2012 NFBC Draft Dates and Locations

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 10:49 am

The 2011 NFBC season is in the books and it's time to make our plans for the 2012 draft season. This will be our NINTH NFBC SEASON, which is amazing. We have every intention of making this our BEST SEASON, so come and join us.

This will be the latest we've ever held our live drafts because Major League Baseball has decided to push back the start of most Opening Days in 2012. Opening Day will be Wednesday, April 4th and thus the NFBC season will officially start then as well. There are two MLB games in Japan on March 27-28 and we'll announce within this thread how we are going to handle those games. But first let's get to the Live Events Schedule of Events.

We do not have our venues locked down yet and in fact we are still exploring a lot about the first weekend. Last year demand was very low on the East Coast and this year we either need to find a new location there to make things work economically or choose not to host a live event out there. Same with the Midwest: We certainly can make ends meet in St. Louis if we want to return, but the question again involves whether there's enough demand for a return visit there or not. Economically it works in St. Louis if demand warrants it. We're looking into St. Louis and the East Coast before announcing anything.

For Las Vegas, I think a return to the Bellagio is very possible and likely for both weekends. They have space on tentative hold, but unfortunately they don't book space this far out. But we have a great relationship with the Bellagio and I believe if we want to return there we can. Both weekends in Las Vegas will again be at the same hotel, wherever that ends up being. In New York, we are again looking for space and may seek a new venue than the one we've had the last two years. Stay tuned there. As for Chicago, we had a nice relationship with the Hyatt Regency O'Hare for football and they currently have space on hold for us if we want to return. I'd like to hear back from our NFFC members about returning to the Hyatt Regency. Thanks.

So we will have two weekends again and we will have multiple cities on the second weekend and maybe the first weekend. Online will be an option both weekends. We will return with the NFBC Main Event, the NFBC Auction Championship, the NFBC Diamond League, Ultimate League and Super Leagues. And we will have a new 12-team live event announced soon that will replace the Live Double Play. Stay tuned for those details soon.

Here's a look at the tentative schedule:

Friday, March 23:

NFBC Auction Championship

NFBC 12-Team Draft

Saturday, March 24:

NFBC Main Event

NFBC 12-Team Draft at night

Sunday, March 25:

NFBC Auction Championship

NFBC Super League

NFBC Ultimate Draft League

Friday, March 30:

NFBC Auction Championship

NFBC 12-Team Draft

NFBC AL Auction League (Las Vegas only)

NFBC NL Auction League (Las Vegas only)

Saturday, March 31:

NFBC Main Event

NFBC 12-Team Draft at night

NFBC Super League at night

Sunday, April 1:

NFBC Auction Championship

NFBC Diamond League (Las Vegas)

NFBC Super League

NFBC Ultimate Auction League

Hopefully this will help you make your plans for 2012. Good luck all and thanks for all of your support during the first eight years of the NFBC.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 11:15 am

This was posted on a separate thread, but I'll add this here since the Japan Games affect all of our NFBC drafts:

Major League Baseball announced this week that it would open the 2012 season in Japan with two games featuring the Oakland A's and the Seattle Mariners. Those games will be held on Wednesday-Thursday, March 27-28, almost a full week before Opening Day was previously announced. Most MLB clubs will open the season on Wednesday or Thursday, April 4-5.

We are NOT going to push up the NFBC draft dates by a week or close off signups by a week to factor in these two games. It would be unfair to everyone drafting Main Events and every other NFBC event a week early before 28 of 30 MLB rosters are set. Instead, we are going to count these results from Japan, but all NFBC owners will know the results before they set their Week 1 starting lineups. In other words, no matter when you draft, you'll set your starting lineups for Week 1 AFTER these games are played and Week 1 will include the April 4-8 games plus the two games from Japan.

Our live events will have two weekends of draft dates and these are final: March 23-25 in Las Vegas, Online and possibly an East Coast site; and March 30-April 1 in Las Vegas, New York, Chicago and Online. NFBC Online Championship and NFBC Satellite Leagues will draft through April 4th and again all leagues will include results from the Japan Series. It will be up to you to decide whether you want to start those A's and Mariners in Week 1 knowing results of two games already.

I hope this helps everyone prepare for 2012. Let's get ready because Opening Day is right around the corner. Thanks all.

Glenneration X · Post by **Glenneration X** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 12:15 pm

Sounds like Atlantic City won't return as part of the 1st weekend festivities. That's a shame, I really enjoyed those weekends the past two seasons.

76erfan · Post by **76erfan** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 1:39 pm

i would think philadelphia and baltimore would be logical places to look on east coast.

i have some contacts with the phillies if you guys decide to look at citizens bank park.

MadCow Sez · Post by **MadCow Sez** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 1:50 pm

Are there going to be package deal discounts again?

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 3:52 pm

Draft the Main Event on March 31st at 10am in Las Vegas and then settle in for the Final Four?

Wow, this is going to be an easy sell. Looks like the flight home may have to wait until Tuesday.

Greg, I would be real careful on setting any drafts later in the day for Saturday. Figure the Final Four will probably tip near 3pm local time. Be great if you could turn this into a draft day - viewing party afterwards in Las Vegas as these will be the only two college hoops games during the second draft weekend. Certainly a new twist for the NFBC - but a GREAT opportunity.

[ October 03, 2011, 10:07 PM: Message edited by: Sack ]

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 4:20 pm

"We certainly can make ends meet in St. Louis if we want to return, but the question again involves whether there's enough demand for a return visit there or not. Economically it works in St. Louis if demand warrants it. We're looking into St. Louis and the East Coast before announcing anything."

Sweet Sixteen Regionals will be held on Friday/Sunday next March in St Louis at the Edward Jones Dome. I'd certainly consider this venue with the opportunity to check out the tourney LIVE and draft my baseball teams.

Tiks go on sale on October 15th for the hoops event. Discounted tickets may even be more attractive than a PETE ROSE baseball or tickets to a Mets game!

Baseball Furies · Post by **Baseball Furies** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 6:23 pm

Cannot believe that a NY venue may be not happening?!!

How is this even possible? I too echo Glenn's sentiments that Atlantic City would be missed, but I hope that I am misunderstanding the intention to possibly have no East Coast venue at all?

76erfan · Post by **76erfan** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 12:03 am

i read that as AC is not happening but they are looking for another east coast first weekend city.

NY is happening week 2 but citifield probably isnt the host

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 2:10 am

Originally posted by Baseball Furies:

Cannot believe that a NY venue may be not happening?!!

How is this even possible? I too echo Glenn's sentiments that Atlantic City would be missed, but I hope that I am misunderstanding the intention to possibly have no East Coast venue at all?

You are misunderstanding Mike. New York venue will be second weekend; we just don't have the venue secured yet. We are looking for an East Coast venue on the first weekend, but at this point Atlantic City with its current numbers and expenses doesn't make sense. Someone convince me we can do better than two Main Events and one auction out there and we'll reconsider, but last year it didn't add up. That being said, maybe we can find a better venue that is a better deal; we'll see.

Glenneration X · Post by **Glenneration X** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 2:19 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by Baseball Furies:

Cannot believe that a NY venue may be not happening?!!

How is this even possible? I too echo Glenn's sentiments that Atlantic City would be missed, but I hope that I am misunderstanding the intention to possibly have no East Coast venue at all?

You are misunderstanding Mike. New York venue will be second weekend; we just don't have the venue secured yet. We are looking for an East Coast venue on the first weekend, but at this point Atlantic City with its current numbers and expenses doesn't make sense. Someone convince me we can do better than two Main Events and one auction out there and we'll reconsider, but last year it didn't add up. That being said, maybe we can find a better venue that is a better deal; we'll see. [/QUOTE]First year, we did three Main Events, an auction, and I believe two DP's in AC. I'm not sure why there was a falloff year two, but I think we can get to those original numbers again, there's precedent that it can be done.

OK, did I convince you?

Baseball Furies · Post by **Baseball Furies** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 4:25 pm

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by Baseball Furies:

Cannot believe that a NY venue may be not happening?!!

How is this even possible? I too echo Glenn's sentiments that Atlantic City would be missed, but I hope that I am misunderstanding the intention to possibly have no East Coast venue at all?

You are misunderstanding Mike. New York venue will be second weekend; we just don't have the venue secured yet. We are looking for an East Coast venue on the first weekend, but at this point Atlantic City with its current numbers and expenses doesn't make sense. Someone convince me we can do better than two Main Events and one auction out there and we'll reconsider, but last year it didn't add up. That being said, maybe we can find a better venue that is a better deal; we'll see. [/QUOTE]Okay, thanks for the clarification I do really hope that a venue for a first weekend can be secured. Why not just down-size from a destination location in far South Jersey like Atlantic City, and move it up closer to population to a destination location in North Jersey here in Soprano's Country?

I'm sure you'd get more of "my people" coming out in droves!

And they all have money...just don't ask them where they got it.

I think that NJ as a draft venue first weekend is a must especially since most of the best players in the country are situated in or near the New York Metropolitan Area (at least that what Jupinka thinks ) ! Of course we could always go for our fallback option of Lowy's house!

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 12:57 am

Originally posted by MadCow Sez:

Are there going to be package deal discounts again? Yes, we'll have those available again for 2012.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 1:56 am

Originally posted by Baseball Furies:

Of course we could always go for our fallback option of Lowy's house! If Glenn doesn't charge us room rent we may go in that direction.

Likewhat17 · Post by **Likewhat17** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 2:42 am

Maybe I'm wrong and in the small minority here, but do we really care where we draft? I know that with the buy-ins that we are playing, and the prestige of these events, that you want to have them at the best venues possible. But if the costs are so high, I don't see the benefit.

Personally, I would be just as happy drafting at some random hotel's conference room, at someone's house, a random hole in the wall bar, etc. The draft is the event, regardless of where its held.

I'm curious as to just what portion of our event fees go towards these grand venues, and if there is any way to downsize the locations and instead add more money to the league and overall prizes.

Again, I know that I'm in the minority and that most probably enjoy the best venues. It just doesn't do anything for me.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 2:56 am

One thing to keep in mind is that there aren't many venues that have the space requirements we need - especially for the events in Las Vegas and New York. Typically, it's hotel ballrooms and so forth which are the only places that can accommodate us. And if we're going to a hotel and using a ballroom etc. then there are built-in costs associated with those venues. The larger the space requirements, the more costs associated with those venues. There's usually no way of getting around that.

In New York and Las Vegas, for example, we need a site that will have around 15,000 square feet of space for the Main Event. I've been making phone calls in New York since the end of this year's event and there simply are not many locations that have the space we need and many of the ones that do are already booked in March.

We do want to present a first-class event and that means being in a nice location where everyone has a good time. We certainly don't need to go overboard in terms of what we offer but we don't want to make the event unappealing either. So there is a bit of a balancing act going on there that we always have to be conscious of. Primarily, though, the key factors we look at are:

1. Does the location have the square footage available to accommodate us?

2. Will we get enough leagues at the location to justify whatever costs are involved?

When looking at Atlantic City, for example, we just didn't get enough leagues there this year to justify the costs involved at Ballys. Could that change in 2012? It's certainly possible. But that is something we have to look at and factor into our decision-making process.

Fourslot40 · Post by **Fourslot40** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 3:45 am

For some people, the decision on where they go is swayed by the ability to place wagers on the NCAA tournament. Las Vegas is the more attractive option in this case. In November, the people of New Jersey will be voting YES/NO to a sports wagering bill that will allow NJ casinos to handle sports wagering. Should it pass, there would be certain obstacles to contend with (i,e, Delaware), however in time should this come to fruition, I could see more east coast people going to the Atlantic City location instead of NY and Vegas.

[ October 05, 2011, 09:47 AM: Message edited by: Fourslot40 ]

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 3:57 am

Originally posted by Likewhat17:

Maybe I'm wrong and in the small minority here, but do we really care where we draft? I know that with the buy-ins that we are playing, and the prestige of these events, that you want to have them at the best venues possible. But if the costs are so high, I don't see the benefit.

Personally, I would be just as happy drafting at some random hotel's conference room, at someone's house, a random hole in the wall bar, etc. The draft is the event, regardless of where its held.

I'm curious as to just what portion of our event fees go towards these grand venues, and if there is any way to downsize the locations and instead add more money to the league and overall prizes.

Again, I know that I'm in the minority and that most probably enjoy the best venues. It just doesn't do anything for me. The largest concert of all time was in New York in 1969.

Woodstock.

It was held at a pig farm.

Maybe we can all traipse up to Idaho and have our own Fantasyfest at another pig farm.

Just stay away from the green acid.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 4:03 am

In reading my last post, with the quote attached, it may seem like I'm poking fun.

Reality is I am in the same minority.

Renting a gym to help out a school district or renting a gym at a college while the kids are mostly away on spring break works for me.

mrhambone · Post by **mrhambone** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:38 am

I agree. I understand the need to sell you event with popular venues but the fact that you have the best high stakes Fantasy Baseball game out there should be what sells it. I play because of the event not the venue and paying extra for a venue seems silly to me.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:42 am

Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:

One thing to keep in mind is that there aren't many venues that have the space requirements we need - especially for the events in Las Vegas and New York. Typically, it's hotel ballrooms and so forth which are the only places that can accommodate us. And if we're going to a hotel and using a ballroom etc. then there are built-in costs associated with those venues. The larger the space requirements, the more costs associated with those venues. There's usually no way of getting around that.

In New York and Las Vegas, for example, we need a site that will have around 15,000 square feet of space for the Main Event. I've been making phone calls in New York since the end of this year's event and there simply are not many locations that have the space we need and many of the ones that do are already booked in March.

We do want to present a first-class event and that means being in a nice location where everyone has a good time. We certainly don't need to go overboard in terms of what we offer but we don't want to make the event unappealing either. So there is a bit of a balancing act going on there that we always have to be conscious of. Primarily, though, the key factors we look at are:

1. Does the location have the square footage available to accommodate us?

2. Will we get enough leagues at the location to justify whatever costs are involved?

When looking at Atlantic City, for example, we just didn't get enough leagues there this year to justify the costs involved at Ballys. Could that change in 2012? It's certainly possible. But that is something we have to look at and factor into our decision-making process. Tom,

I may have found a place. I called and they claim to have the space, much availability, and is VERY cheap. When you call, just ask for Norman....

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:46 am

That place can't be any more out of the way then the Javitts Center was so I'll definitely check it out. Thanks for the heads up.

Baseball Furies · Post by **Baseball Furies** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 8:43 am

Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:

That place can't be any more out of the way then the Javitts Center was so I'll definitely check it out. Thanks for the heads up. Tom,

In all seriousness, contact me. I have connections with several hotel venues in NJ that can accommodate us a lot more reasonably than the AC casino hotels. I think from what I'm hearing from most, other than Vegas, no one really cares where the drafts are held. It's the live experience, the people, and the competition of the game itself that is the draw. Nice ballroom set up with good food and drink that is easily accessible to the majority of us in this region of the country would be fine. Citifield was a nice backdrop, but I'm sure the costs associated with securing it were enormous and we all paid for it. We can get a lot more for all of our money doing it as me and others are suggesting. Let me know.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 8:50 am

The issue with Atlantic City isn't so much the location (although there were some cost issues with Ballys) but the number of leagues we had there. So it's not that we're lacking for a location in AC; it's all about whether we can get the number of leagues there to justify returning. That's what we have to decide.

As far as New York, if you know of some locations for the second weekend let me know. Again, we'd need a space that had roughly 15,000 square feet of meeting room/ballroom space. That's where it gets tricky. But if you have some locations in New York that you know of feel free to email me ([email protected]) and I'll definitely take a look.

Baseball Furies · Post by **Baseball Furies** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:57 pm

Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:

The issue with Atlantic City isn't so much the location (although there were some cost issues with Ballys) but the number of leagues we had there. So it's not that we're lacking for a location in AC; it's all about whether we can get the number of leagues there to justify returning. That's what we have to decide.

As far as New York, if you know of some locations for the second weekend let me know. Again, we'd need a space that had roughly 15,000 square feet of meeting room/ballroom space. That's where it gets tricky. But if you have some locations in New York that you know of feel free to email me ([email protected]) and I'll definitely take a look. Okay. Will do. Let me work on it and I'll get back to you