The NFBC In New York In 2010

Spyhunter · Post by **Spyhunter** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 2:35 pm

Greg,

I have to say even though I now live in Boston, that nothing really beats NYC. It is a 'destination' similar to vegas that families etc.. can do other things like shopping etc... I can't really see any of the other locations doing as well, but I could be wrong.

I wouldn't rush to change, I think that NYC has been suffering from the economic downturn. I think that as $$$ return to financial services, you will see growth in the ultimate etc...

Spyhunter

rkulaski · Post by **rkulaski** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 3:15 pm

Originally posted by The Mighty Men:

quote:Originally posted by RobG:

Greg, I have done Vegas, Orlando and Chicago and from a total experience there is no doubt Vegas is the winner, but it costs me way more than the entry fee to spend the weekend there. I did Chicago this year and loved that the airport was so close to the Stephens Center. I was able to fly in that morning and fly out right after the draft...that was a plus. My guess for the East Coast is that an airport being local would be a plus, which isn't the case with Moheghan or Foxwoods. Rob is correct about the Stephens Center being well located for those who fly and drive in. The draft rooms are nice as well, especially compared to the big barn we drafted in for NFFC last year.

The Marriot in Oak Brook is my favorite location of the NFFC/NFBC locations in Chicago so far because of the many great restaurants nearby, parking is free, and the rooms work out well. [/QUOTE]Greg,

Yes, the Marriout in Oak Brook is my favorite too.

Main reason- there's just not a lot of restaurants close by the convention center unless my co-manager and I just didn't drive far enough.

CREATiVESPORTS-Marc · Post by **CREATiVESPORTS-Marc** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 3:37 pm

I wrote a Pros and Cons article about my experience in the phone draft that just posted today on CREATiVESPORTS.com at the link below.

http://www.creativesports.com/Staff/Bas ... lobal.aspx

In general, it was a great alternative and I am happy that Greg plans to continue this offer.

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 4:10 pm

Make y'all come to Vegas for a grand get together!!!

Heal heeeeeeal!

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:44 am

On the Chicago site, or better yet the site to serve the Mid-West, I understand that Des Plaines (a suburb near O'Hare) will be getting a casino soon. Does any one know if it will be ready in time for the 2010 draft? If not, it will certainly be ready by 2011. Coops first told me about it, but I haven't been able to locate a projected time-frame for completion. The license was awarded last December I think.

In any regard, it might be an alternative. I think linking the NFBC to a casino would increase the regional draw without impacting Vegas (there is only one Vegas). No numbers to support my assertion, but it is my opinion.

Also, Greg, have you considered the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Detroit? I like Chicago, but the NFBC has been kind of stuck on four main event leagues there for a while. Would Mo-town hold any better prospects?

[ April 15, 2009, 06:45 AM: Message edited by: Edwards Kings ]

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 2:57 am

Originally posted by King of Queens:

Is it safe to assume that these are the possible options?

1. Boston

2. Mohegan Sun/Foxwoods

3. Manhattan

4. NYC Metro Area, including outer boroughs, Long Island, Northern Jersey and Westchester

5. Atlantic City Thanks to everyone for their suggestions so far. We need to find the right location and then we need to find a hotel with the right space. We need at least 15,000 square feet for the main event and in Las Vegas we have 20,000 square feet, which is ideal. Then we need the private rooms for the auction leagues and Sunday events.

Not every airport hotel or suggested hotel here has that kind of space. But we'll do the research here and start checking out the web sites soon to see what's available.

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 3:31 am

I’ve drafted in NY a couple of times and it’s a great experience. Switching locations has the potential to have a negative effect on signups. As Greg said, “why mess with an integral part of your success if you’ve sold out every year?” Does anyone think there would be MORE signups if the event was moved out of NYC? I’m really skeptical that you would.

If you were going to move it, I’d say Atlantic City would be the best alternative. Easy to get to, relatively cheap for the participants (a lot probably will get comp’d rooms or reduced rates) and obviously you have the casinos there.

crazytown · Post by **crazytown** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 3:48 am

Further thought regarding Atlantic City.

Wouldn't more of the drafters just go to Vegas? Main event only might go to AC for a day or 2. Entire weekend in Vegas makes more sense, especially with the sportsbook and NCAA time.

But as far as cost for the participants, I would rather go to Vegas for a couple of days and suck up the airfare. I'm going to lose 300 anyway in the casinos in AC. 2-3 hour drive from NYC area, I can get on a flight for a few hours more. Cheaper hotels in Vegas as well.

Agree with GG that AC will have less in person than NYC did this year.

kgrady · Post by **kgrady** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 6:59 am

My two cents: I'm in central NJ, so NYC has been a convenient locale. Northern NJ or Philly would be fine by me also. That said, I enjoy this enough that I would go to Atlantic City, Foxwoods, Baltimore/DC, or Boston if need be. None of those locations would necessitate a plane trip for me, which is a big consideration.

Kevin

Jesse Homer · Post by **Jesse Homer** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 7:22 am

I don't live here but what about Houston,Texas??

Nutty Scrats · Post by **Nutty Scrats** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 8:34 am

Driving 3 1/2 - 4 hours from Massachusetts to N.Y. is far enough for me. Adding another 1 1/2 hours to Atlantic City would be a deal killer. Just wouldn't do it. I may be the only one but taking at LEAST 5 hours getting to A.C. doesn't do a thing for me. Would rather keep New York or in the vicinity. Just one man's thoughts. Thanks.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 8:47 am

Just to be clear on this post, we as a company want to stay in the New York City vicinity. We are willing to commit for baseball and football to any facility that can work with us to make this happen. Right now if I showed you the costs for our New York venue vs. any of the other cities, you'd fall off your chair. And so that's the reality of returning to the same venue again.

But I will say that we have a good show division in New York who right now is saying they think they can find something that works in NYC. I'm looking at some options now, but if we go through every option and can't save any money from the bill I have sitting on my desk now then I'll recommend that we find something close at a fairer price.

And while we want everyone to join the live event, if our new location doesn't work out for everyone we'll still have the phone/online option for the main event.

JEagle · Post by **JEagle** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:10 am

Staten Island sounds like a great idea

JEagle · Post by **JEagle** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:10 am

Staten Island sounds like a great idea

Red Sox Nation · Post by **Red Sox Nation** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:35 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

Just to be clear on this post, we as a company want to stay in the New York City vicinity. We are willing to commit for baseball and football to any facility that can work with us to make this happen. Right now if I showed you the costs for our New York venue vs. any of the other cities, you'd fall off your chair. And so that's the reality of returning to the same venue again.

But I will say that we have a good show division in New York who right now is saying they think they can find something that works in NYC. I'm looking at some options now, but if we go through every option and can't save any money from the bill I have sitting on my desk now then I'll recommend that we find something close at a fairer price.

And while we want everyone to join the live event, if our new location doesn't work out for everyone we'll still have the phone/online option for the main event. Greg,

If we do stay in NYC I would highly recommend we have the draft in a hotel rather than a place like the Javitts Center. It's really nice to be able to stay in the same location where the draft is held, especially if you're drafting Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I'm a big fan of the Sheraton but if the costs are high I understand this thread. Everyone will have their own preference based on where they are coming from. I would find Atlantic City to be the least desirable choice just as the NJ folks wouldn't want to come up to Boston. NYC is a nice central location if the costs work.

Mr. October · Post by **Mr. October** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:02 pm

Greg

How will moving the NFBC outside of Manhattan benefit all the players. Since the cost is much cheaper outside of New York City, does that translate to more prize money, weekly prizes etc. A nearby suburb shouldn't lower any attendance if it is real close and much cheaper, but how does this translate to the rank and file players?

Raiders · Post by **Raiders** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 2:24 pm

I live in manhattan and am biased but I think that having a location in manhattan adds something to the overall NFBC brand. I am committed to the NFBC though and would travel anywhere on the east coast. All we hear about in New York is that the hotels are getting killed in this economy. I would think there are great deals to be had. It has to be less expensive now than when you negotiated last time. You should be able to get a deal.

billywaz · Post by **billywaz** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 2:41 pm

Originally posted by Red Sox Nation:

How about Providence? They have some great after hours entertainment establishments

Maybe we could all hang out with Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunn after the draft!

Walla Walla · Post by **Walla Walla** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 6:42 pm

[ April 18, 2009, 11:24 AM: Message edited by: Walla Walla ]

JohnZ · Post by **JohnZ** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 7:32 pm

I vote for Lewes,DE

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 8:10 pm

Greg:

I'll always look to Vegas first for the baseball season. However, looking at how I'll approach the upcoming football season will help me best answer what you are looking for in regard to NYC for the NFBC in 2010.

I've lived my whole life within a fifteen minute ride of Manhatten. I've had experience both driving into the city and taking public transportation. The trip into the city is ALWAYS more expensive and quite a battle for even a person with a working knowledge of the area. After two years of this trip for the NFFC, I just didn't want to make the trek. I'm actually seriously considering the PHONE option for the NFFC Main Event to avoid this hassle. This is quite a shame, because to me, walking into the draft room and experiencing the Draft Live WILL bring people back. I've paid anywhere from $50 - $100 each day just to park my car. If you hold events 2-3 days, it just isn't feasible to make each event. I tried staying over, but the hotel costs are enormous.

The solution to me, as you requested, was to stay in the vicinity of NYC. Take a page from the NY Football teams, the GIANTS and the JETS. Start in Northern NJ ( Bergen County ) and work South towards Atlantic City.

I believe Edelman23 brought up the Shandler Forum. Excellent location that is easy to reach from many of the major airports and off the Garden State Parkway. Moving South, the area of Secaucus, NJ is now home to the MLB station for a reason. Close to the Meadowlands, it also has convienance of the airports and plenty of hotels in the surrounding area that are reasonably priced. Woodbridge NJ is a little further south, but once again is strong in hotel space and easy to reach from both the major roads and airports. Finally, you have Atlantic City. I've attended football drafts here and they have gone very well. However, it is out of the way from most of the major airports and the you can't wager of the basketball games ( March Madness ) in any of the casinos. So AC will never hold the same March appeal as Vegas.

So, for the sake of the event - keep it close to the NYC area and make it easy to get in/out and take out the big city hassle.

I rank them:

Secaucus NJ / Meadowlands Area

Saddle Brook NJ ( Bergen County )

Woodbridge NJ ( the longshot - but don't ignore this spot - probably the best price for both you and your target )

Atlantic City

I doubt your time in NYC for the NFL draft will leave much free time, but three of the locations are within an easy drive from where you'll be staying next week if you wanted to scout out the areas mentioned. Atlantic City would be a distance - same thing those of us deciding on attending would be faced with if that was the area picked to host.

[ April 16, 2009, 02:25 AM: Message edited by: Sack ]

Nutty Scrats · Post by **Nutty Scrats** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 1:41 am

I know the Secaucus NJ / Meadowlands Area have quite a few hotels and I think there is a convention center in the Harmon Meadows area of Secaucus with plenty of hotels around there at probably a better price and not far from NYC.

751542 · Post by **751542** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 4:18 am

lewes, de??? the armpit of the nation. you are better off holding the draftin in a boat off the coast of somalia!!!

Red Sox Nation · Post by **Red Sox Nation** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 12:23 pm

Boston!

ZackPhilly · Post by **ZackPhilly** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 2:39 am

You mentioned not being able to work with either NY Teams in the use of their stadium, and I understand it comes down to costs.

Although I should take your word for it, the CitiField portion of the Mets page specifically notes hosting events (I don't know why they would care where the $ comes from, even if the politics are sticky).

Option 1 - MLB Network Studios:

I don't know their full setup, but MLB Network has 9,600 square feet for Studio 42 in Seacaucus, and I can't think of anything cooler than drafting there (besides one of the stadiums).

Website states: "Public relations inquiries:

Please contact Raquel Ramos: [email protected] 201-520-6400"

Option 2A - Citi Field:

From Website:

CITI FIELD BUSINESS CENTER & AUDITORIUM

The perfect location for a company retreat is the Citi Field Auditorium and Business Center. The 150-seat Auditorium features plush, theater-style seats, a stage, and state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment. Together with the Citi Business Center, which is fully equipped with wireless internet, printers, a copy/fax machine, and outlets to charge personal electronic devices there is no better location to hold your company's next business meeting. For more information on please call Heather Collamore at 718-803-4032." (maybe e-mail contactable at [email protected] )

Plus all the club level and box's etc.

Option 2B - Yankee Stadium:

From the website "Please continue to check back at yankees.com for more information regarding Events at Yankee Stadium.

For more information, please contact Gina Chindemi at 718-579-4416 or e-mail [email protected]"

Also remember that new stadiums have restaurants or Museums at either location that may be interested in a draw or be able to accommodate the NFBC.

I know many of the newer stadiums have offered hosting fantasy baseball drafts (Cleveland, Philly), some even in the visiting clubhouses.

I understand I don't know the depth of the back story, but I implore you not to disregard these possibilities. They seem far superior to the hotel ballroom. If you have done your due diligence, thank you, for that is what I ask. In fact, I will contact these places under my corporate job to see what info. I can get.

Thanks for all the good work the NFBC team does.