One fortunate fantasy football league is on the brink of an incredible experience, as former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan prepares to host their draft party in vibrant Las Vegas over Labor Day weekend. Ryan, now a CBS Sports analyst, expressed his excitement to Travel + Leisure, highlighting the city's electrifying atmosphere as football season draws near. This unique collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM aims to provide an ultimate draft event for one winning team and their eleven companions at the prestigious BetMGM Sportsbook within the ARIA Resort & Casino. Ryan eagerly anticipates engaging with the participants' enthusiasm and applying his analytical prowess to dissect their picks and strategize alongside them.
Despite his decorated career as a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, Matt Ryan candidly admitted that his own fantasy football acumen pales in comparison to his on-field abilities. He recounted how the fantasy football phenomenon gained immense popularity during his NFL tenure, leaving him feeling outmatched by seasoned players. Nevertheless, he approaches the game with an admirable spirit of enjoyment, valuing the fun and camaraderie above all else.
The stakes are high, and the rewards are grand for the contest's victor. The winning league will receive up to twelve round-trip domestic economy flight vouchers to Las Vegas, complemented by three-night stays at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, accommodating all twelve guests in six luxurious king rooms. The extravagant itinerary also includes a lively happy hour at The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails, a lavish four-course dinner at The Mayfair Supper Club within the Bellagio Resort & Casino, and a generous $6,000 credit for use across MGM Resorts. The highlight, of course, is the exclusive two-hour fantasy football draft party with the esteemed "Matty Ice" himself.
The former NFL star's enthusiasm for bringing the winning league to Las Vegas is palpable, as he cherishes the city's self-contained nature and abundant attractions. His recent visits to the vibrant metropolis have included rounds of golf at the renowned Shadow Creek, indulging in the city's diverse culinary and nightlife scenes, and even witnessing a U2 performance at the Sphere during the 2024 Super Bowl. Recalling his professional playing days, Ryan expressed a particular fondness for away games at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he felt a profound connection to the stadium's rich history. He also holds fond memories of Seattle, where he enjoyed extended stays, especially during the picturesque early-to-mid fall season.
Atlanta remains Matt Ryan's cherished home base, where he enjoys spending time with his seven-year-old twin boys and two-year-old son. Their family outings often include visits to the Georgia Aquarium and the College Football Hall of Fame, which he describes as an exceptional experience for children. He also appreciates the Atlanta Beltline, with its array of restaurants, and the burgeoning Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Despite retiring from professional football in spring 2024, Ryan's schedule remains busy, with weekly trips to New York City for his role at CBS Sports. For these solo business excursions, he has a well-established routine: unpacking his bags immediately upon arrival to foster a sense of organization and comfort in his hotel room. When it comes to room service, his go-to is a classic cheeseburger, often paired with an occasional Diet Coke—a simple pleasure that he finds supremely satisfying.
For those eager to partake in this extraordinary event, entry into the Marriott Bonvoy Vegas Fantasy Draft with Matt Ryan is straightforward. Simply log into your BetMGM account and opt into the promotion, then link your BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy accounts. The final deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. on July 30, 2025. Full details and rules for the promotion are readily available for interested participants.