2011 NFBC Proposed Draft Locations

FFBL23 · Post by **FFBL23** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 8:00 am

"I'll be limiting my participation to an Ultimate and/or Super offering this year. These will be NON Gekko leagues."

Are you kidding me? Not entering because of someone else. Dude, Gekko is in your head.

Money · Post by **Money** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 8:21 am

Originally posted by FFBL23:

"I'll be limiting my participation to an Ultimate and/or Super offering this year. These will be NON Gekko leagues."

Are you kidding me? Not entering because of someone else. Dude, Gekko is in your head. He was last year, not this year.

Joe Sambito · Post by **Joe Sambito** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 8:23 am

I would greatly prefer to be on the strip. It makes things alot easier...

Vander · Post by **Vander** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 9:08 am

I would prefer a non downtown location in Chi. The Cubby was a great idea and kind of cool, but I got stuck in the parking lot boxed in Friday night and even Sat got stuck again even though I got there early to try to get a spot I could get out of no matter what. Sat night bar crowds park anywhere and are not afraid to box you in the cubby lot. Also as you've heard I'm sure the band Friday night especially was very loud. Kudos to the auctioneers. They did a great job and obviously have better hearing then I. Nice and baseball related is a great idea, but I'm ok with cheap and functional. Willing to try Arlington park if that's what's decided.

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 9:19 am

Originally posted by FFBL23:

"I'll be limiting my participation to an Ultimate and/or Super offering this year. These will be NON Gekko leagues."

Are you kidding me? Not entering because of someone else. Dude, Gekko is in your head.

DiamondKing · Post by **DiamondKing** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 9:32 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

I do have to ask the question for Las Vegas: Is it important to stay on The Strip for NFBC drafts on either weekend? I ask that because there are places like South Pointe and Red Rock that are beautiful, big hotels 15-20 minutes off The Strip. I'm not saying we are choosing one over anything else right now, but I'd love to get feedback from the group about that. We've been fortunate recently to stay at the Bellagio, Flamingo, Stardust and Rio, but I was curious if that mattered. Any input is good input on that subject. Mount Charleston has a great lodge/hotel.

MadCow Sez · Post by **MadCow Sez** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 1:08 pm

Prefer to stay on the Strip. No need to rent a car and love running up the Strip as the sun rises...you see some really freaky people staggering around at 0630.

My NFBC weekend is about more than the NFBC. It's about BSing in the sports books and smack-talking over dinner. I think if we're too far away from the Strip we'll lose some of the spur-of-the-moment gatherings that came about when folks could walk back to their hotels.

bustouts · Post by **bustouts** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 4:02 pm

I also prefer to be on the strip. The drafts are just part of the vegas experience and it would'nt be the same elsewhere.

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 4:04 pm

on the outside chance (25%) i draft in vegas the 2nd weekend, much prefer the strip

Ando · Post by **Ando** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 4:40 pm

I prefer the strip as well - and I'll be there for Weekend 1 for the Main. But as someone mentioned, if you asked me to go to desert and draft I'd be there too!

Jim Christie · Post by **Jim Christie** » Sat Nov 13, 2010 1:29 pm

I wouldn't mind South Pointe, the Timeshare I have stayed in the past few years is right next door

Nevadaman · Post by **Nevadaman** » Sat Nov 13, 2010 7:46 pm

What about going back to the Flamingo? It has a good parking garage and the draft rooms were perfectly adequate - especially if we're going back to 390 entrants. Cheap food is within walking range. Also, for those who want to explore the Strip, it's a great location for that.

TOXIC ASSETS · Post by **TOXIC ASSETS** » Sun Nov 14, 2010 12:13 am

I'm planning on taking a step up in 2011, and joining one of the higher money leagues. NYC and Atlantic City are about equal distance for me.

No better place I can think of than Bally's in AC, they have a real good poker room for those who like the game, it's centrally located and for those who are careful with their money (code word for cheap) you can park your car a few blocks away for about $6 all day. Definitely a great choice.

NYC: there's no way around it, no matter where you go in NYC it's going to be expensive. Expensive to host the event, expensive to get in & out of the city, and it's going to take 40 minutes on the #7 train (hello John Rocker) to get to Citi Field. Given the available places in NY to host draft, I can't see many better locations than Citi Field. There is plenty of parking, or you can take the train right there. Greg, I will throw out one other idea, have you guys looked into the Meadowlands / Secaucus area? That might also be an option.

Thunder · Post by **Thunder** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 3:59 am

Originally posted by Vander:

I would prefer a non downtown location in Chi. The Cubby was a great idea and kind of cool, but I got stuck in the parking lot boxed in Friday night and even Sat got stuck again even though I got there early to try to get a spot I could get out of no matter what. Sat night bar crowds park anywhere and are not afraid to box you in the cubby lot. Also as you've heard I'm sure the band Friday night especially was very loud. Kudos to the auctioneers. They did a great job and obviously have better hearing then I. Nice and baseball related is a great idea, but I'm ok with cheap and functional. Willing to try Arlington park if that's what's decided. Dave, Arlington was a great site for the NFFC drafts earlier this year. there were a couple issues as Greg referred to earlier, but i'm sure they will be taken care of this time. the draft room was huge, we had plenty of room (lots of room) to spread out, there were no distractions from the outside, parking was free and Hotels were within a couple minutes driving. if they decide to use the site for the NFBC this spring, i'm confident most everybody will be pleased with the experience.

headhunters · Post by **headhunters** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 6:34 am

chicago= arlington sounds like a great idea. las vegas= south piont was great for wcoff. as i recall it is on this same steet as the strip. i recall jogging to mandalay bay. my guess is 3-5 miles but i could be wrong. as i recall jack haan and i rented a car for very cheap, saved tons on cab rides ( and time btw). you can get to the strip in 10 minutes.

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 7:42 am

Having drafted last season in the NFBC in Atlantic City and Las Vegas I'd like to share my thoughts/experiences. Add to this, I also took part in the NFFC drafts on back to back days in Las Vegas and New York this past September I'll build some added thoughts from those postive experiences.

MARCH 2010 - Bally's (first weekend)

Great location. I drove (always my preference)and stayed overnight at a hotel just out of town in a highly respected chain. Draft day meant getting to Bally's and parking. Very easy, AC hotels charge for parking but the cost is minimal. The draft room was excellent. Lots of room to spread out and for a 15 team draft this is important. High marks. Run of the mill chips and dips, but not the reason I draft. Would love a return to this site. Rating is clearly A.

March 2010 ( NFBC ) & September 2010 (NFFC )

Bellagio was the single best venue for any NFBC/NFFC event I've ever attended. Been hear since Day # 1. They actually IMPROVED from March to September. More on that in a minute. Again, I drove. The parking is free and the many drafts I attended never failed to find a space to park on the first level of the garage. Felt very safe. Long walk to the draftrooms, but this is Vegas and it was very well marked. Layout of the draftrooms are exceptional with plenty of room to stretch and enjoy the WHOLE experience. The NFBC food spread to me was not worth added FEE. Glorified chips and dips. But if I had to build in the size and comfort level to move up to a location such as this, they won me over. Add to this when I returned to partake in the NFFC the food spread moved from cold chips and dips to some hot food it truly made this a clear winner.

While I prefer to stay at the HOST site when I draft, the experience and price here was my only negative. Too big, but that is MY preference and not a deal breaker. Overall rating for the Bellagio is A+. I hope the NFBC decides to return.

September 2010 - Citi Field

I took part in the NFFC drafts and with this location a clear consideration for NFBC in 2011, some more thoughts.

I live in New Jersey. The trip by car to Citi-Field is a grind. It is expensive from a toll standpoint, but if you are givng me FREE parking at the host site ( they did ) it worked. Weekends are MUCH easier to reach this location and I'd avoid any EARLY draft times for events taking place on a weekday. Once the car is parked, there really isn't anything to do, so draft times for multiple events need to be spaced closer together.

Nothing fancy about the food served, but it was out early and refilled. Bar close, is was suprisingly very good. Thumbs up and while I hate to say this, worth the xtra FEE.

My issue with Citi-Field is something I hope the powers that be consider. The chairs provided were very big(positive) but for the 14 team NFFC drafts people were on top of each other because of the chairs. Either another table needs to be added (dont think that is feasible) or the chairs will need to be smaller. I'm thinking a 15 team league will be an issue unless you get lucky with having several teams drafting solo. The 12 teams leagues were PERFECT for this venue. I'd welcome taking part in a Double Play Live here. The staff, starting with parking the car, KNEW we were coming. Great experience and first run event. I'd rate this as a B overall, which is a true postive. I'd prefer this location to any draft location in Manhatten.

FINAL THOUGHT: This venue allowed you the opportunity to go WIRELESS. Everybody was provided a code. This was a HUGE benefit while drafting for those not able to connect to the internet wihtout a wireless plan. Because everybody at this site was offered the option, it seemed fair. The only other small knock was that the room seemed to darken as the sunlight fell away. Nothing was done to change this and brighten the room. Later drafts could be effected by this unless it took place because nobody spoke up at the draft.

[ November 15, 2010, 02:10 PM: Message edited by: Sack ]

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 7:57 am

On Strip / Off Strip:

I stayed at the Red Rock Resort last March. Clean and easy 20-25 minute drive to and from the Strip. First class and very clean and modern. My thinking is that alot of people would fight the move away from the strip and I actually think it will hurt your signups. However, if you gotta move, this place should be given some SERIOUS consideration. Things to do by just crossing the highway on foot. Large Mall with lots of restaurants if you wish to leave the property. Parking area is quite conveinant and once you get here they have everything at your beckon call. Because it is Off-Strip, the price to stay on location was much better. Don't ignore this option - lots of appeal. The Daily Racing Form moved there Handicapping National Championship away from the Strip to this location and I don't think they want to go back.

South Point is closer, but things there are somewhat dated already and the entire building has a smokey Old Vegas feel to the place. I'd welcome the Red Rock as an option, but the Bellagio is going to be hard to top.

[ November 15, 2010, 02:13 PM: Message edited by: Sack ]

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 8:07 am

Final Note:

The draft venues are usually specific to the Main Events. There was alot made about those plunking down $10,000 for the Diamond Leagues in regard to some extra perks. Those of us taking part in your $2,500 and/or $5,000 Leagues should be afforded some similiar respect in regard to draft experience and environment. If it is going to be explained in advance how good the Diamond boys have things, the same should be made clear for those considering Supers or Ultimates. This is especially true for teleconference leagues. While I'd prefer to take part in these events live, I'd have no issue drafting online if there are any questions in regard to room availability for these higher stakes leagues.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 8:10 am

Originally posted by Sack:

Bellagio was the single best venue for any NFBC/NFFC event I've ever attended. Been hear since Day # 1. They actually IMPROVED from March to September. More on that in a minute. Again, I drove. The parking is free and many draft I attended never failed to find a space to park on the first level of the garage. Felt very safe. Sack - you DROVE from NJ to Vegas ??

Besides aren't you always packing? Don't you always feel safe ?

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 8:18 am

Champ, I never feel safe when you are at the same draft table as me.

Bellagio on Friday night and then Citi Field on Saturday morning was a blast, but neither location is considered my Jurisdiction. So like the Old West, I had to check my guns at the door.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 8:36 am

I am feeling much better about Trackside Arlington Park after talking with a couple of our NFFC drafters. Arlington is promising better food and a better experience and I know the room is spacious for us. What I'd really like to do this time is find a nearby host hotel where most of our drafters coming from out of town can stay. That way we have a venue afterwards for folks to talk baseball and stay together.

There was a Sheraton right next door but it closed. If anyone lives nearby and can recommend a good hotel nearby I'll lock down some rooms and make it happen. Thanks.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 8:45 am

Originally posted by Sack:

On Strip / Off Strip:

I stayed at the Red Rock Resort last March. Clean and easy 20-25 minute drive to and from the Strip. First class and very clean and modern. My thinking is that alot of people would fight the move away from the strip and I actually think it will hurt your signups. However, if you gotta move, this place should be given some SERIOUS consideration. Things to do by just crossing the highway on foot. Large Mall with lots of restaurants if you wish to leave the property. Parking area is quite conveinant and once you get here they have everything at your beckon call. Because it is Off-Strip, the price to stay on location was much better. Don't ignore this option - lots of appeal. The Daily Racing Form moved there Handicapping National Championship away from the Strip to this location and I don't think they want to go back.

South Point is closer, but things there are somewhat dated already and the entire building has a smokey Old Vegas feel to the place. I'd welcome the Red Rock as an option, but the Bellagio is going to be hard to top. Good thoughts on all Kenny and I'll address each post. You definitely have seen most venues from Coast-to-Coast, so your thoughts cover a lot of range. I appreciate the input.

Red Rock would definitely be the choice if we went off The Strip. That is a new, very clean, very nice venue and it gets high marks from those who have stayed there. The price is perfect for our guys and the space would work. But while it's 20-25 minutes from the Strip, during March Madness it likely would be an impossible commute back to The Strip. That's my major concern for those who are meeting folks on The Strip.

You folks are letting me know how important that is or isn't via email and on this thread and I appreciate it. I do know that the camaraderie among owners is important and there's a chance we could lose that if we pick the wrong venue. So all I'll say is that we have options at the Bellagio, Red Rock and a few other hotels and we'll finalize this soon. But I think we are leaning towards a return "home."

The Mighty Men · Post by **The Mighty Men** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 8:47 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

I am feeling much better about Trackside Arlington Park after talking with a couple of our NFFC drafters. Arlington is promising better food and a better experience and I know the room is spacious for us. What I'd really like to do this time is find a nearby host hotel where most of our drafters coming from out of town can stay. That way we have a venue afterwards for folks to talk baseball and stay together.

There was a Sheraton right next door but it closed. If anyone lives nearby and can recommend a good hotel nearby I'll lock down some rooms and make it happen. Thanks. You should ask Mike Ferre and/or Daryl Lechniak. They live fairly close to Arlington Park. Rob Benetti might know as well.

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 8:49 am

Greg: a good hotel for your Arlington Park crowd is the Homewood Suites in Schaumburg.

The Hilton chain hotel has a large meeting area, usually equipped with a large screen TV, right near the front desk. Less than $100 for a night which includes breakfest and a managers reception bonus between 4-6pm Mon-Thurs. Less than 5 miles from the racetrack. Suburban location.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 8:49 am

Will do Jack. I wish that Sheraton would open again. That's a perfect location for what we're trying to do.