Bethpage, Long Island resident Joseph Ciambra was not messing around. He arrived on Avenue X in Gravesend, Brooklyn at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday to be first in line for New York City Transit’s Memorabilia and Collectibles Pop-Up Shop Thursday morning.

“I would like to get a New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium sign,” said Ciambra, who is originally from Marine Park, Brooklyn. “Last year I got a Times Square sign. This year I want to get that sign. Hopefully they have one available.”

(Spectrum News NY1/Roger Clark)

Behind Ciambra, the line was down the block to get in and track down all types of items from the transit system. There are subway station signs from across town, plus the iconic yellow and orange seats that are being phased out from the R46 subway cars. 

There are tokens and rare MetroCards, and even the red globes from subway entrances. The MTA has been conducting the sales since 2021. 

Ethan Shoe was hoping for a sign from one of the 125th Street stations, but wound up buying some other items.

(Spectrum News NY1/Roger Clark)

“Even if I had left with nothing, it’s still just really fun to walk around and see, and everyone you meet on the line is really nice,” said Shoe, who arrived on the line before the sun came up. 

Folks say it’s all about the memories, even for some who aren’t from New York. One couple from Altoona, Pennsylvania wanted some subway car seats to make a kitchen nook in their home. 

“Mission accomplished. We’re excited,” said Leila McCrumb as she walked away with a section of seats. “We brought our truck, so we made sure we would be able to fit these and get them home, so yeah, we’re good.” 

(Spectrum News NY1/Roger Clark)

It was all’s well that ends well for Ciambra. The first-in-line guy did score the Yankee Stadium station sign he was looking for. 

“It made my day. My day is complete,” he said. “I’ve been waiting all year, and mission completed.”

Day two of the pop-up is Friday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Head to the MTA’s website to find out more — and get there early to make sure the best stuff is still around!