The Frenzy Builds as Countdown to the launch of "Halo 3" Enters the Final Week

With seven days and counting, the anticipation for "Halo 3" has reached a fever pitch. To help further stoke the anticipation for what promises to be one of the biggest entertainment launches in history, Microsoft today confirmed further exciting details around the Midnight Madness events happening across the United States starting Monday, September 24 and culminating with the game's sale at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, September 25.

More than 10,000 retail stores in the U.S. alone will be opening their doors at midnight on September 25 to usher in one of the biggest days in entertainment history, and fans will be invited to participate in activities at local retailers to countdown to "Halo 3's" launch.

Major regional events will also be held in select locations including New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle and Miami, and those consumers who participate will not only be a part of history in the making, but can also score free merchandise and get a chance to play "Halo 3" with local celebrities in on-site Game with Fame sessions.

Specific event details include:


New York

Where: Best Buy, 529 5th Ave, New York, NY, 10017

What: Located in the heart of 5th Ave. and only a few blocks from Times Square, the Best Buy store on the corner of 5th and 44th Ave. will be the first to provide consumers in the U.S. with their copies of "Halo 3." The event, which will begin early afternoon on Monday and can be seen on televisions nationwide via live broadcasts from both Spike TV and G4, will feature day-long activities. People are encouraged to demonstrate their fanaticism for Halo through costumes, distance traveled, best signs and more. Additionally, fans in line may get to play "Halo 3" prior to launch against on-site celebrities from early Monday afternoon through midnight. Every hour, a new personality will enter the fray with the fans. At midnight, attendees can expect a spectacle unlike any other. A number of Bungie team members and local professional athletes will be on hand to participate in the launch festivities.



Los Angeles

Where: GameStop, 1000 Universal Studios Blvd, Universal City, CA 91608

What: From the entertainment capital of the world, GameStop's flagship store at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles will host the Halo 3 West Coast launch. The event begins Monday evening and will lead up to the first sale of the game at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, September 25, and will feature a celebrity autograph session, Halo trivia contest and a special appearance by the man of the hour, Master Chief, as well as a number of Bungie team members. Fans in line will also have a chance to be one of the lucky few who can battle it out against a celebrity on "Halo 3" prior to the launch. The event can be seen on televisions nationwide via live broadcasts from both Spike TV and G4.



Seattle

Where: Best Buy, 457 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005

What: Seattle fans are invited to join the celebrations at Bellevue's Best Buy, which will open its doors at 12:01 am on September 25 to sell the highly anticipated and final chapter in the "Halo" trilogy. To commemorate the release of "Halo 3" in the game's hometown, fans will be able to celebrate the occasion with product giveaways. People in line may also get a chance to play against Bungie team members and local professional athletes.



Miami

Where: Circuit City, 8575 Northwest 13th Terrace, Miami, FL 33126

What: Hosted by Circuit City, Miami's Midnight Madness event of choice will feature product giveaways and contests starting at 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. Current Miami Dolphins stars, Chris Chambers and Joey Porter will be on hand signing autographs as well as challenging fans in "Halo 3" inside Circuit City. Additionally, a number of Bungie team members will be on hand to participate in the launch festivities.



Attendees at the regional events will also have an opportunity to receive the following giveaways as part of the festivities:


* Halo Action Clix from WizKids

o http://www.wizkidsgames.com

* Collectible trading cards from Topps

o http://www.topps.com

* Halo Ghosts of Onyx by Eric Nylund from Tor

o http://www.tor-forge.com/haloghostsofonyx

* Frag Fest t-shirts from Mighty Fine

o http://www.mightyfineinc.com/

* Accessories and hats from Changes

o http://www.changesonline.com/

* Messenger bags from Enmon Accessories

o http://www.enmonaccessories.com/

* Console sling bag and hardware organizers from BD&A

o http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=802719

* Halo Graphic Novels published by Marvel

o http://www.marvel.com/

* 2008 Halo calendars from Trends International

o http://www.trendsinternational.com/

* Halo Uprising Comic (issue one) from Marvel

o http://www.marvel.com/

* Halo soundtracks from Sumthing Else Music

o http://www.sumthing.com/

* Weapon replicas from Master Replicas

o http://masterreplicas.com/index.php

* Zune Halo 3 edition

o http://www.zune.net/en-us/meetzune/halo/default.htm

* Limited-edition figurines from the diorama created for the "Halo 3" ad campaign

* And many other great pieces of merchandise