The Pokémon Center pop-up shop will feature pin trading during the 2026 North America International Championships. They’ve also partnered with the Louisiana SPCA to host a pet adoption event in New Orleans.
Pokémon Center at the 2026 North America International Championships
Pin Trading Unlocked, No Reservation Required
The Pokémon Center pop-up store during the 2026 North America International Championships (NAIC) in New Orleans is set to offer a variety of activities, with no reservations or special badges required. Although reservations to shop at the official Pokémon merchandise store have already closed, Pokémon fans can still participate in the pin trading event amid the NAIC's competitive battles or adopt a new pet in the city.
A pin trading event will launch on June 11, with a dedicated area right outside the Pokémon Center. Trainers can join the new tradition by trading Pokémon pins or showing off their collections on lanyards and display bags. More trade-ready pins, priced at $12.99 on the website, are available at the store for those looking to expand their collection.
Pin trading hours are as follows:
⚫︎ June 11 - 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
⚫︎ June 12 - 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
⚫︎ June 13 - 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
⚫︎ June 14 - 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Pokémon Center Co-Hosts Pet Adoption Event
Accompanying the Pokémon Center's 2026 NAIC announcement is an upcoming partnership with the animal protection organization, Louisiana SPCA. A pet adoption event is scheduled for June 14 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Petit Rogue in New Orleans.
The official website stated that the project is "inspired by the everyday moments we share with our furry, four-legged companions." Trainers who adopt a pet will receive a limited Pokémon Center goodie bag, while supplies last, "to help them begin a new chapter with their new best friend."
Pokémon Center Requires Reservations During the 2026 NAIC
The 2026 NAIC will be held for its third consecutive year at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, from June 12 to June 14. To enter the event’s Pokémon Center pop-up store, the general public and NAIC badged attendees must book a spot in advance, though it is no longer accepting reservations at the time of writing.
The shop will offer Mega-Evolved Pokémon-themed stationery items, TCG accessories, apparel, and plush toys, as well as in-demand Pokémon TCG Elite Trainer Boxes and Booster Bundles.
Wrapping up the 2026 Championship Series season as its final International Championships stop, the 2026 NAIC features competitive tournaments spanning across Pokémon Video Game Championships (VGC) on Pokémon Champions, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), and the mobile games Pokémon GO and Pokémon UNITE.
This year's event, to be held from June 12 to June 14, 2026, in New Orleans, is themed around Mega Blastoise to "pump up the hype." "Torrential battles are certain to fill the weekend with action, especially as Pokémon Champions makes its International Championships debut for Pokémon VGC at NAIC!" NAIC's website said.
Participants can register for the event via its official website. Competitor registration remains open until June 7 at 11:59 PM CDT, while spectators can still catch up on purchasing a Single-day Pass for $15 each, valid until June 14. The Multi-day Pass and Single-day Pass (Friday or Saturday) have already sold out.
Sources:
Pokémon News | Reserve Your Spot to Shop the 2026 NAIC Pokémon Center Store
Pokémon Events | 2026 Pokémon North America International Championships
Pokémon Center will be at the 2026 Pokémon North American International Championships!
2026 Pokémon North America International Championships Registration
