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How to Host a Fantasy Football Draft Party
This blog was updated on March 20th, 2025
Hosting a fantasy football draft party isn't rocket science, but it's the little details that go a long way. If you are looking to make the jump from an onilne draft to a live one, make sure you check out our tips first!
August brings us the final warm days of summer. Vacations are coming to an end and fall is right around the corner. This is my absolute favorite time of the year, and as an avid football fan it is hard for me to contain my excitement. Preseason play is in full swing and before I know it a new football season will officially begin.
A few years ago I decided to take my love for football to the next level by joining a fantasy football league. Fantasy football is great, it helps you become a more well rounded fan of the sport because you have to opportunity to get to know players from all 32 teams. It’s also an awesome way to keep in touch with old friends and family members you don’t get to see that often. Since joining my two leagues, I have only participated in online drafts. It can be hard to get everyone together for an in person draft when we all live miles apart.
Fantasy Football Draft Party Essentials:
When hosting a fantasy football draft party, it’s the little details that elevate the experience. A successful draft party is about more than just the draft—it’s about creating a fun, interactive atmosphere that keeps everyone engaged from start to finish. Here are a few general essentials to help you nail the vibe:
- A Draft Board: A central part of your live draft, a draft board provides a visual representation of picks and helps everyone keep track of who's selecting what. Consider getting creative with the design, or you can even build your own DIY version for a personalized touch.
- Food & Snacks: Food is always a crowd-pleaser. Focus on easy-to-eat, finger-friendly options that guests can grab while staying engaged in the draft. Think sliders, fresh veggie platters, and bite-sized snacks that won’t distract from the action. Make sure you have something for everyone’s tastes!
- Drinks for the Party: Offering a selection of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is key. Whether you’re serving wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water or sodas, the right drinks will complement your food spread and keep everyone refreshed throughout the day.
- Lounge & Seating: Ensure there’s comfortable seating for everyone, whether it’s sofas, chairs, or even floor cushions. Make sure the draft area is spacious enough for everyone to spread out, especially if you're hosting a larger group.
- Themed Decor: Setting the right mood for your fantasy football draft can be as simple as adding a few football-themed decorations. Think team banners, football helmets, or even a mini scoreboard. A little decoration can go a long way in making your event feel special.
Resources to Make Your Draft Party Stand Out:
To help make these essentials even easier, check out these helpful resources that can elevate your draft party planning:
- Fantasy Football Draft Board DIY: Creating your own draft board is easier than you think. Use masking tape for clean lines and colorful paper to designate player positions. This simple project will add a fun touch to your draft setup. Learn how to make your own draft board here.
- Decorative Pretzel Snack Bags: Make your draft day snacks more fun with personalized pretzel snack bags. Fill them with your favorite treats and give your guests a playful, easy-to-make snack. Find the instructions here.
- Food Menu for the Draft Party: For tasty finger foods that are simple to prepare, go with options like sliders, veggie platters, and football-themed desserts. These will keep everyone fueled without the mess. Check out our favorite Tri-Tip recipe here.
- Beverages for the Party: Offering a great selection of beverages can really elevate your event. Try pairing your food with a refreshing bottle of wine like Murphy-Goode’s Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon for a fun twist. Find out more about Murphy-Goode wines here.
Communication and Scheduling Tips
Why It Matters: Communication is the backbone of any successful draft party, and getting everyone on the same page early can save you headaches later. Use tools like Google Calendar to sync everyone's schedules and make sure everyone knows when the big day is. It’s a simple way to avoid those awkward "Wait, are we still drafting this weekend?" moments.
Avoiding Scheduling Conflicts: When picking a date, be mindful of events that could clash with your draft, like NFL preseason games or major holidays. You want the focus to be on your draft, not on conflicting plans. Pick a date that’s clear for everyone and ensure it’s after all those summer vacations wrap up. That way, everyone can attend, and no one has to miss out.
Remote Options: Got a few league members who can’t make it in person? No problem! Tools like Zoom or Google Meet can bring your remote participants into the action. That way, even if someone’s out of town or working late, they can still take part in the fun. This ensures no one feels left out, and you can still have a great time with everyone involved.
Draft Day Set-Up
Finding the Right Location: The location of your draft party sets the tone for the entire event. Choose a place that’s comfortable, spacious, and free from distractions. Hosting it at home usually works best since it gives you control over the environment—plus, you can stock up on snacks and drinks the way you want. Make sure there’s enough seating for everyone to feel comfortable, so no one is stuck on the floor (unless they choose to be!).
Tech Considerations: If you’re using a digital draft board or streaming live NFL updates, ensure your space has a solid Wi-Fi connection. The last thing you want is for your draft to be delayed because of a buffering issue. A smooth, tech-savvy setup will help your draft run like clockwork.
DIY vs. Professional Help: Whether you’re setting up the draft yourself or hiring someone to help, it’s all about creating a relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels at home. DIY setups can be just as effective—just make sure you’ve got your essentials in place like plenty of space, food, and drinks. But if you want to go all out and create a truly memorable experience, hiring a professional to set up could be worth the investment. Either way, it’s about making the space feel welcoming and fun.
Must-Have Fantasy Football Draft Party Games
To keep the energy high and everyone engaged, consider adding a few fun games to your fantasy football draft party lineup. These games not only give everyone a break from the draft but also add a layer of excitement and camaraderie to the event.
- For starters, you could host a Football Trivia game, testing your guests' knowledge of NFL history, current players, and unforgettable moments. This is a great way to see who’s the most knowledgeable football fan in the group and keep the competitive spirit alive.
- Another fun game to try is a Mini Fantasy Football Draft Challenge, where each guest is given a limited budget and has to draft their own mini fantasy team based on real players. The twist? They only have a few rounds to draft, making it fast-paced and entertaining. You could even offer small prizes for the best draft or worst draft, adding some laughs along the way.
- To keep the fun going outside, lawn games are a must-have for any draft party. Games like cornhole and giant Jenga are perfect for getting everyone involved in some friendly competition between draft rounds. You could also set up a football toss game for a little extra flair. Lawn games offer guests a chance to socialize and challenge one another in a relaxed and entertaining environment, ensuring the energy stays high all day long.
These games help keep things light-hearted, so no one feels left out while ensuring everyone stays involved in the fun!
Cheers to an Epic Fantasy Football Draft Party
With a bit of planning and attention to detail, your fantasy football draft party is sure to be an unforgettable experience for everyone. From setting up a creative draft board to curating delicious food and drinks, it's the small touches that make all the difference. As you gear up for the big day, remember that the key is creating an environment where everyone feels engaged and excited—both for the draft and the fun surrounding it.
Don’t forget, when it comes to drinks, you want to keep things fresh and flavorful. Skip the trip to the store and shop our online wine store to get your beverages delivered straight to your door. Whether you’re looking for a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon, we’ve got you covered. Browse our selection today, and let us take care of the rest while you focus on enjoying the draft with your friends!
Cheers to a successful draft party—and an even more successful fantasy football season ahead!
