Frequently asked questions
What is the Black Diamond Rookie Symposium & Showcase?
Th Black Diamond Rookie Symposium & Showcase is a 3-Day Intensive Conference and Showcase for Free Agents. The Showcase & Symposium will be offered to current undrafted free agents looking for opportunities in football, at all levels. Black Diamond’s goal is to advise, educate, and provide the best resources and practices for a successful playing experience both on and off the field for all free agents.
Our centrally located program has been carefully crafted to be an immersive experience guaranteed to arm Free Agents with a wealth of knowledge and information to further their professional football careers, as well as showcase their on-field talent in a highly-anticipated11-on-11 showdown between the Black and Gold teams!
Friday and Saturday are scheduled to be invaluable educational days with industry experts as well as some special NFL & Former NFL guests. Players will gain invaluable insight into the sport industry with a variety of the topics that include:
*Social Responsibility
*Respect in the Workplace
*Endorsement Deals
*Mental Health
*Character & Values
*Sport Public Relations
*Crisis Control
*Financial Planning
*Player Marketing Resources
*Workout/Tryout Etiquette & Expectations
*Player Engagement Resources
*And so much more!
This three-day intensive will provide an immersive educational and advising experience for players looking to take their career to the next level.
The experience will be punctuated with an exciting showcase scrimmage between the Black and Gold teams.
The following is included with registration:
*Breakfast and Lunch Friday & Saturday
*Lunch Sunday
*Symposium T-Shirt
*Keepsake Showcase Game Jersey
*Gift Bags Valued over $500
*Symposium Binder & Lecture Notes
*Event Drawstring backpack
*Exclusive One-Hour Private Tour of AT&T Stadium
(Hotel/Airfare Not Included)
Where does this event take place?
The Black Diamond Rookie Symposium will be hosted at the Courtyard by Marriott in Carrollton, TX. The Showcase game field and practice facilities are located 1.2 miles from the hotel at the Josey Ranch Complex.
How can I apply or tryout to come to this event?
The Black Diamond Rookie Symposium & Showcase was created to provide additional opportunities for players who are looking for help with the transition to professional football, as well as showcase their skills on the field and obtain film.
All interested players can submit themself/apply to this event by clicking the "Apply" button on our menu above. Players under the age of 27 are welcome to apply for consideration for an invitation.
How much is the registration fee?
This exclusive 3-day Intensive Event is $450 per player.
Those who receive invitation will be asked to make a $50 deposit upon receiving their invite to hold their spot. The remainder of the fee will be broken up into monthly installment payments or can be paid in full at any time.
Installments are offered as follows:
$50 deposit to accept invitation/reserve your spot Due October 15th
$100 -1st installment due November 15th
$100-2nd installment due December 15th
$100-3rd Installment due January 15th
$100-4th & Final installment due February 15th
Who is eligible to attend?
The Rookie Symposium & Showcase is designed to cater to players under the age of 27 and who were draft eligible during the previous year's draft. Free Agents must not be currently signed or have contract with a team in any league at the time of the application or event.
Is there a deadline for applying?
The deadline for applications will be August 31st. The selection process will be ongoing during the month of September, with invites going out on October 1st.
We WILL still accept rolling applications, but any applications received after August 31st will be wait-listed for review. We will draw from the wait-list to fill positions of players who did not respond to their initial invitations or for players who did not make their payments.
When will I know if I have been selected?
Players chosen to receive an invite will receive an email on OCTOBER 1, 2020 notifying them of their selection. If selected, your $50 deposit must be paid no later than October 15th in order to secure your spot. Failure to pay deposit (or installments on payment plan) will result in loss of your spot. If you do not receive an invitation on October 1st, you can reach out to us to find out if you were selected, or if you have been waitlisted. Be sure to check your SPAM box in the event your invitation gets misrouted.
What is included?
Registration includes breakfast & lunch on both Friday & Saturday, as well as lunch on Sunday. Players will also receive binder, symposium notes, gift bag valued over $500, Symposium T-Shirt, and Keepsake Showcase Game Jersey.
Do you share showcase film with teams?
Yes! Though we are not affiliated with the NFL or CFL, Showcase data (stats/film) will be distributed to the NFL, CFL, NAL, IFL, and their respective member clubs, as well as other pro teams.
Is Film provided?
Yes! You will receive film/highlights from the showcase within 4 weeks of the event.
Can I buy tickets to the Showcase game?
Up to 10 tickets will be provided to each player. We will be updating the page regarding showcase ticket availability closer to the date.
What about Covid-19?
We are keeping a close eye on the developments and restrictions pertaining to Covid-19, and working closely with our state's government to stay informed. We will take all precautions in line with our government's mandates. Should Covid-19 cause a disruption, postponement or cancellation of this event, full refunds will be administered to all who have signed up.
Is lodging included?
As with most showcases and combines, lodging is not included in the total price. We have obtained a block of discounted rooms for our attendees at the Symposium Venue: Courtyard by Marriott in Carrollton. Those attending will be provided with the link to book their room at a discounted rate if they wish to remain on the property during this event. Player may also opt to secure other options such as an airbnb or other hotel close by if it better fits their budget.
We highly recommend that you book your hotel room at the Courtyard so that you can conveniently be on-property for the entire weekend. We encourage you to fly in on Thursday evening so that you can book into your room and be fully rested for our early Friday morning start. We also encourage you to stay Sunday night and fly out on Monday morning so that you have adequate time to rest up after the game and have access to room/shower facilities immediately following the showcase.
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT
(CARROLLTON/DALLAS CONFERENCE CENTER)
1201 Raiford Road
Carrollton, Texas 75007 USA
AIRPORT INFORMATION
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Airport Phone: +1 972-973-3112
Hotel direction: 15.7 miles NE
This hotel does not provide shuttle service.
Alternate transportation: Super Shuttle; fee: 26 USD (one way) ;reservation required
Estimated taxi fare: 65 USD (one way)
Bus service, fee: 5 USD (one way)
Visit DFW airport website
Driving directions
Exit Airport North on International Pkwy and merge onto TX-121 North, continue onto Sam Rayburn Tollway and take the Interstate 35E South exit towards Dallas. Merge onto Interstate 35E South, use the right two lanes to take exit 445B to merge onto President George Bush Turnpike East. Use the right two lanes to take the exit toward Old Denton Rd/McCoy Rd to merge onto West Trinity Mills Rd. Turn left onto McCoy Rd and turn left at the first cross street onto E Trinity Mills Rd. Turn right onto Raiford Rd and turn right at the hotel entrance.
Addison Airport (ADS)
Airport Phone: +1 972-392-4850
Hotel direction: 5.5 miles NW
This hotel does not provide shuttle service.
Alternate transportation: Yellow Cab; fee: 16 USD (one way) ;reservation required
Estimated taxi fare: 16 USD (one way)
Bus service, fee: 5 USD (one way)
Visit ADS airport website
Driving directions
Exit Airport South on Dooley Rd towards Midway Rd and turn right on Midway Rd. Use the left two lanes to turn left onto East Trinity Mills Rd then turn right onto Raiford Rd and turn right at the hotel entrance.
Dallas Love Field (DAL)
Airport Phone: +1 214-670-5683
Hotel direction: 17.2 miles NW
This hotel does not provide shuttle service.
Alternate transportation: Super Shuttle; fee: 27 USD (one way) ;reservation required
Estimated taxi fare: 55 USD (one way)
Bus service, fee: 5 USD (one way)
Visit DAL airport website
Driving directions
Exit Airport on Herb Kelleher Way and turn right onto W Mockingbird Ln. Turn right onto North Stemmons Fwy, use the left lane to take the ramp onto Interstate 35E North. Merge onto Interstate 35E North and use the right two lanes to take exit 445 to merge onto President George Bush Turnpike East. Use the right two lanes to take the exit toward Old Denton Rd/McCoy Rd to merge onto West Trinity Mills Rd. Turn left onto McCoy Rd and turn left at the first cross street onto E Trinity Mills Rd. Turn right onto Raiford Rd and turn right at the hotel entrance.
PARKING
Complimentary on-site parking
Please visit the front desk for alternative parking recommendations
OTHER TRANSPORTATION
Car Rentals
Nearby
Hertz
2700 North I-35E
Carrollton, TX 75007
Phone: +1 972-242-9810
Bus Station
Dallas Greyhound Station
Trinity Mills DART Station
Train Station
Trinity Mills DART Station
What do I need to bring with me?
You will be required to bring your own helmet and shoulder pads. This is pretty standard for most showcases. If you do not own your own, the possibility of renting equipment may be a possibility.
You will also be required to bring a pair of black game pants. Your jersey will be provided.
If you have specific medical equipment (epipens, inhalers, etc) be sure that you bring those items and ensure that the Showcase staff are aware of their location in the event of emergency.