2010 NFBC Draft Dates and Locations Revealed

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 3:51 am

For the last six years, the National Fantasy Baseball Championship has drafted on the third weekend of March while creating the industry's best contest. We have sold out our main event each of the last five years and have awarded more than $4 million in baseball alone. This past year we awarded more than $1.1 million with Lindy Hinkelman of Greencreek, Idaho setting an industry record with a $241,300 payday.

It's been a remarkable run and we've grown bigger and better than I ever imagined when we started this contest in the fall of 2003. In the past year, the NFBC was also part of a major sale in which our entire fantasy sports division was sold to Fanball.com. Tom Kessenich and I now work for Fanball.com and are VERY HAPPY to be part of their vision and plans for this area of the businesss. Fanball.com is part of Liberty Media, which owns DirecTV, the Atlanta Braves, the Discovery Channel, the Game Show Network and plenty more. They see good potential for the live events model and feel we can do a lot more than we've already done in this space.

So it's an exciting time for all of us involved with the NFBC and we are ready to enter the next phase of this contest. In the next month, we'll unveil our new NFBC web site and you'll see in full everything that we are doing this season. It's going to be an exciting season and there's no question we'll give out more than $1 million again in 2010. In fact, we'll give out even more prize money in 2010 than in any previous NFBC season. GET READY FOR A HISTORIC NFBC SEASON!!

Okay, the first bit of information to unveil is the draft weekend and location of the drafts. Since 2004, we've held the draft on the third weekend of March, March Madness weekend. We did this for two reasons: 1) At the time I was also hosting the Fantasy Sports Trade Conference at the Rio and it worked out perfectly for our staff in Las Vegas; and 2) the two weeks before Opening Day was ideal for entering rosters, getting everyone set up on their NFBC home pages, and quite selfishly, it was perfect in Las Vegas during March Madness weekend.

But if we're really trying to create the best contest, then we really need to get Draft Day closer to Opening Day. Two weeks prior to Opening Day isn't the best solution, to be honest. But we can't host it the weekend of Opening Day because the first game is on Sunday and you just can't turn around the draft data fast enough to please everyone, plus you never know when MLB is going to open the season days before in Japan or London or wherever. So the best option is the weekend prior to Opening Day.

And we agree with that. So this year NFBC drafts will be held in Las Vegas, Chicago and New York on Saturday, March 27th with a full session of drafts and auctions all three days, March 26-28. We are going to take the Las Vegas March 26-28 event to a premiere location on The Strip, a place where the NFBC DESERVES to be at!!! The very best deserves the very best!!!

We can't unveil the location just yet because we're still working on the contract, but you'll love it. And we're still working on the New York and Chicago-area locations, but just a heads up that we are returning to all three locations on that weekend.

Now hold on. We already announced that we were returning to the Flamingo Las Vegas on the weekend of March 19-21 and yes we have a signed contract there. We also know that many folks love going to Las Vegas that weekend rather than the next weekend. And quite honestly, we've also heard from some folks who have their local league drafts on the weekend of March 27th and would prefer the NFBC the week before that. We understand all of that and will pick up the extra costs to hopefully appease all parties.

So we haven't abandoned March Madness for 2010. In fact, we'll host main event drafts, auctions and other side events in Las Vegas and even on the East Coast the weekend of March 19-21 if that weekend works best for you. Those drafts and auctions will be part of the national contests we are running as long as you don't mind drafting a week ahead of the others. All results will be held private and FAAB for everyone will be the Sunday of Opening Day. Everyone in your league will be in the same situation, so there are no advantages or disadvantages to drafting early or late. In fact, you could draft on both weekends of the main event, although that's not the purpose of this plan.

Just so you know, we are only budgeting for 405 main event teams – one more league than in 2009 – so obviously multiple teams is not the goal. And we had thought about raising the entry fee this year to increase the overall prize pool, but in today's economy we decided against it. The entry fee is $1300 per team with the same league prizes and similar overall prize pool ($100,000 grand prize). We thought long and hard about going to $1400 but yesterday we made the decision to hold tight for another year.

So let's take a look at the schedule:

Friday, March 19th (Las Vegas & East Coast):

Special national auction contest and national live draft to be announced soon

Saturday, March 20th (Las Vegas & East Coast):

10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. EST: NFBC main event

4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST: Super League & other live drafts to be announced

Sunday, March 21st (Las Vegas & East Coast):

To Be Announced Soon

Friday, March 26th

Las Vegas, New York City, Chicago (stay tuned):

9 am: Auctions and special drafts, all to be announced soon.

Saturday, March 27th:

Las Vegas, New York City, Chicago (stay tuned):

10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. EST/noon CST: NFBC Main Event

4 p.m.: Super League + special draft to be announced

Sunday, March 28th:

10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. EST: Ultimate League Draft, Super League Draft, 1 more Draft to be announced, plus special draft to be announced

The schedule of drafts and auctions are still subject to review. Same with our draft locations as we unfortunately don't have any contracts finalized yet. The reason is simple: We are working on a much bigger plan for locations that possibly won't get finished in time for baseball 2010, but is the way to go in the future. Stay tuned for all of that, but we're working on something that could be the ideal ticket for all of us at the NFBC.

Okay, let's chew on this one for a bit. Give us your feedback on the switch to the final weekend of March for the main event and your thoughts about also hosting the main event the weekend before. We are going to create something very special in Las Vegas for both weekends, that much I know. But we want to hear from you. Thanks all.

I'm excited about covering all our bases on this one. Next up I'll announce the details to the debut NFBC Auction Championship contest. Stay tuned!!

CC's Desperados · Post by **CC's Desperados** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:23 am

So are we on for Golf March 22-24?

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:30 am

Originally posted by CC's Desperados:

So are we on for Golf March 22-24? Believe it or not, Ryan and I are squeezing in another conference at that time!!!

But now you have the idea. It's the BEST OF ALL WORLDS!!!

Both ends of March Madness.

Maybe Fanball will rent a compound for 10 days for all die-hard NFBC folks who want to spend the whole week with us.

That's the way to go!!

headhunters · Post by **headhunters** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:31 am

atta boy shawn- ist post is about golf!

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:31 am

Just some thoughts without a lot of...well... thought behind them....

You are going to get a lot more multiple teams than you are counting on...

A very good decision not to raise the entry fee, this will encourage even more dual teams...

I am assuming that a phone in league will be available on both weekends...

If I had to guess how much this would increase the number of teams for a Main entry, my guess would be 510 teams for the Main, with 900 online... and I'm basically conservative...

Dirt Dogs · Post by **Dirt Dogs** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:44 am

agreed, that you will get alot more teams with two draft times for the main event. Just think how many guys bought multiple online entries.

Not sure i like this option because players that draft twice are at a greater advantage than those drafting first time. And you can strategize one team over another instead of trying to win the fight with the only bullet in your gun. In my opinion i feel the two draft times sours the league. Something about having everyone sitting down when Tom makes his speech and says "TEAM 1 your on the clock" and knowing that everyone has begun at the same time is what the NFBC main event is about.

Two draft times, I'm not a fan.

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:46 am

couple questions...

1. i guess there is only ONE main event offering 100K, correct?

2. any chance for a Sunday main event?

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:46 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

Just some thoughts without a lot of...well... thought behind them....

You are going to get a lot more multiple teams than you are counting on...

A very good decision not to raise the entry fee, this will encourage even more dual teams...

I am assuming that a phone in league will be available on both weekends...

If I had to guess how much this would increase the number of teams for a Main entry, my guess would be 510 teams for the Main, with 900 online... and I'm basically conservative... Thanks Dan. That's not the goal, but if teams draft both weekends we won't object. Honestly, we want to continue with both weekends in future years if this works out. March Madness involves both weekends and this way we allow die-hards who can do both weekends to join the NFBC and for those who have scheduling conflicts on one of the weekends there is another option.

We will continue to host our main events simultaneously on each day because I always want my drafters to compete under the exact same situations. Nobody should have access to more timely information. So I know some are questioning why I'd host one draft a week earlier than the other? Well, there are benefits and downsides to both weekends, but at least everyone in each city is drafting at the same time on the 20th and on the 27th.

We have not finalized the phone/online option, but I think that yet, that option will be available. We need to work out one kink with that, but that likely will be possible for both weekends. Stay tuned.

We want to raise the grand prize this year and if getting more teams overall allows that, I like that better than raising the entry fee. Agreed.

Okay, now I better unveil the Online Championship plans. Stay tuned. Thanks again Dan.

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:49 am

So on the weekend there are THREE chances to draft an auction team, but only ONE chance for a main event team?

Friday, March 26th, Las Vegas:

9 a.m. $800 Auction Championship

4 p.m. $800 Auction Championship

Saturday, March 27th:

Las Vegas, New York City, Chicago:

10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. EST/noon CST: NFBC Main Event

Sunday, March 28th, Las Vegas:

10 a.m. $800 Auction Championship

ToddZ · Post by **ToddZ** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:49 am

When are the traditional AL and NL only auctions scheduled, because this is very likely going to overlap with Tout Wars?

Though at least on my part, perhaps drafting in NYC might help if there were auctions there, though I would really miss the Vegas gang

[ October 09, 2009, 10:50 AM: Message edited by: ToddZ ]

CC's Desperados · Post by **CC's Desperados** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:51 am

Originally posted by ToddZ:

When are the traditional AL and NL only auctions scheduled, because this is very likely going to overlap with Tout Wars?

Though at least on my part, perhaps drafting in NYC might help if there were auctions there, though I would really miss the Vegas gang

Just bring Tout Wars to Vegas and those teams are entered in the NFBC events!

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:56 am

Originally posted by Gekko:

couple questions...

1. i guess there is only ONE main event offering 100K, correct?

2. any chance for a Sunday main event? Correct. Guaranteeing two $100,000 contests would be too risky in today's environment.

We want the main events drafting on the same time each weekend. We considered a Friday-Saturday option instead, but want to try the two weekend concept for 2010 and see how it works.

As most folks know in fantasy football, all contests except the NFFC this year went with two time slots for their main events. Friday-Saturday was the norm. All of the other contests are giving two bullets, if you will, to anyone who wants them. I've resisted that urge for years, but it is what it is. We are doing the two different weekends for different reasons and it will definitely be harder for some to play twice. We hope the different weekends gives everyone who wants to play in the NFBC the right weekend to draft with us.

And obviously we think the second weekend when all player news is available will be the desired weekend. But for some, like in the Online Championship, drafting earlier works for them too. So let's see what the response is and maybe we'll be surprised. Maybe not.

ToddZ · Post by **ToddZ** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:57 am

if it were only that easy :rolleyes:

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:00 am

Originally posted by Gekko:

So on the weekend there are THREE chances to draft an auction team, but only ONE chance for a main event team?

Friday, March 26th, Las Vegas:

9 a.m. $800 Auction Championship

4 p.m. $800 Auction Championship

Saturday, March 27th:

Las Vegas, New York City, Chicago:

10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. EST/noon CST: NFBC Main Event

Sunday, March 28th, Las Vegas:

10 a.m. $800 Auction Championship There are two separate times on Friday because not everyone comes into Vegas on Thursday to draft on Friday morning. Experience tells us that the afternoon slots get the most interest. As you know, the Mixed Auction leagues take 5+ hours and is very draining. It's unlikely that many people will do two mixed auction leagues in the same day. So I've set up three different times in Las Vegas for folks who want to do one on Friday and maybe one more on Sunday, or for those who come in on the weekend for the main event on Saturday and want to do an auction league before leaving town on Sunday.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:02 am

Originally posted by CC's Desperados:

quote:Originally posted by ToddZ:

When are the traditional AL and NL only auctions scheduled, because this is very likely going to overlap with Tout Wars?

Though at least on my part, perhaps drafting in NYC might help if there were auctions there, though I would really miss the Vegas gang

Just bring Tout Wars to Vegas and those teams are entered in the NFBC events! [/QUOTE]Todd, I agree with Shawn. There is plenty of time between now and late March. When you see where our host hotel is, you may want to offer Tout Wars the chance to do this in Las Vegas with Fanball. We'd help with the particulars. Just a thought.

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:18 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

Just so you know, we are only budgeting for 405 main event teams – one more league than in 2009 – so obviously multiple teams is not the goal.

Is that a final number?

Will one team owners be givin a slot over another owners second team if the 405 number is meet?

ToddZ · Post by **ToddZ** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:24 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

Todd, I agree with Shawn. There is plenty of time between now and late March. When you see where our host hotel is, you may want to offer Tout Wars the chance to do this in Las Vegas with Fanball. We'd help with the particulars. Just a thought. Obviously not my call. But Greg, the Tout LLC will all be in Phoenix in a few weeks, make your pitch then!!!

But in the interim, has it been determined which weekend will host the AL and NL only festivities? Thanks.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:28 am

Originally posted by Navel Lint:

quote:Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

Just so you know, we are only budgeting for 405 main event teams – one more league than in 2009 – so obviously multiple teams is not the goal.

Is that a final number?

Will one team owners be givin a slot over another owners second team if the 405 number is meet? [/QUOTE]The prize pool is based on 405 teams, 27 leagues. We need to guarantee the prize pool based on that figure, just like we've done every year in every sport. We will put a maximum team amount in the rules when they are unveiled, so no, we will go above that but give you a final max number so that you know your odds of winning. Obviously signing up earlier than maybe you have in the past is important this year and also filling full leagues in each city will be important to us if demand is already there. So we're going to ask NFBC owners to be more ready this year with their plans and we still will hold off payment until February, like we've always done.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:29 am

Originally posted by ToddZ:

quote:Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

Todd, I agree with Shawn. There is plenty of time between now and late March. When you see where our host hotel is, you may want to offer Tout Wars the chance to do this in Las Vegas with Fanball. We'd help with the particulars. Just a thought. Obviously not my call. But Greg, the Tout LLC will all be in Phoenix in a few weeks, make your pitch then!!!

But in the interim, has it been determined which weekend will host the AL and NL only festivities? Thanks. [/QUOTE]Will do.

I just posted that on the Auction Championship thread.

Chest Rockwell · Post by **Chest Rockwell** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:40 am

Originally posted by Dirt Dogs:

Two draft times, I'm not a fan. Either am I but I cannot come up with a logical reason why. When that happens it usually just means I need to get used to the idea. I think there is an obvious advantage for those guys drafting later, but no one is putting a gun to your head and saying you have to.

CC's Desperados · Post by **CC's Desperados** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:52 am

Originally posted by Chest Rockwell:

quote:Originally posted by Dirt Dogs:

Two draft times, I'm not a fan. Either am I but I cannot come up with a logical reason why. When that happens it usually just means I need to get used to the idea. I think there is an obvious advantage for those guys drafting later, but no one is putting a gun to your head and saying you have to. [/QUOTE]I think in baseball the information from the first weekend will be kind of worthless. There is so much player information that changes over a week. Most of us will already have a feel where most players go before we step into the draft room.

The first weekend you might have an edge if you have a couple of good opinions about some players. I'll just use the Johnny Cueto example: two years ago he was becoming fashionable as the draft approached. If a player like him presents himself, you might get him in round 22 week one. He might move to round 17 in week two.

I'm sure there will be players that will be going the other direction also. It doesn't take much to sway a fantasy players opinion. One spring training pasting, a slight hamstrip pull, or even a plus strikeout performace will drive a players a value up or down.

The one thing that will be a lot clearer the second weekend is closing jobs.

RichV · Post by **RichV** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 6:13 am

My biggest fear is a major injury to a high draft pick the last week of Spring. That would put some 1st week teams at a huge disadvantage to start.

Thunder · Post by **Thunder** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 6:29 am

greg

if i'm reading correctly, there will only be one $800 auction draft in Chicago! Will my only chance to participate in two $800 auctions is to do one in another city the previous weekend?

bill

MadCow Sez · Post by **MadCow Sez** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 6:43 am

To be honest...not thrilled with this change, particularly the timing of this announcement. I'll suck it up and live with it.

My wife will be happy because I won't miss her birthdays anymore for NFBC so you have that factor going in favor of the delay.

The boss won't be happy because I just cleared the 19-21 Mar week for my annual leave. Now I have to change it.

I guess I'll reserve my opinions until I see how it works out. Think the chance to play 2 ME teams will limit the opportunities for people who wait for tax refunds to fund their team. Won't shock me to see about 275-300 people covering the 405 teams.

Walla Walla · Post by **Walla Walla** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 7:09 am

I'll be pulling out. I'm sad to see Greg let the other contest make the date. One weekend with the best players in the land was a great thing. Now

many of those players will never draft together again. This really SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**** YOU FANBALL!!!!!