By Michael Kinney
While the past three-day weekend was a celebration of the country’s labor force, it was something completely different for an ever-growing segment of the population. For many of us, the holiday weekend was primarily focused on fantasy football league drafts instead of rest.
I personally had four different drafts from 11 a.m. Sunday through 9:30 p.m. Monday. That doesn’t include the time studying players and participating in mock drafts.
Before you ask, yes, it is that serious.
For many, fantasy football has become more than just a hobby; it’s an obsession for millions of fans worldwide. One of the most crucial aspects of this increasingly spreading pastime is draft day. Whether you’re a seasoned commissioner or a first-time host, organizing a fantastic fantasy football draft is essential to set the stage for a fun season.
I am going to try and break down the key ingredients to ensure your draft day is one your league members will rave about for years to come instead of laughing at you behind your back or even dropping out of the league altogether.
First and foremost, it starts with location.
When choosing the perfect venue consider the comfort and convenience of your participants. While some leagues like loud and rambunctious environments like Buffalo Wild Wings. Others opt for a quiet space with good lighting and ample seating and room to move around freely.
After holding it for years at homes and then the BWW set up, my personal league moved to a more secluded environment as we rented out a room at a local country club.
Next, embrace technology, but remember the old ways can still be the best.
Technology has made it easier than ever to host a draft party. The internet and different apps make choosing a player a simple process and can make the draft go by much faster.
However, there is something said for having to go through stacks of paper to find the player you want and going up to a giant board to write in the name in front of the rest of the league who are either going to mumble in anger that it was good pick under their breath or laugh in your face for choosing somebody that is on the injured list. (You know who you are).
I have taken part in both styles, and each has positives and negatives. But for my serious leagues, like my own, using old-school draft boards is the preferential route. Despite lasting more than three hours at times, to hear and see the exasperation when I have taken a player that others wanted is pure gratification at the highest level. If I could bottle that feeling up and sell it, my bank account would rival Bernard Arnault and Robert F. Smith combined.
That leads right into the next component. Preparation is key.
Invest in a large draft board or use online draft software. Stock up on markers, stickers, and any other supplies you’ll need. Bring extra sheets with player rankings for everyone to use.
If you are going to use the internet, make sure you have a reliable connection for online drafts and power source. Don’t get caught looking stupid on draft day trying to find an extension cord or working outlet.
The most important factor that goes into having a successful fantasy football draft is of course the food. You can be cheap and just have chips, dip and beverages, but you will get clowned if the league is made up of good friends.
Have everyone chip in a few dollars and make it nice. Pizza, wings, burgers, crab legs and an assortment of drinks. Have it catered if you are really all about that baller lifestyle and trying to impress.
After the draft, celebrate the beginning of the season with a post-draft party.
Announce awards or recognize the best and worst teams from the previous season. That could mean handing out trophies (Which I have several) for the winners or punishments for those who came in last place. (Which I have never had to deal with. Just saying).
At the end of the day, you are trying to create a memorable event that each competitor will look forward to coming back and being part of the league year after year. At the end of the day, it’s a great excuse to get together with friends and to laugh, argue and make memories.
And ofcourse, win.
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