Hosting the Ultimate Fantasy Draft Party in Las Vegas!
In just a few years, fantasy sports have grown from a small-time hobby to a big-time business. Owning a fantasy team has become a lot like owning a real one – it’s not just about wins and losses. It’s about respect, the love of the game, and the excitement of the unexpected. If you’re planning your league’s draft and you’re ready to deliver an epic entertainment experience, then look no further than Las Vegas. Whether you’re looking to plan a fantasy draft brunch, dinner, or late-night shindig check out this planning guide to help make your league’s experience and unforgettable one.
PICKING A LOCATION
If you’re going to throw the perfect draft-day party, you should start with some basics. Pick a date that makes sense for your league and meshes well with the real sport’s season. (For example, with football, you should try to draft after the third pre-season game to avoid potential injuries to all-star players.) Next, decide on a vibe and an ambiance. This is a big decision, but luckily Vegas can go either way –laid back with burgers, beers, and flip-flops, or upscale trendy with steaks, cocktails, and black socks.
Do your research and make some calls. Some bars and restaurants may offer special packages and draft kits for fantasy draft parties, including draft cards and player research. Other basics include considering the seating chart, asking about the Wi-Fi situation in your party area, and making sure you have solid options for the audio/video setup. (Nothing ruins a draft party like bad audio or video.)
WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
I wish I could tell you that it’s possible to throw a great draft party without amazing food, but I can’t. It’s not… it’s just not. Of course, the options in Vegas are endless, and it’s up to you to decide what your guests will be devouring. Do you stick with classic snacks and finger foods, or go all out with a draft party dinner that features a full menu and family-style plates? Whatever you decide, if you’ve got at least ten people in your group, make sure to find a spot and make reservations at least 30-60 days in advance. If you want my advice (and I know you do), look for group dining packages and start with staples like wings and sliders, then let the restaurant fill in the blanks. And if you’re planning on a fantasy sports draft brunch, don’t forget the bloody marys!
BEER, BEER, AND MORE BEER.
Beer is good, and beer is required. And while Las Vegas may be known for its fine dining and sommeliers, it also has a vibrant craft beer community. Independent brewers are popping up all over the place, and their fine creations are available in tons of restaurants up and down the strip. If you’re looking for that perfect unique twist that will deliver a unique conversation piece for your draft party, look no further. And if beer really matters to your group (it does), you should seriously look into adding a tasting experience. But no matter what you decide on, always remember to drink responsibly and plan transportation for after your event.
FINDING A BUDGET
Let’s talk about cost. This is a fantasy draft after all, so let’s try our best to not turn our dream into a nightmare. Don’t worry -- just because we’re talking about Las Vegas, that doesn't mean you need to break the bank. The important things to remember here are:
Do your homework and settle on a price per person, and;
Remember that some venues may have minimums to reserve areas or private rooms, and they may add a service fee after the fact.
With the endless group dining options in Vegas, do yourself a favor and establish some guidelines early on. Figure out your headcount, budget and food preferences first, then work on finding a venue. And don’t be afraid to enlist a Vegas expert for help if you need it – take advantage of free tools and resources like Vegas Private Dining to find the perfect spot for your group’s event.
LEVELING UP
The devil is in the details. If you want to take your event from excellent to epic, consider some extra personal touches that will make things even more memorable. Check with your venue to see if they’ll allow you to put up some decorations, or maybe they can provide some of their own. Or, make your fantasy sports draft party the stuff of legend with a special commemorative “trophy, ” custom league jerseys that scream “photo op,” or other fun souvenirs like custom made key chains, hats, or beer koozies.
HAVE FUN!
No matter your budget or how you decide to make your Vegas fantasy draft party unique, don’t forget this is all about having fun. Don’t let the pressure of throwing the perfect party or drafting the perfect team let you forget what the event is all about - getting together for a few days in Vegas with killer food, great drinks, and ridiculous fun.