this September 26-27, with a variety of organized tournaments, quickplay opportunities and Learn to Play experiences planned throughout the convention.

In partnership with The Stadium in Frankenmuth, GLGC will feature organized tournaments for Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon and Riftbound, giving players the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and other prizes while enjoying a weekend surrounded by fellow gaming enthusiasts. The Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon tournaments will each feature free entry and a $500 cash prize pool, while the Riftbound tournament will offer players the chance to compete in an Origins Win-A-Box event.

“Trading card games are such a major part of the gaming community, and we’re thrilled to expand that experience at GLGC this year,” GLGC Executive Director Eric Ramseyer said. “Working with The Stadium and their expertise and passion for gaming is a major asset

for GLGC. It helps us create more opportunities for players to compete, learn and enjoy the games they love. Their involvement allows us to offer something for everyone, from experienced tournament players to those picking up a deck for the very first time.”

In addition to the featured tournaments, GLGC will offer quickplay and Learn to Play opportunities for a wide variety of trading card games. Whether you're a long-time competitive player or have never picked up a trading card game before, the TCG offerings at GLGC are designed to provide opportunities for players of all experience levels. Attendees will be able to learn the basics, try something new or jump into a casual game featuring:

• Magic: The Gathering

• Pokémon

• Riftbound

• Disney Lorcana

• One Piece

• CookieRun: Braverse

• Palworld

Adult general admission tickets (ages 13+) are $10; youth tickets (ages 5-12) are $5; and children ages four and under are free all weekend. VIP tickets are available for $45. Additional details, including tournament schedules and registration information will be announced soon.

Tickets for Great Lakes Gaming Convention on Sale Now

MIDLAND, Mich. – Tickets for the Great Lakes Gaming Convention on September 26-27, 2026, at Dow Diamond are now on sale. Adult general admission tickets (ages 13+) are $10; youth tickets (ages 5-12) are $5; and children ages four and under are free all weekend. VIP tickets are available for $45. All ticket options can be purchased at greatlakesgamingconvention.com.

Set inside the unique atmosphere of Dow Diamond, the Great Lakes Gaming Convention is a dynamic gaming and esports festival designed to unite gamers, esports enthusiasts, families, and industry professionals for a groundbreaking experience. By combining competitive gaming, top-tier entertainment, insightful educational panels, and robust community engagement, GLGC aims to establish itself as a premier event that not only entertains but also fosters connections and drives significant economic impact. This landmark

event is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the Great Lakes Bay Region and set a new standard for gaming and esports festivals.

The full slate of tournaments includes:

• Rocket League Collegiate Invitational ($5,000 Prize Pool)

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Collegiate Crews ($2,500 Prize Pool)

• Rocket League High School Invitational ($5,000 SVSU Scholarships/$1,500 Prize Pool)

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Open ($2,500 Prize Pool)

• Mario Kart World Open ($750 Prize Pool)

• MLB The Show 26 Open ($750 Prize Pool)

• Pokémon Open ($250 Prize Pool minimum)

With over $100 in value, VIP ticket purchasers will receive:

• Admission to Saturday & Sunday

• Waived Tournament Entry Fee for one (1) Open Tournament (Super Smash Bros., MLB The Show 26, Magic: The Gathering, or Pokémon)

• Exclusive VIP Lounge Access with Light Snacks and Drinks

• Two (2) 32oz Fountain Soft Drink Vouchers

• 25% Discount on all Food & Beverage Purchases

• 25% Discount on GLGC Merchandise

• Exclusive Access Times for Racing Simulators

• Five (5) Raffle Tickets for GLGC Raffle

Additional entertainment throughout the weekend includes live main stage programming, interactive free to play areas, on-field games and activities, a Kids Zone with face painting, balloon animals, and inflatables, and FIRST Robotics Demonstrations. GLGC will also

offer educational opportunities focused on the rapidly growing gaming and Esports industries. Panel topics will center around: Careers in Esports and Gaming, Opportunities in Scholastic Esports, Broadcasting and Content Creation, Game Development and Design,

Collegiate Esports Opportunities, Technology and STEM Education, Growing Michigan’s Tech Economy, and Event Production and Marketing.

Field of Frames becomes “Great Lakes Gaming Convention”

MIDLAND, Mich. – Last year, the Field of Frames Festival was a first-of-its-kind event for the Great Lakes Bay Region. Heading into the second year of festivities this fall, it will now be known as the Great Lakes Gaming Convention, a two-day esports and gaming festival

designed to bring together players, fans, students, educators, creators, and industry professionals in a dynamic and immersive environment. The event will be held September 26-27 and tickets will go on sale Wednesday, June 24 at 9 a.m. ET.

“We’re excited to bring the Great Lakes Gaming Convention to Dow Diamond in 2026 and continue building an event that celebrates gaming, esports, and community in a truly unique way,” GLGC Executive Director Eric Ramseyer said. “Our first festival provided tremendous insight into what fans and players are looking to experience, and we’re excited to apply those lessons as we expand and elevate the event in year two. From competitive tournaments to interactive experiences for fans of all ages, we can’t wait to welcome the gaming community back to Dow Diamond for an unforgettable weekend.”

Set inside the unique setting of Dow Diamond, the event blends competitive Esports tournaments, interactive gaming experiences, educational and industry panels, trading card game competitions, live entertainment and fan activities. Beginning this year, GLGC will

also partner with Northwood University’s Esports Program to bring the live gaming experience to life.

“At Northwood University, we are committed to building the premier gaming and esports convention in the state of Michigan, and our partnership of student expertise with the Great Lakes Loons gives us an incredible opportunity to do just that,” said Chief Development

and Engagement Officer for Northwood University Justin Marshall. “After the success of the inaugural year, we’re excited to elevate the experience even further and bring an even larger celebration of gaming, technology, and community to Dow Diamond in Downtown Midland. This event represents the future of entertainment and digital innovation in our region, and we’re proud to help create something truly special for the gaming community.”

Competitive gaming will take center stage this year. In collaboration with Northwood, GLGC will feature organized tournaments and competitive play across several premier gaming titles.

• Rocket League Collegiate Invitational ($5,000 Prize Pool)

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Collegiate Crews ($2,500 Prize Pool)

• Rocket League High School Invitational ($5,000 SVSU Scholarships/$1,500 Prize Pool)

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Open ($2,500 Prize Pool)

• Mario Kart World Open ($750 Prize Pool)

• MLB The Show 26 Open ($750 Prize Pool)

"The Northwood University Esports program is ecstatic to be a part of the Great Lakes Gaming Convention,” Head Esports Coach at Northwood University Jacob Jacob said. “As one of the most unique events and locations in the esports space, we are happy to proudly

support and develop something so innovative on our home turf of Midland, Michigan. Not only do we hope to grow the esports presence within the state of Michigan with GLGC but even grow the presence of esports and gaming here in Midland."

GLGC will feature a dedicated Trading Card Game (TCG) and Tabletop Game area designed to create a high-energy environment for both competitive players and casual fans. Those confirmed TCG tournaments and areas will include:

• Pokémon Open ($250 Prize Pool minimum)

• Casual Open Play Tables

• Learn to Play sessions for new players

• Vendor Booths Featuring Cards, Accessories, and Memorabilia

• More information coming soon

Additional entertainment throughout the weekend includes live main stage programming, interactive free to play areas, on-field games and activities, a Kids Zone with face painting, balloon animals, and inflatables, and FIRST Robotics Demonstrations. The goal is to create a vibrant, high-energy environment that celebrates gaming culture and delivers an exceptional guest experience for everyone in attendance.

GLGC will also offer educational opportunities focused on the rapidly growing gaming and Esports industries. Panel topics will center around: Careers in Esports and Gaming, Opportunities in Scholastic Esports, Broadcasting and Content Creation, Game Development

and Design, Collegiate Esports Opportunities, Technology and STEM Education, Growing Michigan’s Tech Economy, and Event Production and Marketing.

VIP Ticket Benefits – $45 (over $100 in total value)

• Admission to Saturday & Sunday

• Waived Tournament Entry Fee for one (1) Open Tournament (Super Smash Bros., MLB The Show 26, Magic: The Gathering, or

Pokémon)

• Exclusive VIP Lounge Access with Light Snacks and Drinks

• Two (2) 32oz Fountain Soft Drink Vouchers

• 25% Discount on all Food & Beverage Purchases

• 25% Discount on GLGC Merchandise

• Exclusive Access Times for Racing Simulators

• Five (5) Raffle Tickets for GLGC Raffle

Spectator General Admission Ticket Options

• Adult Ticket (Ages 13+) – $10.00

• Youth Ticket (Ages 5-12) – $5.00

• Children Ages 4 & Under – Free

For more information, visit greatlakesgamingconvention.com.