Fans come out for opening of Cooper Flagg’s card shop in Bangor

Maine’s Basketball Star Opens Flag‑Shaped Card Shop in Bangor

The Flagg Trading Company, a new trading‑card emporium run by NBA rookie Cooper Flagg and his cousin Tyler Flagg, opened its doors Saturday on Main Street after a 2‑½‑hour line of local fans and supporters. The shop has already drawn the attention of the entire state, from Maine Event to Duke fans, and even a custom Boston Celtics‑inspired jersey.

A Long‑awaited Day

The line for the store began as early as 3 a.m. on Saturday, when Derek Lyons, his son Tyler, and a handful of early‑morning shoppers started queuing on Main Street. “We didn’t want to miss the first look,” said Derek, who drove in from Lubec the night before. By 9:50 a.m., the building’s sign had been lowered and the first customers stepped inside. The shop’s opening ribbon was cut at 10:15 a.m., with a giant pair of golden scissors – a nod to Flagg’s NBA jersey – held by Cooper himself.

“The crowd was electric,” recalled Tyler Flagg, who helped oversee the event. “You could see the excitement in the faces of people from all over the 207 area code.”

The shop’s interior, stocked with trading cards and memorabilia, was an instant hit. Shoppers lined up to pull up‑to‑date packs, including one of Flagg’s own signed cards that had been recently autographed by his parents, Kelly and Ralph.

Fans from Every Corner

The line that stretched from Main to Cross Street included a mix of families and individuals. Kathryn and Thomas Curtis, along with their 18‑month‑old son Elwood, were among the first to meet Flagg. The family had already collected four of his cards and were photographed holding a picture with the rookie for the press.

“Everyone wore their favorite jerseys—Mavericks, Duke, Nokomis, Maine Event—just to show their support,” said the Curtis family in a brief statement. The photo, taken by Kathryn, will later appear in the store’s promotional material.

Other notable attendees included:

• Tyler Lyons and his father Derek, who started the line at dawn.
• Gavin Fisher of Norridgewock and Noah Deneszynski of Kingfield, who had camped out overnight in a car to try their luck at a Flagg card.
• Mason Fiske of West Gardiner, a 13‑year‑old card collector who already owned a rare “Topps Midnight” Cooper Flagg card—No. 32 of just 149. “It probably will never be sold,” Fiske told reporters, hinting at the card’s sentimental value.
• The Goldych family—father Dalton and sons Cole (16) and Jackson (13)—who had also stayed overnight in Bangor to secure a spot in line.

Among the more whimsical moments, Tyler Cutler of Brewer wore a custom green Celtics jersey that featured a question mark where his number would have been, as a playful plea for Flagg to “come home.” “I’m a diehard Celtics fan and a diehard Cooper Flagg fan,” Cutler said. His jersey, designed for the Mavericks’ game against the Celtics at TD Garden last March, was a conversation starter as shoppers entered the shop.

A State‑Wide Phenomenon

The store’s opening was not just a local event; it drew people from all over Maine. The 2 ½‑hour wait—often punctuated by chants of “Coop! Coop!”—was a testament to Flagg’s popularity as Maine’s first‑overall NBA draft pick and Rookie of the Year.

“Cooper is a hometown hero,” said Tyler Lyons. “The fact that he’s opened a shop here shows how much he cares about the community.”

Cooper Flagg, who grew up in Newport, Maine, was named the NBA Rookie of the Year after a standout freshman season with the Dallas Mavericks. His local roots and professional success have made him a point of pride for Mainer sports fans.

Business Behind the Hype

The Flagg Trading Company is owned jointly by Cooper and his cousin Tyler. While the store’s main draw is the chance to meet a local star, it also offers a wide selection of trading cards, from new releases to rare, hard‑to‑find items. “I love trading cards, and I want to share that love,” said Cooper during a brief interview outside the shop. “People want to see a card with my name on it in a place they’re proud of.”

The store’s capacity is limited to about 50 customers at a time, which helped keep the line manageable. Inside, shoppers waited to be served by Flagg himself, who was seen walking around the register, greeting customers, and offering high‑fives. “It’s not just about the cards,” Flagg said. “It’s about connecting with people who share the same passion.”

Looking Ahead

The shop is expected to become a hub for collectors across the state. In addition to cards, the store plans to feature local sports memorabilia and host special events, including autograph sessions and card‑trading meetups.

Maine residents who were in line on Saturday found that the long wait paid off. “It was worth it,” said Thomas Curtis. “Seeing my husband and son with Cooper Flagg, and having the chance to pick up a new card—this is something we’ll talk about for years.”

The Flagg Trading Company will likely remain a destination for both serious collectors and casual fans. For those hoping to get a piece of Maine’s newest sports icon, the shop’s opening marks the first of many opportunities.