Vancouver residents will recall that local tech‑enthusiasts Scott Slamp and Dave Burns created one of the earliest fantasy football websites back in 1999, a venture that predated the massive boom of the industry. Their site, known simply as Scott and Dave’s Fantasy Football, gave early adopters a way to draft virtual teams and track player statistics long before the concept became mainstream.

According to a report by The Columbian, the project began well before fantasy football exploded into a billion‑dollar market. The duo’s platform offered fans a novel way to engage with the sport, laying groundwork for the countless leagues that now exist across the country.

The Fantasy Sports and Gaming Association estimates that about 40 million people participated in fantasy football during the 2025‑26 season. That figure underscores how far the hobby has come from its modest beginnings in a Vancouver garage, highlighting the lasting impact of early innovators like Slamp and Burns on today’s sports culture.

While the local story celebrates Vancouver’s contribution to the fantasy‑football phenomenon, the broader football landscape continues to evolve. The Cotton Bowl, a marquee college‑football game, will remain on a Friday‑night prime‑time slot for the 2013 edition, scheduled for Jan. 4 at Cowboys Stadium, according to The Columbian (citing AP). The decision reflects the sport’s enduring popularity and provides fans across the nation, including those in Vancouver, another high‑profile football event to enjoy.

There are no announced follow‑up events or reunions related to Slamp and Burns’ original website at this time. Residents interested in the history of fantasy football are encouraged to keep an eye on local community calendars for any future gatherings or retrospectives that may honor the pair’s pioneering work.

Sources: columbian.com, columbian.com