How to Host a Fantasy Football Draft Party

Hosting a fantasy football draft party is a great way to celebrate the start of football season. It's a chance for everyone to get together, reminisce about last year, and build excitement for the season to come. That said, if you've never hosted one, you might have a few questions about how they run.

Below, we look at everything you know about fantasy football draft parties, answering questions like “what is a draft party?” and “where can I hold a draft party?” to exploring food and beverage ideas. Plus, we cover all the extras to consider when setting up your fantasy football draft party. So, if you're in charge of hosting, read on. We'll help you organize the best party possible.

What Is a Draft Party?

Draft day is one of the most thrilling days of the season. On this special day, you'll get to step into the team manager role and pick your fantasy roster. Unless you're completely new to the sport, the occasion is easy enough to understand, but what is a draft party?

Well, draft days can be virtual, but holding a fantasy football draft party in person is much more fun. After all, everyone gets to go all out with showcasing their memorabilia and team jerseys. That's where football draft parties come into play.

The fantasy football draft party is more than just a fun day. It's key to creating an epic season. With a party, you'll encourage bonds between league participants, bolstering friendships, new and old. In the end, that’s what fantasy football is about. Of course, you'll also foster healthy competition. Plus, draft parties are a great way to celebrate last season's wins (and losses).

Where Can I Hold a Draft Party?

Knowing the answer to questions like, “what is a draft party?” is one thing. But one of the biggest obstacles for fantasy football leagues is answering conundrums like, “where can I hold a draft party?” Most draft parties are casual home events full of finger foods and stocked ice chests.

Of course, there are a few downsides to hosting a fantasy football draft party at home. First, some unlucky soul has to clean up. And they also mean that someone in the league needs to have a home or yard that's large enough to fit the group.

There are alternatives. If money isn't an object, you might pick a getaway location. Las Vegas comes to mind. You could always rent a bar or club for your fantasy football draft party. These locations will often take care of food, beverages, and clean-up.

For more budget-conscious leagues, look into a local community center. One other option is your local restaurant, which might let you camp out at a few tables between lunch and dinner.

When deciding where you can hold a fantasy football draft party, just make sure you have the following:

• A solid WiFi connection
• Seating that allows everyone to see the draft board
• Table access at every seat for snacks, drinks, and draft cheat sheets

What Food and Drinks Should You Serve at a Fantasy Football Draft Party?

Fantasy football draft party food and beverage options are limitless. You can keep it simple with chips, salsa, and beer, or go all out with a tailgate-themed buffet. Some draft party ideas for food include:

• Mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and other fried bar-style snacks
• Chips and dip
• Veggie platters
• Hamburgers and hotdogs
• BBQ ribs, chicken, and other meats
• Nachos
• Chili with all the fixings
• Sub-style sandwiches

When it comes to beverages, consider these fantasy football draft party ideas:

• Beer
• Themed cocktails
• Wine spritzers
• Sodas
• Water bottles

Whether you stick to burgers and brats or take things up a notch with BBQ ribs and themed cocktails, you'll want to keep a few things in mind.

First, remember the draft is the priority. That means the food served should be easy to eat during your fantasy football draft party. Finger foods work best. Save the meal for after the draft.

Second, even though it's tempting to put a lot of emphasis on alcoholic beverages, it's equally important to include non-alcoholic options for the fantasy football draft party. Yes, football and beer are a classic pairing, but too much of a good thing can quickly turn bad. Having plenty of water and soda available is in everyone's best interest.

Other Fantasy Football Draft Party Ideas

When hosting a fantasy football draft party, you’ll want to consider other stuff besides location, food, and drink.

Gifts and Prizes

If you're hosting the fantasy football draft party, it's always nice to offer a party favor. For a draft party, anything NFL-related works well. Hats, T-shirts, and other NFL products are always great options.

Assuming this isn't the league's first season, you'll also want to include a prize for last year's winner and maybe something humorous for the loser. A nice pullover or jersey representing the winner's favorite team might be a good idea! While a goofy trophy or crown could suit the loser.

Halftime Show

Including a halftime show to break up your fantasy football draft party is another great idea. It can be something quirky like a dance-off between league members or a slideshow showing last year's silliest highlights.

If you have the budget, you could hire professional entertainment. A local band, comedian, or even a magician could all be a good time!

Entertainment For Non-Participants

In all likelihood, there will be guests at your fantasy football draft party who aren't participating in the draft. Spouses and other family members who don't run a fantasy team will need something to keep them occupied. Consider running a beer pong, corn hole, or video game tournament as part of your fantasy football draft party.

Host the Perfect Fantasy Football Draft Party

We've covered everything from questions like “what is a draft party?” and “where can I hold a draft party?” And, we’ve looked at several draft party ideas, like shopping for prizes and including a halftime show. But, in the end, a fantasy football draft party is what you make it. As long as everyone has a chance to get together, it's sure to be a great start to the season.

When shopping for prizes, consider turning to Locker Room Direct. We sell team-issued gear and give 100% of the profits to the Uncommon Sports Group, a faith-based sports group for student-athletes. Your fantasy football draft party attendees will love that you supported a good cause with their gifts and prizes. Contact Locker Room Direct today to learn more.