2006 NFBC: Dates and Locations

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 4:11 am

We don't have all of the venues finalized yet, but we certainly know the dates for 2006 and can announce them now. The 2006 NFBC main event draft will be held on Saturday, March 18th, with the auction leagues set for Friday, March 17th and the Ultimate Leagues on Sunday, March 19th.

Here's the details by city:

Las Vegas: We already have a signed contract with the Stardust for 2006. The Rio has been a great venue for the first two years of the NFBC, but we weren't generating enough revenue for them (food and rooms) to allocate the space we needed. It's a shame, but that's business in Las Vegas. We have 16,500 square feet at the Stardust in March, which will allow us to host 12+ leagues there and plenty of space for the auction leagues. Room costs are MUCH cheaper as well. You are free to stay at any hotel you'd like in Las Vegas, but the Stardust is affordable and it's easy to get to on the Strip.

New York: We don't have a signed contract, but we are likely to return to the New York Hilton for a second straight year. The hotel is happy to have us back and we have space reserved for all three days. This should be good.

Chicago: We tentatively have space reserved at the Rosemont Convention Center (Donald E. Stephens Center), which is 5 minutes from O'Hare with affordable hotels within walking distance. We also can expand the amount of space we need according to demand, which is good for us. I think we'll finalize this contract soon.

Tampa: Although I've pushed to expand to Tampa internally and have talked with Major League Baseball about working together there, it's probably unrealistic that we will get this done in time for 2006. I know exactly what I'd like to do there and we have a great venue to host the draft tentatively reserved for now, but there's some apprehension about expanding so soon. We'll see, but honestly this looks more reasonable in 2007 than in 2006.

We will offer $650 and $1,250 auction leagues this year again, but will cap the number that we do in each city. I only say that because finding good auctioneers is the key. The seven auctions we did last year in Las Vegas was "busy" and I'm not sure I'd go beyond that on one day. But we'll see.

Cost will remain the same in 2006. We will shoot for more than 300 teams for the main event, but I haven't finalized plans yet for the exact total. Possibly 330 or 345, keep the $100,000 grand prize, increase second place in each league to $2,500 and then increase 2nd through 8th overall prizes. My goal is to sell out, not get greedy and set an unrealistic number of teams.

If I've missed anything, just ask here. I'll do my best to answer and finalize any rules changes or anything else. Oh, minimum innings pitched? Let's save that for another thread and another time (yes, likely 100 to 300, unlikely any higher). I'm here for anything you need.

I'm excited about 2006. Good luck to everyone in 2005 and thanks for making these first two years unforgettable. We will have the registration page available the day after the 2005 regular season and have the rules and prizes in place by then. Enjoy and hopefully we'll see you all next year.

Chest Rockwell · Post by **Chest Rockwell** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 5:23 am

Just one guy's opinion but I would love to see Tampa in 06, combining the draft with spring training and Mons Venus would make a lot of people happy.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 5:25 am

Originally posted by Chest Rockwell:

Just one guy's opinion but I would love to see Tampa in 06, combining the draft with spring training and Mons Venus would make a lot of people happy. Keep those types of comments coming (not so much the Mons Venus part, though!

) and I'll forward those to the proper authorities. Trust me, I'm on board with those thoughts.

Plymouth · Post by **Plymouth** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 5:55 am

I would like to see Tampa in 2006 as well.

Chest Rockwell · Post by **Chest Rockwell** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 7:48 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by Chest Rockwell:

Just one guy's opinion but I would love to see Tampa in 06, combining the draft with spring training and Mons Venus would make a lot of people happy. Keep those types of comments coming (not so much the Mons Venus part, though!

) and I'll forward those to the proper authorities. Trust me, I'm on board with those thoughts. [/QUOTE]Greg,

How many spots do you have to get for a location to keep it profitable. 45-60? It just makes a lot of sense for me to not have to make a choice between spring training games and the NFBC. Last year in Tampa the Friday of the NFBC the Yankees hosted their annual lunch- the Boss insists on mandatory attendance and would be a nice kick off to a baseball weekend for anyone wanting to drop 350 to have lunch with Yogi or Jeter, or Bubba Crosby.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 11:04 am

Yeah, for our first year in Tampa we'd project 45-60. I would expect more if we work with MLB on it and include a spring training package, but 3-4 leagues would be enough to get that off the ground and I honestly think it's a reasonable goal. We have the staff to do it.

Spyhunter · Post by **Spyhunter** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 12:07 pm

I can only say that Mons is such a good idea. For those who haven't been, it is a blast (and expensive one, but a blast)...

Chris

eddiejag · Post by **eddiejag** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 12:53 pm

I would love to go to Tampa , so would my wife.

Dont give up greg , this would be great.

SUN NIGHTLIFE SPRINGGAMES YES

BAD[ass] ANGELS

Don Mathis · Post by **Don Mathis** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 3:09 pm

YEA TAMPA

MGBMARTY · Post by **MGBMARTY** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:16 pm

TAMPA would be great Lets see Tampa in March Or New York in March No Brainer Also would be able to go to Frenchys on Beach in Clearwater Great Beach Bar If I can finish in top 3 overall 1st round is on me

Leaderboard Sports · Post by **Leaderboard Sports** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 7:20 pm

I would have liked Tampa but not after Greg said no Auction drafts there.

Spyhunter · Post by **Spyhunter** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 1:55 am

I would book early to Vegas. We have huge overlap with the NCAA Tourn!

Spy

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 4:57 am

Originally posted by Leaderboard Sports:

I would have liked Tampa but not after Greg said no Auction drafts there. Filling them with 15 teams would be my biggest concern, Ken. Operationally, that would be no problem.

We'll see on Tampa. I have some convincing here to do first.

Corkedbats · Post by **Corkedbats** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 5:15 am

You guys are forgetting one thing? The local roto teams- I know of at LEAST 10 teams from the Tampa area that will definetly particpate if it were in Tampa and that's just from the 2 local leagues I am in. You could easily draw 50+ teams from the local market in Tampa and that is an extremely conservative estimate.

Yes Mons is a must, but if the $25 cover is too much, I strongly recommend the "pink pony" just minutes from Raymond James stadium.

Local teams: Dunedin (blue jays) Clearwater (phillies- and their brand new stadium-real nice)

Yankees- Legends field only 4 minutes from the Pink Pony not to mention all the other teams within a 45 minute drive.

viva TAMPA 2006

Leaderboard Sports · Post by **Leaderboard Sports** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 8:33 am

Greg,

Do you have a block of rooms for us at a cheaper price? What is the code? Current rates for the Stardust for that weekend are $250 to $300 a night.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 2:08 pm

Originally posted by Leaderboard Sports:

Greg,

Do you have a block of rooms for us at a cheaper price? What is the code? Current rates for the Stardust for that weekend are $250 to $300 a night. Oh, we have a room block much cheaper than that. I didn't have the contract with me on Friday when I posted this. I'll get the code for you on Monday and you can get your rooms then. We have a large block set aside at much cheaper than that. Hang tight.

sandckaye · Post by **sandckaye** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 9:16 am

Iam adding my 2 cents YES TO TAMPA IN 06. No if no auction league.

Stan

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 3:20 am

Ken, we are taking reservations at the Stardust in Las Vegas now if you're interested. I haven't been able to pursuade anyone here yet for Tampa in 2006, so maybe we're a year away from that yet. Good luck and maybe we'll hook up in Las Vegas again this March:

The rate at the Stardust is $69 Tues & Wed., $109 Thur., $199 Fri. & Sat., and $109 Sun. The code is: NFBC306. The number is 866-281-1034.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 8:28 am

I have no marketing data to support this, but I believe you would get a larger pull from the southeast in general if Tampa was an option (always an easier sell down here to head further south rather than north or west).

I certainly vote for Tampa, but it of course would not be a net gain for the NFBC....just a shift from Chicago/Vegas. My wife would come with me as well (and that is a good thing).

Diamond Dogs · Post by **Diamond Dogs** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 12:22 pm

Tampa 2006 all the way. It would be an outstanding place to host the NFBC and would be the perfect time to be there.

I would really hoped that this comes to reality in 06 rather than 07. Climate/Spring training/Draft/Attractions/ Etc. What more could you ask for in a Baseball draft?

Diamond Dogs

DiamondKing · Post by **DiamondKing** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 3:55 pm

Just one more vote for tampa.

Plymouth · Post by **Plymouth** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 1:30 am

Greg, Is there any chance of this Tampa situation happening in 2006? I will be doing some spring time vacation planning soon and would like to tie this all together. Thanks.

Chest Rockwell · Post by **Chest Rockwell** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 1:54 am

Greg,

What does it take to make this Tampa thing happen? I know it is resistance above your head- you guys have done a great job of listening to your customers in the past- don't let us down on this one please.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 3:28 am

Originally posted by Chest Rockwell:

Greg,

What does it take to make this Tampa thing happen? I know it is resistance above your head- you guys have done a great job of listening to your customers in the past- don't let us down on this one please. My goal is to work with MLB (and I've talked with them) and create a whole fantasy baseball weekend that includes the NFBC Auction Leagues and main event. Ideally, Tampa would be a whole fantasy baseball experience over several days with expert seminars (Ron Shandler does those in several cities anyway and I know I could work with Ron), tickets to games, speakers, auction leagues and the main event. It's a vision that will take some time....and approval from the top.

[ September 29, 2005, 04:39 PM: Message edited by: Greg Ambrosius ]

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 10:45 am

Originally posted by Chest Rockwell:

Greg,

What does it take to make this Tampa thing happen? I know it is resistance above your head- you guys have done a great job of listening to your customers in the past- don't let us down on this one please. Let me just throw this out there for anyone who is still watching the boards this weekend: We have space at the Tampa Hyatt Downtown to do First Pitch seminars with Ron Shandler, auction leagues and the NFBC main event on Saturday, March 18th. However, there is a BIG convention in Tampa that entire week and hotel rooms are incredibly expensive and almost non-existent. The Hyatt's rooms are now available at $269/night, but I don't have to make you guys stay there. Finding alternatives in the area, however, is getting tough and it's just September.

Here's the deal: I can add Tampa as a fourth city to the NFBC in 2006, but I'm concerned about the lack of hotel rooms for our participants. If anyone down in that area has an alternative hotel in mind or a lock on some available rooms at a good price, let me know and I'll close the deal. We have a great weekend program in place and will work on the game tickets once we know the spring training schedule, but if it's more expensive to sleep than compete down there, then I'll pass on this option for 2006 and plan accordingly in 2007.

I did try an Orlando alternative, but rooms and meeting room space didn't work out. That area is tougher than Tampa. I'm also trying one last option in southern Florida and should know more tomorrow.

Anyway, if you can help on this let me know because Tampa is workable under the right circumstances. But we need help.