The NFBC Live Events Tentative Schedule For 2019

[COZ]

Several of our NFBC owners drafted at Park MGM in September for football and we'll say the space was very nice and food was great. This is the former Monte Carlo, which is now considered an MGM premiere hotel because it's the closest venue to T-Mobile Arena. They have spent hundreds of millions of dollars renovating the hotel and the Convention Center is all new, opening just this summer. We will have their biggest ballroom on the second floor on Saturday and will have individual ballrooms also on the second floor Thursday through Wednesday. We sure hope to make a full week of drafts, auctions, basketball, baseball openers and more with a great group of owners. More details to come once we get this contract signed, but things improved yesterday and now we just have to finalize everything next week. Thanks for your patience.

Drafts for football at Park MGM were great, very spacious seating with huge rooms & great food & drink spread, superior to the Bellagio in my opinion. It was very easy to get to from the tram which I had never used before & discovered to be a great & simple way of getting around the various MGM properties. Can't believe I was never aware of that before. I've never stayed at MGM Park because it's seems a little too boutiquey for me from its pictures & I'm a Vdara guy, but in terms of the conference rooms, it was a superior draft eviornment & experience in my opinion & I would be more than fine with bailing on the casino-mall that is the Bellagio seeing as they never seem to have space for us. Just my unsolicited thoughts.

P.S. I would like to see more $500 Satellites & $400 DC Expresses added this year & feel they should be offered not just in the weeks leading up to the Main Event, but at least once day leading up to the season like all your other contests for those that don't want play the lottery ticket national contests. Thanks.

[Baseball Furies]

There really should be live and on-line events every day from Thursday to Thursday since there is only one week of Vegas this year. I would also like to have the Midnight Madness draft and party somewhere on the schedule as far in advance as possible for either Friday or Saturday night and not just a message board recruitment drive on my part a couple months out. So it needs to be better organized with more lead time to allow more guys a chance to participate at a semi-decent hour while still allowing for plenty of time to enjoy the festivities. I'm also thinking about the possibility of this as a Main Event or at least a higher dollar contest for the effort in true MTM style similar to NYC. And this would be a good year to premiere my "Vegas Crap Shoot Draft" concept since it seems as though there are other possibilities for unique contests which are being considered.

And one big thing to consider while putting the schedule together for the big day of live Main Event Drafts on Saturday in Vegas would be a little later start in the a.m. There's absolutely no reason to have everyone get up at the crack of dawn Vegas time to be ready and coherent for these coming off Friday night drafts, partying, and other Vegas night life. The Main Event drafts in NYC start at 1:00 p.m. EST, so why should the drafts in Vegas start first thing in the morning? I would suggest giving us at least another hour for an 11:00 a.m. start time in Vegas. Don't see how this would be big issue pushing everything back an hour that day especially since it's a Saturday and it's Vegas after all.

Bump for on a reply to this post. Thanks. Especially since the Vegas schedule on Saturday has the latest events of the day starting at 5:00 p.m. I believe. No big deal then in having all the events bumped back an hour for a later Main Event start that day which will make many of us who enjoy the Vegas night life (and more than likely the MTM Party), very happy.

While I'm on the subject, I would also like to suggest polling or surveying your clientele for some market research on some of the ideas and suggestions brought up here on these boards. Many and probably most of your clientele either do not frequent these boards that often and/or do not actively participate on them, however, there is much to be gleaned from their input if presented to them and us all as an anonymous option to give you our feedback. It's the best way to give the people what they want and keep them coming back for more when you let us tell you as a majority and not a minority group. Why can't this be done? You have an email for all of us and there are plenty of softwares available on the market now which would allow you to do this. It seems to me and others that many of these "corporate decisions" are often made in a vacuum especially in the area of creative innovation which many of us have contributed to the NFBC over the years for its benefit. I think a poll or a survey on a later start time for the Main Event in Vegas on Saturday as it is in NYC would be an innocuous one to start with. Again, it's one hour, but it makes a big difference, especially when it comes to my beauty sleep.

[Baseball Furies]

Additionally, can we see the schedule that is planned for the live events in NYC especially since this year the weekend should be a bigger draw than years past due the one Vegas week rather than two? I would also like to see the tentative planned schedule for all of the on-line events especially the Main Event opportunities since these are becoming more and more popular every year. In all fairness to everyone, there should be a full schedule of days of on-line Main Events that we all have access to from the get go. These "rogue" Main Events that open up last minute to cater to the stragglers and the sharks in waiting just don't create a level playing field of participation for all of us and gives a minority of the competitors in this event an unfair advantage whether it be for time, money, or balance of competition reasons. A good place to start would be to have at least one live or on-line Main Event or both every day beginning on whatever day you see fit straight through to March 28th prior to the start of the MLB season inclusive of the games in Japan. Extra opportunities for drafts on days for those of us who want the opportunity to draft closer to the start of the season can be offered accordingly knowing that these drafts may be in higher demand. This way we all know right out of the gate when all of the potential Main Events will be, and we will all have an equal opportunity to compete on whatever day we want and in whatever league we want on a first come, first served basis. So once all these leagues are filled, they are filled. It can't be left to good or bad timing on these, or worse yet, opportunism for various reasons especially with this kind of money on the line.

[Bronx Yankees]

Additionally, can we see the schedule that is planned for the live events in NYC especially since this year the weekend should be a bigger draw than years past due the one Vegas week rather than two? I would also like to see the tentative planned schedule for all of the on-line events especially the Main Event opportunities since these are becoming more and more popular every year. In all fairness to everyone, there should be a full schedule of days of on-line Main Events that we all have access to from the get go. These "rogue" Main Events that open up last minute to cater to the stragglers and the sharks in waiting just don't create a level playing field of participation for all of us and gives a minority of the competitors in this event an unfair advantage whether it be for time, money, or balance of competition reasons. A good place to start would be to have at least one live or on-line Main Event or both every day beginning on whatever day you see fit straight through to March 28th prior to the start of the MLB season inclusive of the games in Japan. Extra opportunities for drafts on days for those of us who want the opportunity to draft closer to the start of the season can be offered accordingly knowing that these drafts may be in higher demand. This way we all know right out of the gate when all of the potential Main Events will be, and we will all have an equal opportunity to compete on whatever day we want and in whatever league we want on a first come, first served basis. So once all these leagues are filled, they are filled. It can't be left to good or bad timing on these, or worse yet, opportunism for various reasons especially with this kind of money on the line.

Mike, not commenting on most of your post, but, FYI, in answer to the first question posed, the schedule for the NYC live events was posted by Tom in the thread, “NFBC Returning to the Stewart Hotel ...” about three-quarters of the way down the page.

Mike

[Baseball Furies]

Additionally, can we see the schedule that is planned for the live events in NYC especially since this year the weekend should be a bigger draw than years past due the one Vegas week rather than two? I would also like to see the tentative planned schedule for all of the on-line events especially the Main Event opportunities since these are becoming more and more popular every year. In all fairness to everyone, there should be a full schedule of days of on-line Main Events that we all have access to from the get go. These "rogue" Main Events that open up last minute to cater to the stragglers and the sharks in waiting just don't create a level playing field of participation for all of us and gives a minority of the competitors in this event an unfair advantage whether it be for time, money, or balance of competition reasons. A good place to start would be to have at least one live or on-line Main Event or both every day beginning on whatever day you see fit straight through to March 28th prior to the start of the MLB season inclusive of the games in Japan. Extra opportunities for drafts on days for those of us who want the opportunity to draft closer to the start of the season can be offered accordingly knowing that these drafts may be in higher demand. This way we all know right out of the gate when all of the potential Main Events will be, and we will all have an equal opportunity to compete on whatever day we want and in whatever league we want on a first come, first served basis. So once all these leagues are filled, they are filled. It can't be left to good or bad timing on these, or worse yet, opportunism for various reasons especially with this kind of money on the line.

Mike, not commenting on most of your post, but, FYI, in answer to the first question posed, the schedule for the NYC live events was posted by Tom in the thread, “NFBC Returning to the Stewart Hotel ...” about three-quarters of the way down the page.

Mike

Thanks for the heads up, Mike. Found it, although this list of events shouldn't be buried in that thread. Appreciate the heads up.

[Tom Kessenich]

New York schedule of events at The Stewart Hotel:

Friday, March 15
9 am ET - $1,300 Auction (Fitzgerald Ballroom)
2:30 pm ET - $2,500 Auction (Fitzgerald Ballroom)
4 pm ET - $1,300 Auction (Rockwell room)
8 pm ET - Ultimate (Fitzgerald Ballroom)

Saturday, March 16
1 pm ET - Main Event (Fitzgerald Ballroom & Rockwell Room if needed)
6 pm ET - $1,300 Auction (Fitzgerald Ballroom)

Sunday, March 17
9 am ET - Main Event (Fitzgerald Ballroom)
1 pm ET - $1,300 Auction (Fitzgerald Ballroom)

[Greg Ambrosius]

Okay, I can now confidently say that we will be hosting our Las Vegas live events at Park MGM. We have a nice room block here at very good prices during First Weekend of March Madness. I will post those prices and passkey code when I get back, but look for all of that soon.

We have very nice space for all days here in their new Convention Center. All of our events are on the second floor and there is space outside the ballrooms and in the first floor lobby to congregate if you’re not in those drafts at that time. The ballroom for Saturday is big enough for 8 or more drafts at once and we can create the Champions Stage again. All of the private rooms for auctions and drafts are brand new and spacious.

The entire hotel has been renovated as part of a $600 million expansion. The entire front of the hotel looks completely different and they are building 10 restaurants at the front that should open by December. I am staying in the Nomad Tower of the hotel, which is a slight upgrade if you are interested. The pool and sportsbook are smaller than the Bellagio, but adequate. I’ll talk about the sportsbook later.

But it’s a good setup for our drafts and auctions and we should be signing the contract shortly and getting that room block code to you. I’m still exploring options for the Thursday and Friday gatherings, so hold tight. But we’re excited about the upcoming live events in Las Vegas. Thanks for your patience and let’s start drafting!!!

[Thurman15]

Excellent Greg. This will be my 3rd year for the auctions (I always do 3 auctions) and while I enjoyed the Bellagio, the ParkMGM seems even better.
Hopefully we will have a little get together before the first auction, Thursday evening. Hope Brady is back as well. He is an excellent auctioneer, as we all know. The others are darn good as well. The NFBC is first class all the way. I'm trying to bring down some more guys from Canada.

Al Holmes (Thurman15)

[Baseball Furies]

I know the syncopathic posts on your behalf are the best, but how about taking the time to respond to the multiple posts that I took the time on not just to hear myself talk (which is usually the case, but not here ), but as a serious contribution for the 2019 season? Would be appreciated. Thanks.

And P.S. I can hear "The annual MTM is a pain in the ass and an asshole" talk at NFBC headquarters already.

[Greg Ambrosius]

I know the syncopathic posts on your behalf are the best, but how about taking the time to respond to the multiple posts that I took the time on not just to hear myself talk (which is usually the case, but not here ), but as a serious contribution for the 2019 season? Would be appreciated. Thanks.

And P.S. I can hear "The annual MTM is a pain in the ass and an asshole" talk at NFBC headquarters already.

What days last week were your ears ringing Mike?

I don't have details of any Las Vegas parties yet because I don't have appropriate space yet, as I stated before. The Park MGM does NOT have a room like we've had at the Bellagio and my contact at the Bellagio is still trying to get us the same space we had last year. When I have some more details and know that we can do something, I'll post something. You always tell me not to oversell and under deliver, so let me at least get the space before adding anything to the Schedule of Events. Is that fair?

The Saturday Main Event in Las Vegas remains at 10 am PT, just like it's always been. It allows us to start the next set of drafts and auctions at 4 pm. Some of those drafts and auctions will get done at 9 pm and I don't want those getting done any later than that. Could we go 11 am and 4 pm? Probably with the software now reducing time, but at this time 10 am and 4 pm remains, giving everyone time to chill inbetween the Main Event and our second set of events.

I like the tune of "10 pm Madness" or "11 pm Madness" rather than "Midnight Madness". Others last week expressed the same feeling. Maybe that's the way to go to fit everything in. Here we go.

[Baseball Furies]

Well Greg, it only took you 12 years, but it's good to finally see that you are starting to get a sense of humor by shooting me back a dig which was perfect I may add. But before you etch anything in stone, I don't see what the problem would be of doing a survey of your clientele (your Vegas clientele in particular in this case) to find out what they think on an hour later start time for the Main Event on Saturday rather than just preordaining it? Like I said before, it's Vegas. People like to be out late on Friday night and enjoying themselves without having to wake up at the crack of dawn to be coherent and ready for the Saturday Mains. You further made my point by stating what you did in your post about the "Midnight Madness" draft (which sounds better by the way because of a grammatical thing called "alliteration" ). Every year the party gets more popular, but half the crowd needs to leave early since they need to be up for the morning Mains. An hour later start time still allows for plenty of lead time into the events later in the afternoon even if you did start them at 4:00 p.m. which isn't necessary since 5:00-10:00 p.m. Vegas time isn't going to screw with anyone's bedtime out there except for maybe a few odd "rubes" or "hicks" as Dan referred to. And by your logic, why is it okay then for all of us in NY to start a Main Event at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday rather than 10:00 a.m. with later start times for all the afternoon events based on what you're saying? And why is it also perfectly acceptable for some reason to cram in as many events back-to-back on Friday in NY with virtually no time in between them, and backing the Ultimate into an 8:00 p.m. or later start time that has us ending past midnight most every year? I'm sure the guys who participate in the auctions prior to the Ultimate would love to have a breather and to not have to run immediately into this draft, but they don't. So I don't get the double-standard. Again, I think you should survey your Vegas clientele on this and hear from them rather than dismissing this out of hand, and if not, then you should fix NY to make the draft times better for all of us as well based on your position. Looking forward to your response on this, or feel free to call me anytime to straighten me out in person.

And as far as "over-promising" and "under-delivering" which is what I think you were trying to say, I have no issues with the party and the draft associated with it out there being TBD as of now. However, I don't think it's feasible to make everyone trek or shuttle over to the Bellagio for this one. I would try to find a way to host it in the Park MGM. In researching the website a bit, there is an option for "Groups and Weddings" and when you click on it, it brings you to several different options which could easily fit the bill for us under "social occasions" or even their "ideation" studios among others. I'm sure with all of us chipping in as usual, we will be able to secure a venue for the party and the draft along with some catering and the usual amenities even though it's not the Bellagio.

[telestar]

Greg: It appears that the code KJ offered is working, even though it does not give quite the same cheap rate anymore. I was able to see a quote of $89.90 per night for a Queen Bed Room for example. Do you think your code will be cheaper or would you recommend just taking that if we can finalize that rate?
Thanks very much and we're looking forward to Vegas!

[chiznad21]

I just put in that code and received a quote of 184 a night? Did you make the reservation online or over the phone? I like the 89 a night over the 184....lol If you have any additional info on the "KJ Code" please let us know.

Chad

[telestar]

Chad: Apologies - I just went back (I did not make a reservation yet) and it definitely depends on how many days you put in. The expensive dates are the Thursday - Saturday March 21-23. Those are all 170+ even with the code. If you add in dates before or after you can get REALLY cheap per night rates (well under 100 per night). So the average price depends on how many nights you add outside of that Thursday-Saturday window. Apologies if that doesn't work for you - maybe if you're just going for those three nights Greg will get a better rate via the room block...I have to figure out how many nights I will stay myself.

[chiznad21]

No biggie, no apologies needed......Im gonna hold out for the passkey from Greg and group......and you are correct, my quote was for the weekend nights.......looking forward to the new venue, gonna be another great week.

[Greg Ambrosius]

No biggie, no apologies needed......Im gonna hold out for the passkey from Greg and group......and you are correct, my quote was for the weekend nights.......looking forward to the new venue, gonna be another great week.

Okay, I have the final contract, but the passkey isn't set up yet. If you can hold off a couple of more days we should be able to get this room block set up shortly at the Park MGM. They have gone the extra yard to make these rooms affordable and available to us.

Our room block starts on Monday, March 18th and continues through Sunday, March 31st, so stay as long as you'd like!! Again, I should have that passkey soon and then you can sign up online by yourself. Here's the rates:

Monday, March 18th - $69
Tuesday, March 19th - $69
Wednesday, March 20th - $69
Thursday, March 21st - $139
Friday, March 22nd - $169
Saturday, March 23rd - $169
Sunday, March 24th - $49
Monday, March 25th - $59
Tuesday, March 26th - $59
Wednesday, March 27th - $59
Thursday, March 28th - $59
Friday, March 29th - $119
Saturday, March 30th - $119
Sunday, March 31st - $69

The Resort Fee is $32 a night, down from $37 online. Yes, that fee is a pain in the ass just like baggage fees, but there's no getting around it on The Strip. That also gives you free WiFi in your room and in the ballrooms, along with access to the Spa and weight room, which is brand new.

Considering this is Opening Weekend of March Madness, the rates are damn good. Sticking around for the MLB Opening Day and Sweet Sixteen is affordable as well, so enjoy and stick around to draft with us during the week.

If you already have booked at the Park MGM, shoot me an email at [email protected]. We have a minimum number of rooms that we need to fill and they are honoring our guests who even booked outside of the room block, so I just need to know who has done that already so that they can keep you on our NFBC list.

Now we have a couple hundred rooms set aside, but it's first-come, first-served. There are no guarantees that they will still have rooms outside of our room block at these prices, so don't delay if you want to stay at our host hotel. Also, the room block disappears on Feb. 21st, so again if you wait past that date the prices may change and the availability might not be there. Good luck all and enjoy.

Finally, if you want to upgrade to the Nomad rooms, you can always do that when Registering or after you secure your rooms. I believe they are another $75 or so a night. Good luck all and I'm here to help if you need something. Now just let us get this contract signed and sealed before we get the passkey for everyone to secure their rooms. Thanks.