I. Introduction
If you're like me, the highlight of your summer is not the beach, the BBQs, or the warm weather. No, the true highlight is the highly anticipated Fantasy Football draft, where you and your friends compete to create the ultimate team of players that will hopefully lead you to glory (or at least bragging rights for the next year).
But let's face it, drafting in your buddy's musty basement just isn't cutting it anymore. It's time to spice things up and take your draft to a whole new level of awesomeness.
So sit back, grab a cold one, and get ready to discover the five best locations to hold your Fantasy Football draft this summer. Trust me, your team (and your liver) will thank you. And before you forget commish, make sure to order your leagues fantasy football draft board early to avoid any last minute mishaps!
II. Location #1: Your Local Sports Bar
Let's be honest, you and your buddies don't need much of an excuse to hit up your favorite sports bar. But now, you can justify spending hours at the bar by turning it into your Fantasy Football draft headquarters.
Not only does a sports bar provide ample space for your group, but it also has plenty of TVs so you can keep up with the latest player news and analysis. And let's not forget the drink specials and pub grub that will keep you fueled throughout the draft.
Many sports bars even offer private rooms or special deals for Fantasy Football drafts. For example, Buffalo Wild Wings has a dedicated "draft room" and Hooters offers a Fantasy Football package that includes a private room, draft board, and food and drink specials. (although we don't recommend trusting a "free" draft kit for the big day. Snag a FANTASYJOCKS draft board to make sure your getting player labels with all the update rookies and sleepers) Reserve your spot early, because these rooms fill up fast.
But be warned, drafting at a sports bar can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you're surrounded by like-minded sports fans who will understand your excitement over drafting a sleeper pick. On the other hand, distractions are plentiful and you may find yourself spending more time watching the games on TV than making your draft picks. So proceed with caution, my friends.
III. Location #2: A Friend's House with a Backyard
If you're looking for a more relaxed and laid-back draft experience, why not take it to a friend's house with a backyard? Not only will you have plenty of space to spread out and set up your draft station, but you can also take advantage of the great outdoors.
Get creative with your draft set up and incorporate some backyard games and activities. Set up a cornhole tournament or a game of beer pong to keep things interesting. Plus, being outside means you won't have to worry about that horrible stench that fills the room every time your buddies get together for longer than 5 minutes.
If you're feeling extra fancy, you could even rent a projector and set up a big screen to watch some pre season games on TV.
Drafting at someone's house means you'll have to deal with potential distractions like kids, pets, and significant others. But hey, that's just part of the charm, right? Plus, you'll be in a comfortable and familiar environment, which can help ease the stress of making those all-important draft picks.
IV. Location #3: A Vacation Rental
Why not turn your Fantasy Football draft into a weekend getaway? Renting a vacation home or cabin with your league-mates can be a fun and unique way to hold your draft. Plus, it's a great excuse to get out of town and explore a new area.
When choosing a vacation rental, look for a place that has plenty of space for your group to spread out and set up your draft station. You'll also want to make sure there are plenty of amenities nearby, like grocery stores or restaurants, so you can stock up on rations for the draft.
Some vacation rentals even come equipped with their own game rooms or home theaters, which can make for the perfect draft atmosphere. And after the draft is over, you and your league-mates can relax and enjoy all the other activities the area has to offer.
Of course, renting a vacation home can be pricey, but if you're splitting the cost among your league-mates, it can definitely soften the blow to your wallet. But if you plan ahead and do your research, you can find some great deals on rental properties that will make your draft weekend unforgettable.
V. Location #4: A Brewery
If you and your league-mates are serious about both Fantasy Football and beer (or wine), then a local brewery could be the perfect draft location for you. Not only do many breweries offer ample space for groups, but they also have plenty of libations to keep you hydrated (or not) throughout the draft.
Many breweries even offer private rooms or event spaces that you can reserve for your draft. Just imagine sitting at a long table surrounded by barrels of craft beer, with your draft board and player cheat sheets spread out in front of you. It's the perfect atmosphere to make those tough draft decisions.
And let's not forget about the potential for post-draft tastings and tours. You and your league-mates can stick around after the draft and sample some of the brewery offerings. Just make sure to drink responsibly (you don't want to draft a kicker in the 2nd round).
VI. Location #5: A Stadium or Arena
For the ultimate Fantasy Football draft experience, why not hold your draft at a stadium or arena? Many sports venues offer private suites or event spaces that can be rented out for parties and events, including Fantasy Football drafts.
Just imagine sitting in a luxury suite overlooking the field, with your league-mates by your side and a spread of food and drinks at your fingertips. You'll feel like a real owner or coach, making those crucial draft picks in the same venue where your favorite players compete.
Plus, holding your draft at a stadium or arena can be a great way to get pumped up for the upcoming season. You'll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the game, which can help get you in the right mindset to dominate your league.
Of course, renting out a suite at a stadium or arena can be expensive, so this option may not be feasible for those of you who work at Wendy's. But if you're willing to splurge, it can be an unforgettable experience that you and your league-mates will never forget.
Just make sure to keep your eye on the prize (and your eye on the game), and don't get too distracted. After all, you're here to win your Fantasy Football league, not just enjoy the view.
VII. Conclusion
Ok to recap 5 Creative locations to host your fantasy football draft this summer:
- Your Local Sports Bar
- A Friend's House with a Backyard
- A Vacation Rental
- A Brewery
- A Stadium or Arena
In the end, the location you choose for your Fantasy Football draft is all about personal preference. Whether you opt for a local sports bar, a friend's backyard, a vacation rental, a brewery, or even a stadium or arena, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the draft with your league-mates.
So grab some snacks, crack open a cold one (or a Claw, we don't judge), and let the trash-talking and draft picks fly. Who knows, maybe holding your draft in one of these unique locations will be just the lucky charm you need to finally win your league championship. Or maybe it'll just be an excuse to get together with your friends and have a good time.
Either way, cheers to a successful Fantasy Football season and to finding the perfect location for your draft. And if all else fails, just hold it in your mom's basement like the good old days.
