Halo 3 Launch Event Details

We are only 3 days and change away from the release of Halo 3. This game is proving to be one of the most highly anticipated games in a while. So, Microsoft has now announced all of the launch event details taking place in major cities across the United States. Though, the official launch events are only in 5 specific store, over 10,000 stores are opening for midnight releases of the game across the country. You may just want to pick up the game at your local retailer, but if you go to the special events they'll giving away free Halo 3 gear, so take these next three days to think it over. Now here's the details on each event:

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 sell the game. The event will feature day-long activities, and Microsoft encourages line-weary fans to "demonstrate their fanaticism" for Halo through costumes, distance traveled, best signs and other general zaniness. 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," Microsoft said in a news release. Bungie team members and local professional athletes will be on hand to participate in the launch festivities.

Miami
Where: Circuit City, 8575 Northwest 13th Terrace, Miami, FL 33126
What: Hosted by Circuit City, Miami's Midnight Madness event will feature product giveaways and contests starting at 9 p.m. Monday. Miami Dolphins stars Chris Chambers and Joey Porter will be on hand signing autographs as well as challenging fans at Halo 3 inside the store. Bungie team members 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, leads up to the first sale of the game at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, and will feature a celebrity autograph session, Halo trivia contest and a special appearance by someone dressed as Master Chief, as well as a number of Bungie team members. Fans in line will also have a chance to play Halo 3 against a celebrity prior to the launch.

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 a.m. To commemorate the release of Halo 3 in the game's hometown (Bungie's headquarters are in the Seattle area), fans will be able to celebrate the occasion with product giveaways, and people in line may also get a chance to play against Bungie team members and local professional athletes.

Now, as promised, here's the gear you'll get at these special events:

• Halo Action Clix from WizKids



• Collectible trading cards from Topps



• Halo Ghosts of Onyx by Eric Nylund from Tor



• Frag Fest t-shirts from Mighty Fine



• Accessories and hats from Changes



• Messenger bags from Enmon Accessories



• Console sling bag and hardware organizers from BD&A



• Halo Graphic Novels published by Marvel



• 2008 Halo calendars from Trends International



• Halo Uprising Comic (issue one) from Marvel



• Halo soundtracks from Sumthing Else Music



• Weapon replicas from Master Replicas



• Zune Halo 3 edition from Microsoft



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

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