The key to an offline draft is having the perfect location to host it. A major component to a successful host site is space. There’s nothing worse than 10 to 12 people crammed together frantically trying to keep their draft secrets hidden from one another. Another element to a happy draft is food. Lots of food. Also, there needs to be a solid Wi-Fi connection. Printed cheat sheets are nice, but sometimes you need to do a quick Google search mid-draft, or you’ll definitely want to visit Sporting News’ fantasy football draft page.

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Best locations to have your fantasy football draft

League member’s house

This one is simple. If your league is composed of people who all live in the same area, hosting at someone’s house is perfectly acceptable. Just remember the first rule and make sure the house, or apartment, is big enough to accommodate everyone.

Making food for everyone is a tall task so either hire a caterer and have people pitch in some cash to help out, or have people bring in their own goodies. Either way, food remains important. 

In addition to these two items, make sure the house has a wall big enough to support the draft board. It’d be embarrassing to spend the money on a big board and then not have a place to put it. 

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings has an entire section of its website dedicated to helping you set up your fantasy football draft at its restaurants. The website says the restaurant will provide a draft board and stickers, a bottle opener, coupons, a pocket schedule and a brag flag (not entirely sure what that is, but it can’t hurt).

It easily meets the food and space requirements. You might not be able to get an Internet connection, so you’ll have to eat into your data limit, but it’s worth it for all the great food. 

Las Vegas

If you really want to go all out, take your draft party to Vegas. This one takes some planning ahead of time, but could be totally worth it for you and your friends. It’s especially beneficial to leagues that have people from all over the U.S. as you can get together for one time in the year for something you all enjoy.

If you do decide on Vegas, here are some suggestions:

— The Hard Rock Cafe Hotel & Casino has held special packages over the years for fantasy drafts. It features celebrity guests and special prizes along with draft-day kits.

— The D in downtown Las Vegas has party rooms to host your draft. The rooms have Wi-Fi and big-screen TVs, and the hotel provides all the food you need. 

— Caesars Palace

— Lagasse’s Stadium

Restaurant or bar

We know Buffalo Wild Wings is a restaurant, but it was specifically mentioned because it does a lot of the heavy lifting beforehand.

Other restaurants are accommodating of a party, but not specifically geared toward fantasy football drafts. Instead, you’ll need to call ahead and bring your own draft kit. It’s not a big pain, and other restaurants might not be as booked as BWW. Plus, restaurants come with pre-made food.

The office

If your league consists of mainly work buddies, the office might not be a bad place to host a draft. Come in during hours when most people are off and use a conference room. There will be plenty of space and the professional atmosphere will help you focus on your picks.

Hosting in an office setting has some setbacks, of course. It won’t feel as casual as a restaurant setting might, and if the objective at your fantasy party is to get drunk and be rambunctious, then maybe the office isn’t for you. But if you’re just looking for a nice get-together and a good place where there will be open space and big walls, then the office will work for you.

A football stadium

I’m not saying slip past security and break into an NFL stadium to host your fantasy party. I’m suggesting you take advantage of deals that some stadiums are offering. Arrowhead Stadium, for example, is helping fans host their draft parties.

It’s going to cost some money, but it’ll be worth it to say you hosted your fake-football draft party where actual football players play. Some of the packages, such as AT&T Stadium’s special event, actually allow you and your leaguemates into the locker rooms. It’s not just a fun place to host your party, it’s also a neat experience.

Not every stadium has special packages, but check your local team’s venue and see if it offers something.