Do NFL Home Teams Stay At A Hotel Before a Game

In the NFL, every Thursday, Sunday, and Monday, teams are expected to match-up against one-another for their respective game. And, unless a team has a bye week, the away team is expected to travel from their home state to the city where the game is expected to take place.

And, perhaps unsurprisingly, the away team will ensure that all players, coaches, and team personnel are situated in a hotel nearby to the stadium where the game is to be held.

But what about the home team? That is, do NFL players playing for the home team stay at a hotel the day before the game?

Below, we are going to review just whether or not the home team players, coaches, and team personnel stay at a hotel the night before a game. In addition, we are going to review just why the practice of staying at a hotel is implemented within the league and just how much doing so can cost an NFL team.

Why Do NFL Teams Stay In Hotels For Home Games?

Contrary to popular belief, nearly every NFL team across the league has instituted a policy requiring all players, coaches, and team personnel to be housed and situated in a hotel the night before a game. This rule is required, regardless whether or not a player is playing a home or an away game.

The reason for this requirement is two-fold.

Firstly, and perhaps more obviously, is as a means to reduce the probability of a mishap occurring the night before a game. That is, NFL teams, in an attempt to ensure player safety and health before a game, will require all players, coaches, and team personnel to be located in a central location.

By requiring players, coaches, and team personnel to remain in a hotel the night before a game, the team can ensure that no single player opts for late-night outings, partying, or excessive drinking before the start of a game.

Similarly, by requiring all players, coaches, and tea personnel to remain in a central location, in this case a hotel, the team can more easily ensure that all players, coaches, and personnel are awake and ready to set off to the stadium to begin preparations for the game.

Secondly, and perhaps just as importantly, NFL teams require their players, coaches, and team personnel to stay at a hotel the night before a game as a means of team building and bonding.

By staying in a central location, in this case a hotel, NFL teams can further encourage player cooperation, support, and team building. Similarly, with all players, coaches, and team personnel being located in one spot, team coaches can gather their players the night before a game to discuss the so-called “game plan” for the next days game.

What Do NFL Players Do During Their Time In A Hotel?

With most NFL teams requiring their players, coaches, and team personnel to stay at a hotel the night before a game, regardless if they are playing a home or an away game, many NFL players will have plenty of time the night before a game to themselves.

During this time, and during the time before a game, many NFL players will not only meet with their own teammates and other players on the team, but will also spend a good amount of time with their coaches, ensuring they are fully prepared for the upcoming game.

Similarly, being in a central location and being prohibited from leaving the hotel, many NFL players will simply take the time away from their friends and family to relax and mentally prepare for the upcoming game. That is, they will eat, watch tv, and relax in their rooms to ensure they are fully prepared for the next days game.

What Type of Hotels Do NFL Players Stay In?

With the NFL being a billion dollar organization, and with many NFL players getting paid handsomely, NFL players expect to be housed and situated in rather luxurious accommodations. As such, NFL teams will typically book 5 star hotels for their teams the night before a game.

However, although all players will be situated in the same hotel, not all players will be eligible for the same accommodations. That is, rookie and non-seasoned players will typically stay in a simple king bedroom, with more senior and team captains being placed in a hotel suite.

The reason for this difference is quite simple. For all-star plays and team captains, being given a preferred hotel room or a suite is seen as a sign of respect from the team and the organization. In addition, as many players will meet and coalesce at the captains room, it simply makes more sense for them to have a larger hotel room.

How Much Does It Cost to Put an NFL Team in a Hotel?

Although NFL teams don’t disclose the total cost of putting their team in a hotel room, we can make a few assumptions to come to the final cost. With 48 active players for each game and approximately 20 additional staff members, most NFL teams will need to book approximately 75 total rooms for a night.

With the average 5 star hotel room costing over $800, we can expect an NFL team to pay over $60,000 for a night at the hotel. However, given that most NFL teams are offered group discounts and member rates, this figure is probably reduced to between $45,000 to $50,000 total.