If you’re like nearly 13 million other Americans, you’re getting pumped. You’re watching NFL training camps to spot who’s outperforming expectations and who’s sidelined with a lingering hamstring problem.
It’s almost fantasy football season. Say it with me. Finally!
For many, one of the season’s best parts is when your league gathers in one place, shares some snacks and drinks, and conducts its draft.
“It’s about hanging out with my buddies in the league and talking NFL football while enjoying a cold beer and some decent grub,” said Jonny “Saferide” Hines, a veteran league commissioner living in Waverly, Iowa. “It’s different than during the season because it’s fresh and new, and everyone still has a shot at the title!”
Some groups enjoy hosting the draft at someone’s house. Other leagues prefer to take it out in public. As fantasy football’s popularity surges every August, sports bars are vying to host your draft party. That means you can score perks before the regular season even begins.
Here are a few reliable draft day options.
Hooters
The familiar wing spot knows exactly who its customers are, and it’s not shy about pulling them in. Here’s what Hooters will offer to attract your draft group:
- Draft kit with bonus swag: While supplies last, Hooters will hand your league a Bleacher Report draft kit with everything needed, including a draft board with player stickers and cheat sheets. You’ll also receive Hooters-branded items like bottle openers and koozies.
- Over $200 in coupons: Hooters isn’t foolish. It wants you to return and watch games throughout the season and will provide coupons to encourage repeat visits.
There’s no upfront fee to reserve your party at Hooters, but restaurants typically won’t offer food or drink discounts.
Dave & Buster’s
Think Chuck E. Cheese for grown-ups. Really. Dave & Buster’s is a sports-friendly spot with a big game room full of arcade fun like Skee-Ball and video games. Dave & Buster’s knows fantasy players enjoy a good time, so it wants your draft held there.
Reserve and host your event before Sept. 5, 2018, and you’ll have two draft day package choices at D&B’s:
- The Ultimate Draft Party: This deal requires a minimum of 10 people and costs $15.99 per person — though prices can vary by location. Your league selects from three entrees, such as wings, nachos, bar burgers, or pretzel dogs. Each order also includes fries.
- The Premium Draft Party: Also for at least 10 people, this option is a bit more at $25.99 per person. It includes the same entrees and sides, plus two complimentary drink coupons per attendee for beer, wine, or well drinks. One restriction: everyone in your party must be 21 or older to choose the premium package.
Both options include a free draft kit, private room rental and Wi‑Fi.
Book either package and Dave & Buster’s will toss in $10 in bonus game play with any $10 game play purchase. Plus, the commissioner receives a complimentary $20 Power Card — perks of being the commish. Both cards are valid through Dec. 31, 2018.
Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery
If you have a Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery nearby, you might consider it for your draft party. Here’s what it offers to entice leagues:
- Draft kit: The first 50 draft parties receive a kit containing draft boards, player rosters, Bud Light swag and discount cards for up to 14 people.
- Food and drink deals: Your league will get special pricing on food and beverages for up to four hours. Specific offers may vary by location.
- Kilt Girl ‘commissioner’: Yep. You get a Kilt Girl assigned to your party to assist with the draft. Locations book quickly, so if Tilted Kilt is your pick, contact a nearby spot soon.
Miller’s Ale House
A favorite for those who like a craft beer with their meal, Miller’s Ale House wants a piece of the draft-party action.
For $160, your league gets 50 wings, two Zinger Mountain Melts, two nacho platters, two Bavarian pretzels, two Zinger flatbreads, two fully loaded cheese fries, six pitchers of Miller Lite or Coors Light and a fantasy draft kit.
Note that you must reserve at least 24 hours in advance and hold the party by Sept. 5, 2018.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings has teamed up with five regional craft brewers nationwide to create football-themed beers just for draft season.
If your league hosts the event at BWW, you’ll receive a draft kit, coupons redeemable at Buffalo Wild Wings and NFLShop.com, a champion brag flag and a shot at holding next year’s draft at the NFL headquarters in New York City.
Food deals include a $30 wing special for 30 traditional wings or 40 boneless wings and shareable combos starting around $60.
You can submit a booking request online or stop by your local Buffalo Wild Wings to reserve.
The Local Scene
If chain sports bars aren’t your thing this year, consider your neighborhood craft brewery. Some breweries offer draft party deals that rival or beat the big chains. What’s better than drafting Julio Jones while sipping an IPA brewed just a few feet away?
For instance, Brew Republic Bierwerks in Woodbridge, Virginia, is providing a complimentary platter of grilled wings for leagues hosting drafts at the taproom Sept. 2–8, 2018. And World of Beer in Destin, Florida, is offering 25% off draft beer pitchers for parties of eight or more.
Craft breweries are popping up across the country, so look into options near you. Even if one nearby isn’t advertising specials, ask the manager if they’d consider hosting your draft. You might start a local trend.
Wherever you decide to hold your draft this year, call to reserve your spot now. Preseason games are winding down and injuries are already cropping up.
Good luck this season, and may your team name be the cleverest in the league.
Mason Reed is a senior staff writer at Savinly who enjoys soaking up sunshine and finding inventive ways to assist readers. His fantasy squad, “Hedley’s Froggys,” is poised to dominate this year. Find him on Twitter at @MReed.
