Fantasy Football Convention Being Organized By Same People Who Run Comic Con

Fantasy football now has its “own convention produced by the same people who run Comic Con,” according to Barry Wilner of the AP. The first Fantasy Football Fest will be held “at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City this weekend, a two-day event expected to attract 25,000 fans who will participate in fantasy drafts while they meet -- and maybe pick up a few tips from -- real NFL veterans, including Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Bruce Smith.” ReedPOP Senior VP Greg Topalian, whose company organizes the convention, said, "We looked at what do fans value beyond fantasy? They buy sports memorabilia, so we will have an exposition floor and Steiner Sports will be supplying memorabilia.” The attendees can “ask former players their opinions on who to draft and when,” and a separate area of the building “has been set aside exclusively for leagues to conduct drafts.” In addition, the National Fantasy Football Championship “will hold its draft there this weekend.” SiriusXM satellite radio will “broadcast 19 hours of live programming on its fantasy sports channel, including an experts' draft.” As an “added enticement, Stratmish, a fantasy football tournament format that launched this month, will offer a chance for a fantasy player to win $2 million in a season-long event.” New Era will “display the official NFL sideline cap,” and Fathead “is involved, as is Roto Experts.” Caesars Entertainment and the Taj Mahal hotel “also are part of the festival's promotion” (AP, 8/14).