NFBC Fourth City In 2009

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:33 am

I'm already knee deep in planning for the 2009 drafts and trying to lock down all of our draft locations for 2009. Here's what we have so far on March 20-22:

Las Vegas: Flamingo is booked and secured.

Chicago: We're back in the Windy City and finalizing things now.

New York: Trying to secure the Sheraton again.

I know some folks have asked us to switch from Manhattan to Atlantic City, but there are a lot of positives to remaining in the city.

As for a fourth city, I still think we can remain in Florida with spring training around, but I'd love to see some growth there. Does it make sense to remain in Orlando or move back to Tampa?? Or does it make sense to try another venue, like Atlanta or Dallas or even New Orleans?? I don't see a problem getting a venue in any of those cities, but let's hear some feedback first.

What do you think about a fourth city in 2009?

Oh, and yes it would be easy to go back to three cities, but the goal is to grow this event and bring this live draft format to all parts of the country if it makes sense. I think it does make sense and if we can get 3 full main event leagues in Florida and another auction league, I'll stay there and hope for future growth. But we'll see if that's possible in 2009. Thanks all.

poopy tooth · Post by **poopy tooth** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 12:50 pm

Would it be practical to remain in Florida and add Dallas one year, to see the response? Or do you think that would thin it out too much? I am not sure how many people travel from Texas to other cities to participate.

You could decide to keep all 5 for 2010 or consolidate as needed.

GOD Loves You · Post by **GOD Loves You** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 1:23 pm

Greg, Tampa has a lot more to offer than Orlando, provided that people are willing to leave the downtown area. There's so many things to do around the Tampa Bay area, but downtown, where the draft was previously held....well, it's more businesses than anything.

I'm sure most people prefer the Tampa draft location over the Orlando one.....and with more/better advertising, you could easily get 3+ leagues.

DiamondKing · Post by **DiamondKing** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 1:39 pm

Greg,I am an unabashed family guy.For that reason Orlando is a great place for me(though I hate that hotel)My own opinion is most of the people in the draft are getting away from the family for a weekend of debauchery.The "party" town atmosphere is more likely the larger draw.But,for my own selfish reasons I vote for Orlando.I will cross my fingers for a full auction.I will give you one sign up.

Chest Rockwell · Post by **Chest Rockwell** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 3:23 pm

Travel to Tampa is a lot harder for me than Orlando, but I enjoy it so much more. Better spring training, much better restaurants etc.

Catch a spring training game on Thu and Sun, draft on Fri and Sat. Dinner at Berns in between makes a nice weekend.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:22 am

Originally posted by Chest Rockwell:

Travel to Tampa is a lot harder for me than Orlando, but I enjoy it so much more. Better spring training, much better restaurants etc.

Catch a spring training game on Thu and Sun, draft on Fri and Sat. Dinner at Berns in between makes a nice weekend. Does that mean we would see Mr. Rockwell in Florida again next year? Hope so if we stay in Florida.

I like to play a little cards, so being in a city with a casino would be great. In Tampa, out near the fairgrounds, there is the Seminole Casino Hard Rock. Do not know if they would charge you an arm and a leg to hold the event there, but it might spark a little more interest. I agree with GLU...downtown Tampa reminded me of going to work. Nice area, but very much a busines district. Limited food options on a Saturday. Orlando was OK, but Dave is right. The accomodations were only "OK" for an older Florida property, but in my opinion the whole area had a cheap, touristy feeling (Tatoo for you and your little lady, Mister? Free dessert at the all-you-can eat "Chum Bucket" next door). I would go again (hey, I like dessert!), but preferred Tampa.

Atlanta would obviously cut down on my travel expenses, but I honestly see no real advantage over Tampa or Orlando. If we ended up having one in Atlanta, party at my house.

New Orleans might be a draw, but outside of the Big Easy, which is a smaller MSA, there are no large population areas within hours (i.e. air travel required). I think that in that case, people would just as soon go to LV or NY. Same with Biloxi.

Without the fourth city, LV will only get larger.

Just thoughts.

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:54 am

Prefer the central location of Orlando, in regard to the Florida site. Always seems appealing till I think of all the cool Vegas stuff I'd be missing.

That said, hoping you keep FLA in the picture as it really does make for a nice Spring Training/Draft Daily double. With my experience, Tampa has always been more difficult to get in/out of for the spring training games.

RobG · Post by **RobG** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 4:18 pm

After doing Vegas for two years, I actually enjoyed doing the draft in Florida this year. That said, I would be in for either Tampa or Orlando as it gives me a chance to visit my parents in Sarasota and see the Tigers in Lakeland.

Bama · Post by **Bama** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:12 am

everyone says keep florida as a choice but hardly anyone ever shows up. for the NFFC my homies that do wcoff prefer memphis if that helps.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:01 am

Originally posted by KLN:

everyone says keep florida as a choice but hardly anyone ever shows up. for the NFFC my homies that do wcoff prefer memphis if that helps. May I ask why? I have always found Memphis a fine city, but what is the big draw that makes it preferable to the WCOFF?