ABG Entertainment and Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Join Forces to Bring the New Halloween Attraction to Life Providing Seasonal Fun for All Ages LOS ANGELES, CA (June 21, 2022) - 15-time All-Star and basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal and ABG Entertainment today announced a partnership with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the producers of world-class live events and location-based entertainment experiences including LA’s own Haunted Hayride, for the first-ever SHAQTOBERFEST Halloween event, taking place at the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA this October. Officially open to the public beginning late September through Halloween, the interactive experience will be the ultimate Halloween destination for family-friendly trick-or-treating, ghoulish games, delicious treats, specialty libations, frightfully fun nighttime haunted trails and exciting live entertainment that encapsulates O’Neal’s playful personality. "Halloween can’t come soon enough,” said O’Neal. “Thirteenth Floor Entertainment and I have some tricks up our sleeves to make this the most spook-tacular Halloween event ever!” Located alongside one of Los Angeles’ most haunted landmarks, SHAQTOBERFEST will include six thrilling Halloween-themed areas for guests to explore, each featuring Halloween trails, games, live entertainment, food and beverage vendors and more. The experience will be narrated by O’Neal’s instantly recognizable voice. “We are beyond thrilled to be partnering with Shaq and ABG Entertainment for a truly unique Halloween experience coming this fall,” said Chris Strafford, CEO and Founding Partner of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment. “SHAQTOBERFEST will be unlike any other Halloween attraction that we have ever produced, and we couldn’t be more excited to be launching it at one of the area’s most well-known locations and show our fans what we’ve created for them. Not to mention, we’re really excited to be able to produce an event in Long Beach, which has a long running history of hosting amazing Halloween celebrations.” Each afternoon will provide family fun trick-or-treat offerings and entertainment for children of all ages who are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes. Come nighttime, the energetic lights and music turn on as the witching hour begins, unleashing O’Neal’s ghoulish minions into the haunted trails and midways as the spirits of SHAQTOBERFEST are brought to life. “We are incredibly excited to launch the first-ever Shaqtoberfest,” said Matt Goldstein, SVP, Entertainment and Special Projects at ABG Entertainment. “Fans of all ages are going to have the time of their lives celebrating Halloween with Shaq.” For more information and to stay up to date on ticket information, activations and location announcements visit Shaqtoberfest.com and follow us on Instagram at @Shaqtoberfest. About Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group: Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group produces world-class live events and location-based entertainment experiences and is the world’s largest Halloween themed entertainment company. With over 16 locations and counting, every year, Thirteenth Floor brings premier Halloween experiences to markets all across the country. Designed by world-renowned haunted house engineers and featuring makeup and effects from Hollywood special effects artists, their attractions take fright to a whole new level. ThirteenthFloor.com About Shaquille O’Neal: Shaquille O’Neal is one of the world’s most successful athlete-turned-businessmen, whose accomplishments both on and off the court have translated into a highly sought-after consumer brand. As an entrepreneur, sports analyst, DJ, restaurateur, and brand ambassador, Shaquille O’Neal’s signature “Business of Fun” mantra resonates throughout each of his countless endeavors. The 15-time NBA All-Star’s unprecedented athletic career spanned nearly two decades and earned him countless awards and honors, including NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Rookie of the Year, four NBA Championships and a First Ballot NBA Hall of Famer. Currently, O’Neal is an analyst on TNT’s Emmy Award-winning “Inside the NBA.” O'Neal, who has a PhD in Leadership and Education, established The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation which provides resources for underserved youth. He also gives back through a number of annual philanthropic programs including Shaq to School, Shaqsgiving, and Shaq a Claus. The launch of his Las Vegas eatery Big Chicken has further elevated Shaquille’s status as he has positioned himself as a successful restaurateur. The brand currently has sites open in Las Vegas, Glendale, CA, two Carnival Cruise Ships (Mardi Gras and Radiance), Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, UBS Arena in New York with many more locations under development. Follow Shaquille O’Neal on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About ABG Entertainment: ABG Entertainment offers unparalleled storytelling through long-form and short-form content, live event production, hospitality and immersive experiences in collaboration with the world’s most influential creators, distributors, brands and artists. ABG Entertainment is a division of Authentic Brands Group, a global brand development, marketing and entertainment company, and owner of a portfolio of iconic and renowned brands that generate more than $21 billion in retail sales worldwide. For more information, visit authenticbrandsgroup.com EUROSAT RIDE VEHICLE DONATED BY MACK RIDES AND EUROPA-PARK ARRIVES AT NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM6/16/2022
Donation is the first from outside the United States to join the museum’s ever-expanding collection PLAINVIEW, Texas – The National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives (NRCMA) is proud to announce the arrival of ride vehicles from Europa-Park’s Eurosat roller coaster, courtesy of the Mack Family. This donation marks the first time a ride vehicle will be added to the museum’s collection from outside the United States “It is truly a blessing for our first donation from Europe to be from the Mack Family and from such an iconic attraction,” said Jeff Novotny, President of the NRCMA Board of Directors. “It shows that this is truly an international industry with so many wonderful people who have dedicated their careers to ensuring generations of guests have memorable experiences.” “To see one of the Eurosat trains now exhibited and preserved in the National Roller Coaster Museum – showing visitors a piece of history from Europa-Park — is a special honor and a great remembrance of my father,” said Europa-Park owner, Roland Mack. In the coming weeks, the museum will integrate the vehicle into its master plan, which includes interactive exhibits and historic ride vehicles. While construction continues at the museum’s main facility in Plainview, Texas, it is still reliant solely on the generosity of industry fans and facilities. Donations can be made online at rollercoastermuseum.org or by mailing the NRCMA at P.O. Box 5424, Arlington, Texas 76005. About the National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives: The NRCMA is an unaffiliated, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of historic roller coasters and amusement park artifacts. Its goal is to document, archive and preserve the history of the amusement park industry and is completely dependent upon donations of facilities and par fans alike. Visit: rollercoastermuseum.org to learn more.
SAN DIEGO, CA. (June 15, 2022) – SeaWorld San Diego is serving up more options for guests to indulge with five anticipated food and beverage venues now open. The park that offers endless family fun year-round is giving guests new options to fuel them for a day of animal presentations and visits, family and thrill rides, seasonal events and more. Hibisco, Manta Pizza, Underwater Cantina, Dreyer’s Ice Cream Parlor and High Tide Brews will meet all park goers cravings by offering them a variety of delicious food and mouth-watering drink options to choose from. High Tide Brews tap room offers a multitude of craft brews to enjoy and a scenic garden view with live music just footsteps away. Select from one of four featured local California favorite craft brews or sample them all with a SeaWorld Sampler Flight. To toast to the opening of High Tide Brews SeaWorld is offering a special limited-time High Tide Happy Hour every Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. with $2 Beer Flights*. Flights include four 5 oz. samples of:
Experience modern Mexican flavors at Hibisco, featuring crave-worthy bowls and tacos using the freshest ingredients. Guests will get a mouthful of tastes and spices with their bowl or taco choice of carne asada, adobada, chicken, or Impossible™ chorizo, each complemented by cilantro lime rice and a variety of toppings exclusive to each menu offering. Complete the meal with a side of street corn or black beans or go for a sweet finish with caramel churros or cheesecake. Manta Pizza opens as a delicious destination to stop and refuel between rides and exhibits. Located at the heart of SeaWorld San Diego, the chefs at Manta Pizza craft delicious pizza pies with options such as traditional cheese, pepperoni, and vegetarian. The rich taste and fresh ingredients provide guests with the perfect pit-stop for a quick and delicious lunch break. Underwater Cantina is the perfect new spot for adults looking for a cocktail to wrap up their day long adventure. Guests can relax on the patio and soak in the California sun while sipping on mixologist curated cocktails, such as the Mermaid Margarita or Starr-Berry Mojito, frozen specialties or one of the many mezcal and tequila offerings. Beat the California heat at the park’s new Dreyer’s Ice Cream Parlor. Guests can take a bite of scrumptious hand-dipped ice cream cones or the chocolaty brownie sundaes, sure to satisfy your sweet tooth after a day full of family fun. “We are so excited to open a number of new food and drink venues at SeaWorld San Diego” says Jim Lake, SeaWorld San Diego Park President. “We are always looking to offer guests new and exciting ways to enhance their experience at the park, and we can’t wait for guests to refuel and reenergize at these delicious destinations.” Unlimited Days to Eat and Drink in 2022 with a SeaWorld Annual Pass The best way to nibble and nosh throughout the park while enjoying everything else SeaWorld has to offer is with an Annual Pass. For as low as $13.75 a month, guests can enjoy unlimited admission, free parking, free guest tickets, discounts, and much, much more. For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest details and information. *Limit one $2 flight per person on Fridays only between 4-7p and for a limited time only. Universal Studios Hollywood Delivers Nonstop Summer Fun with Its Blockbuster Rides, Attractions and Lands, Including “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” and Illumination’s “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” Click Here to Purchase Tickets to Start Planning the Best Day in L.A. Universal City, California – June 16, 2022 – The Best Day in L.A. starts at Universal Studios Hollywood as the popular theme park brings some of the most popular franchises in film history to life and readies for nonstop summer fun with its blockbuster rides and attractions, including the return of “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts TM Castle” in "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” As the hottest movies of the year hit the big screen, Universal Studios Hollywood is the only place in L.A. to catch the action after the credits roll and become immersed in one-of-a-kind blockbuster attractions. After watching the epic conclusion of Universal Pictures’ Jurassic World Dominion, which opened as the #1 movie in the world, guests can experience “Jurassic World—The Ride” where they will be caught in the middle of an extraordinary battle between the Indominus rex and her arch-rival, the Tyrannosaurus rex. Minions continue to run amok at Universal Studios Hollywood as the theme park prepares for the theatrical release of Illumination and Universal Picture’s newest film, Minions: The Rise of Gru, on July 1. From Monday, June 27 through Sunday, July 17, mischievous Minions will take center stage at Universal Plaza, where guests can meet the newest Minion, Otto, along with fan favorites Jerry and Dave before they set off on an adventure aboard the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride. The Minion activation also features exclusive experiences for guests, including interacting with a 16-foot Minion squishy and engaging in a specially-created Minion-themed game through Sunday, August 14. Family fun continues on Illumination’s award-winning ride The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” where guests become transformed into stray puppies looking for their forever homes, and within the immersive "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” land. For a sneak peek of an authentic movie and television production studio, guests can get a bird’s eye view on the world-renowned Studio Tour, which now features several electric trams in its current fleet. Beginning today, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” returns with a dazzling light and special effects projection display set against the backdrop of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As night falls on Hogsmeade village, guests can enjoy an awe-inspiring spectacle that showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin, accompanied by a special musical arrangement based on original scores from the film series. This summer also sees the return of the “Special Effects Show,” a fast-paced and entertaining behind-the-scenes peek at the world of Hollywood movie-making magic. The Special Effects Show will run daily from Friday, July 1 through Sunday, August 14, then weekends only, beginning Saturday, August 20. Preparing for a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood to experience the Best Day in L.A. is easy with a series of convenient online tools that range from Universal’s interactive mobile app and website and all-new Discover Universal hub, designed to help maximize trips for the ultimate visit. More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free. More information available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com. Six Flags Great Adventure to Participate in World’s Largest Coaster Ride Thursday at 2 p.m.6/14/2022
Theme Park to Partner with American Coaster Enthusiasts Club to Celebrate Anniversary of First Modern Roller Coaster JACKSON, N.J. ─ June 14, 2022 ─ Six Flags Great Adventure, the Northeast’s Largest Thrill Park, will partner with American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), the world’s largest club of amusement ride enthusiasts, and join theme parks across North America to celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the first modern roller coaster. On Thursday at 2 p.m., local ACE members will fill a train of El Toro, recently voted the No. 1 roller coaster in America by 10Best!, and ride simultaneously with fellow members across the country. The ride will celebrate the engineering, architecture, history, entertainment and marvels of roller coasters that began June 16, 1884 with the opening of La Marcus Thompson’s Switchback Railway at Coney Island and emphasize the importance of preserving and enjoying these treasures. “Roller coasters fill us with fears, thrills, laughter and screams, but most importantly, they offer us the opportunity to make unforgettable memories with family and friends,” said Elizabeth Ringas, ACE’s communications director. “ACE is proud to take this moment to celebrate this anniversary with parks across North America during World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month.” La Marcus Thompson’s Switchback Railway at Coney Island, a gravity-powered out-and-back ride that took its inspiration from a mining railway, is known as America’s first roller coaster. Thompson’s Switchback Railway stood where the current-day Coney Island Cyclone, celebrating its 95th anniversary later this month, still operates. “Roller coasters allow our minds to escape the stresses of life even if for just a few moments,” Ringas added. Based on his study at Thorpe Park in England, Dr. David Lewis reported that riding roller coasters could reduce anxiety levels and increase feelings of happiness and self-confidence, enhancing the impact of the memories we make. More about World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month can be found at www.worldrollercoastermonth.com About Six Flags Great Adventure, Wild Safari and Hurricane Harbor Six Flags Great Adventure is the World’s Largest Thrill Park with world-class, award-winning rides like Kingda Ka, Nitro, and Jersey Devil Coaster. The park offers two areas just for the littlest guests and great family rides for the whole family, plus entertainment, shopping, and a wide variety of dining options. Its Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure is one of the largest self-guided drive-through safari outside of Africa and gets guests up-close to more than 1,200 animals from around the globe in the privacy of their own vehicles. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is one of the Northeast’s largest waterparks with more than 25 refreshing attractions for the whole family. www.sixflags.com/greatadventure About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For 60 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling waterparks and unique attractions. Six Flags is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of our team members and guests. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com. About ACE Founded in 1978, American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With 6,500 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. ACE has been prominently featured on various news programs and many cable networks such as the Travel Channel. |
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