Marriott Bonvoy will be hosting draft watch parties and will have chefs creating menus focused on local cuisine: “Their take on brats and cheese, etc.,” 160/90’s Zambuto said.
In addition, there will be content and in-room programming dedicated to the area’s culinary culture.
With the NFL’s Australia and New Zealand efforts focused on next year’s in-season game in Melbourne, Zambuto noted that the agency is focused on using creators, watch parties, food, and an integrated local experience to help connect global markets.
“It’s now over 20 years ago [2002], when NFL kickoff was in New York and midtown shut down because they were holding a concert, but that was the incredible thing… that that something could take over New York City, and the NFL did,” Zambuto said. “There’s a uniqueness to a city like Green Bay based on its history, its success, and its fan base that give it story lines and a lot more opportunity for brands to grab ahold of and build around.”
Zillow, however, has some business to take care of in Los Angeles with the Rams. The Rams have set up a draft house at different locations around Los Angeles in recent years, but the January wildfires prompted the team to focus on one particular address for general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay’s draft headquarters: the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Air Operations center.
This year, the team, Zillow, and Bob’s Discount Furniture will be renovating the space’s rec room for first responders as the Air Operation facility will still be fully functional while the Rams are in the building for the draft.
“Drafting from LAFD Air Operations is a powerful reminder of what it means to represent Los Angeles,” said Rams president Kevin Demoff. “Since the wildfires devastated our region in January, we have looked to bring L.A. Together to help with the recovery efforts, raise the spirits of those impacted, and shine a light on our first responders.”
False starts
But neither fans, brands, nor media partners have had to wait for draft day to get a glimpse of potential picks’ road to the NFL.
