The Bills third annual Bud Light Draft Party, held exclusively for Season Ticket Holders, took place on Thursday, April 27 and Friday, April 28 in the Bills Fieldhouse in conjunction with the first three rounds of the NFL Draft.
Bills Season Ticket Holders were invited to watch and experience the excitement of draft day in person at the Bills Fieldhouse, and hear from Head Coach Chan Gailey and Bills first-round draft pick defensive tackle Marcell Dareus of Alabama. Additionally, fans were able to visit with and obtain complimentary autographs from Bills Alumni and the Buffalo Jills Cheerleaders, receive complimentary "2011 Lead the Charge" Draft Day photos, participate in interactive games on the field, tour the Bills locker room, try on official Bills game day equipment and uniforms and tour the Bills weight room.
Fans couldn't miss a pick as the NFL Draft was shown live on three huge LED screens located high on stage in the center of the Fieldhouse and also shown on over a dozen flat screens scattered throughout all of the interactive areas.
"The draft parties are held to engage our partners and collectively thank our season ticket holders for their loyal support," said Marc Honan, Bills senior vice president of broadcasting and marketing. "We want to provide fun and unique opportunities to interact with the live NFL Draft, and get them excited about the 2011 season. We truly appreciate Bills fans, especially our valued season ticket holders, and we are happy to provide them with exclusive Bills experiences each season."
Buffalo Jills Cheerleader performances and the Bills version of the "Minute To Win It" game show was held on stage between draft picks which provided additional entertainment.
"Quizmaster Dennis George" hosted the "Minute To Win It" games and handed out official 2011 Bills draft caps to contestants while he emceed the event for the nearly 5,000 season ticket holders that attended the two days.
Additionally, Bills partners American Red Cross, Anheuser-Busch, M&T Bank, Northtown Automotive, Pepsi, Time Warner Cable and Verizon Wireless distributed complimentary promotional items and information throughout the parties. Verizon Wireless held a popular text-to-win promotion and, with over 1,800 contest entries, they more than tripled the number of participants from last year.
Complimentary food and beverage was provided by the Bills to all of the Bills partners, suite members and club seat members that attended on Thursday and greatly reduced concession pricing was offered to Bills season ticket holders that attended on Friday. Tickets and parking for the Draft Party events were complimentary to all Bills Season Ticket Holders.
For Bills season ticket information go online at buffalobills.com, call 1-888-BB-TICKS or visit the Ralph Wilson Stadium Box Office.
