Feedback On East Coast Venue

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:42 am

Okay, if you plan on drafting on the East Coast in 2008, please give us your feedback on next year's venue ASAP if you can. We have every venue locked down for the 2008 draft except for New York and need to make a decision very soon. Here's the deal:

Manhattan is incredibly busy March 14-16 as Easter the following weekend is making our weekend a busy time for weddings and other events. The Javits Center and the New York Hilton have been booked for some time and we were unable to get either venue for baseball. In Manhattan, there are seven hotels with the needed space to host our Saturday main event and all but one were completely booked. We also checked near the Meadowlands, in Brooklyn, in Newark and other surrounding areas to no avail. We worked with the Sheraton, with the Hilton, with the New York City Visitor's & Convention Bureau and we're left with a tough option.

Here's where I'd like your feedback.

We have space tentatively reserved at the New York Sheraton on 7th Ave. and 52nd Street. It looks like a fabuous hotel and the space there is much bigger for the main event (13,000+ square feet) and ideal for the auction leagues on Friday and the Ultimate Leagues on Sunday. They also have space for our NFFC event in August/September, so we could do both events there. Unfortunately, the cost in March is EXHORBITANT because they have another event using the main ballroom on Friday and staffing to set up our event would be costly to them. But the space is ours if we lock it in.

The final option we have is the Atlantic City Convention Center, which also has good space for all of our NFBC events March 14-16 at a price that is 10 TIMES less than the Sheraton. Our company hosts the Atlantique City show there and they are happy to work with F+W again. We could host it there and get rooms at the Sheraton across the street, but we don't want to move the NFBC there if it's not ideal for our participants.

So give me some feedback East Coasters. Should we lock down Manhattan again or try Atlantic City? We will finalize this on Friday. Thanks for your input.

Berkshire Juggernauts · Post by **Berkshire Juggernauts** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:01 am

Greg I have no problem going to Atlantic City even though we are superstitious and dont know if our luck works in New Jersey

Red Sox Nation · Post by **Red Sox Nation** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:09 am

I'd prefer NY but moving to Atlantic City isn't going to stop me from playing in the NFBC again. I'd probably fly to Vegas rather than go to Atlantic city.

freddiezee · Post by **freddiezee** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:28 am

I'm coming from Canada, so I couldn't care less. My wife probably will, since she likes the day in New York to shop, but I'll be there anyways! I guess the biggest decision is for you and Tom, in terms of how well you think you can fill the main event with the draft being held outside of NYC.

Does 10 times less money mean 10 times more beer?

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:42 am

I too prefer NYC (it's close and cheap - no o/night AC stay) but AC's not a deal breaker since I'm an addict.

How many of the 135 last year were within an hour's drive of NYC? 75%? Then that means 75% also had access to mass transit. Move to AC and those 75% are now 2+ hours away by car with no or minimal access to mass transit. Just something to keep in mind in case a snow or ice storm occurs

Q

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:44 am

Originally posted by Quahogs:

I too prefer NYC (it's close and cheap - no o/night AC stay) but AC's not a deal breaker since I'm an addict.

How many of the 135 last year were within an hour's drive of NYC? 75%? Then that means 75% also had access to mass transit. Move to AC and those 75% are now 2+ hours away by car with no or minimal access to mass transit. Just something to keep in mind in case a snow or ice storm occurs

Q We're looking into that Steve and that will definitely factor into our decision - especially given the potential weather issues.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:52 am

Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:

quote:Originally posted by Quahogs:

I too prefer NYC (it's close and cheap - no o/night AC stay) but AC's not a deal breaker since I'm an addict.

How many of the 135 last year were within an hour's drive of NYC? 75%? Then that means 75% also had access to mass transit. Move to AC and those 75% are now 2+ hours away by car with no or minimal access to mass transit. Just something to keep in mind in case a snow or ice storm occurs

Q We're looking into that Steve and that will definitely factor into our decision - especially given the potential weather issues. [/QUOTE]AC would be fun actually. Just a bit risky considering 30+ people may not want to slip slide down the Garden State Parkway for 3 hours that morning - and on the way back. But if you have a good dose of internet access at each table - those no snow goers could be accommodated.

la Jolla · Post by **la Jolla** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:58 am

Greg/Tom, I would imagine that you likely draw a large # of the players from North Jersey/Long Island/NYC up through Connecticut/Rhode Island/Massachusetts. By moving the event to A.C. you will be adding 2 hours to the commute for this group. I am always looking for a reason to go to A.C. so it doesn't matter to me, but the cost savings on space may be nullified by a loss in sign-ups. You would have to weigh that on your end obviously.

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:56 pm

Atlantic City location makes alot of sense. I've attended the NFFC events twice in Midtown Manhatten and have found that brutal in regards to traffic and parking. Forget about spending the night in one of the hotels.

The AC convention center, Sheraton, hosted the "other" high stakes football league for the last two seasons. I've found the ride (2 hours from Manhatten) much easier and the parking provided was directly across the street. The hotel itself is right off of the AC Expressway. The hotel, as a host, did a solid job both times I attended. The room was easy to find, the staff was helpful, and the rooms they placed the draft within were more than acceptable.

Next baseball season is going have to withstand a few changes considering the timing of Easter. I think using Atlantic City makes perfect sense. As a person MUCH closer to the city ( Manhatten ), I'd much prefer to drive a bit longer and go South to Atlantic City if faced with those choices.

The weather is hit or miss at that time. If it turns into a snowfest, I'd much prefer to trust the crews working the Garden State Parkway to clear my path. AC is a straight run to Exit #38.

Sebadiah23 · Post by **Sebadiah23** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 1:47 pm

New York traffic for NFFC was awful. AC is much easier and a more predictable ride.

Diesel · Post by **Diesel** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:07 pm

Having the drafts for football in A/C didn't work out because it's a Holiday weekend, and A/C is a nuthouse.

Having the drafts for baseball in A/C seems like a perfect fit.

You have MUCH more of a choice of where to stay if you choose to stay overnight. There are many places outside of the Casinos that are VERY reasonable, if you're looking to save money and stay overnight. You just have to make sure you know where you're going and don't book a MOTEL that is in the bad part of A/C. This is important. But a little homework will save you a bunch of money for an overnight stay in A/C.

Also, having an event like this in an area where there is gambling all around you just seems right. I would LOVE to finish a draft, and then head on over to the roulette table and try and win back half my entry fee...LMAO

Parking, also, is around $10 a day, where as in NY , the parking is somewhere between $40-$50 a day. This is more money you save.

Thinking deeper into the gambling aspect of it...If you gamble a bit while you are in A/C, before or after the events, if you take the time to get a Casino Card, you'll ear comp credits that will get you a free meal or two. I've heard guys say that they spent $65 for their wife and 2 children and themselves for BREAKFAST in manhattan, the morning of the NFFC Main Event! Saving more money here...lol

Even if I don't join the NFBC Main Event this coming year, I'll be in some satellites, and I may just have to fascilitate just to have a reason to head to A/C and party!

freddiezee · Post by **freddiezee** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:10 pm

hmmm.....cheaper hotel, cheaper parking, less traffic, cheaper food.....Diesel has changed my mind from no opinion to Atlantic City!

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:50 pm

As others have mentioned, it will depend on whether it will hurt the NY/NJ draw that has always been so strong when the venue is in NYC.

For me in Georgia, AC would get serious consideration. I had not seriously considered NYC because the cost for me would be higher than any other venue.

I am currently planning on going to Orlando though I liked Tampa because it gave my wife and I a chance to play poker. I have been wondering about going back to Vegas for the same reason, though the time change is brutal coming back to the east coast on Sunday. Atlantic City would give me the poker option in the same time zone, which is a personal draw for me, but more than likely at the cost of Orlando participation.

edelman24 · Post by **edelman24** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 12:55 am

AC would be fine with me, I actually prefer the 2 hour drive to AC rather then dealing with NYC..

Serenity Now · Post by **Serenity Now** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 2:16 am

Greg,

Another option may be one of the two casinos in Connecticut (Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun). Both offer convention space and would be approximately the same distance from NYC as AC.

Spyhunter · Post by **Spyhunter** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 2:44 am

Greg,

I will do any of the sites, but since I can walk about 1000 yards to the Sheraton that would be the best for me personally.

Putting my NFBC booster hat on: The problem for moving outside of NYC for the NFBC is that most NYC's don't have car. I don't know the demographics of the NFBC players though: you should check how many live in NYC.

Getting to AC from NYC involves taking the bus (yuck). I have heard that they are looking at adding train service from NYC to AC. If this is in place then AC is the best choice.

As for the traffic concern, last year was a crazy storm. I have been stuck in traffic MANY times to AC so I think the traffic is pretty much of an even worry for both. The AC Causeway can be a disaster...

However if you do use AC, any chance of seeing if we could move up the $650 auction so it doesn't overlap with the $1250 auction? What a great day - 12 hours of auction drafting !!!! (yes, I am an addict)

Spy

kgrady · Post by **kgrady** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 2:49 am

I am OK with either NYC or Atlantic City.

Kevin

devilznj · Post by **devilznj** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 3:04 am

Would do A.C. if we had to. I know there is a convention center in the Raritan/Somerset area which would be much closer to NY. They hold alot of sports memorabilia shows there (also around that time of year).

Of course, if A.C. is 1/10th the cost, business-wise it's a no brainer. And that would leave enough in the budget for you guys to provide us with a FULL MEAL after the draft for our travel troubles.

Richie · Post by **Richie** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 3:56 am

Greg, try this place. Its only 20 miles from NYC and there are a bunch of hotels nearby. This is where the memorabilia shows have been.

****://www.njexpocenter.com/

King of Queens · Post by **King of Queens** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 6:27 am

I'm in no matter where you have it. Might be fun to try AC...

Spyhunter · Post by **Spyhunter** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 3:00 pm

Is there no where in the meadowlands complex either?

baggler · Post by **baggler** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 10:11 pm

I'm in regardless of venue....but if AC is the more cost effective choice Greg, you have to do AC.....good luck

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 2:15 am

Originally posted by Spyhunter:

Is there no where in the meadowlands complex either? Completely booked all around the Meadowlands. Newark, too.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 4:59 am

First of all, thanks to everyone who responded yesterday to our survey question about an East Coast venue. We did get a lot of varied responses and all of them were good. We found that many people liked Atlantic City and would actually prefer drafting there. I was actually surprised by the positive response of that venue for a possible location.

Some folks also said they'd draft wherever we go as they wouldn't miss the NFBC for anything. That makes us feel good. A lot of those folks said that AC or NYC didn't matter to them.

However, there were enough folks who said they wouldn't be able to participate in the NFBC if we moved it out of New York to give us some concern. And the last thing we want to do now is stop the growth of our event. Financially, it's a mistake to host this in Manhattan this year, but we believe we've found a venue that we can stay at for years to follow. And we also have a deal in place to do our football event at this location in September as well, so it's locking up two deals at once.

As of now, we are planning to host the East Coast venue at the Sheraton on 52nd and 7th. We still have to finalize the contract, but that is the plan right now. We'll let you know if anything changes, but this should be completed shortly. Thanks again for your input and feel free to contact Tom or myself anytime if you have more feedback. We appreciate it.

2008 is going to be a record year in the NFBC. We are expecting growth in New York this year and we now have more space to grow the NFBC and NFFC main event in the Big Apple. So let's top this year's total there as the space is all ours......at a price, of course!!