Jul 25, 2007 6:04 AM, PROMO Xtra, By Richard Tedesco

Fantasy footballers can compete in virtual pro football leagues for cash prizes on CBS SportsLine.

CBS SportsLine is driving interest in its online fantasy football services with a series of pre-season events and draft parties.

The company will host parties at Buffalo Wild Wings or Dave & Buster’s locations in seven cities. Prospective players will receive advice from an expert and meet a former NFL star.

Current players can hold draft parties at restaurants in the participating chains, get a discount on food and drinks—and 10% off any CBS SportsLine fantasy football product. The players receive a promotional code at each party that can be used as a discount.

The first party will be held in Georgia on July 28, with subsequent events scheduled in Detroit, Philadelphia, Cleveland, San Diego, CA, Houston and Westbury, N.Y., where former New York Giants running back Joe Morris will make an appearance.

The goal of the events is to promote SportsLine’s potpourri of fantasy football, but the larger objective is to simply push the SportsLine moniker.

“It’s more about getting our brand out there,” CBS SportsLine spokesman Alex Riethmiller said. “If we can get our name in front of these people at a draft party, it’s certainly good for business.”

CBS SportsLine has 4 million players for its fantasy leagues—most playing football games, as the sport is twice as popular as fantasy baseball, the company said.

Its most popular product is its $129 Commissioner, which permits leagues to set up their own scoring systems and accommodates 12 players or more per league. Fantasy players prefer playing leagues with pre-set parameters.

Alongside its customizable Commissioner, CBS SportsLine offers individual entry into 12-player leagues with a range of entry fees and corresponding cash prizes. Top of the table is Fantasy Football Double Diamond with a $499 entry fee and a $3,500 prize; Fantasy Football Silver goes for $14.95 with a $50 prize.

CBS will also prod fan interest on-air with an hour-long fantasy football network special on Aug. 12.

For more coverage on event marketing

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