PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hasbro, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: HAS) NERF brand announced today that the annual, much-anticipated NERF DART TAG World Championship will take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, FL., August 19-21 at Walt Disney World. For the first time, players from across the United States will have the chance to be “drafted” to the World Championship where they will challenge fellow athletes from around the country and battle for NERF fame and $25,000 per team, per age group.
To be considered for the DART TAG ‘draft,’ prospective NERF DART TAG athletes are invited to visit WWW.NERF.COM and explain how they embody the ‘It’s NERF OR NOTHIN’’ motto and why they have what it takes to be a DART TAG Champion, and answer a series of questions regarding their athleticism, favorite NERF blasters, and playing style and strategies. On “Draft Day” - August 1st - fans will find out if their responses have landed them a spot in the 2011 DART TAG roster. Recruits will then travel to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to compete in the NERF DART TAG World Championship, held on August 19-21. Players will be divided into two age groups, 8-12 and 13-17, and then into 16 regional teams.
"The NERF DART TAG World Championship has experienced tremendous growth during only a few years. There are already nearly 15,000 athletes registered for the NERF DART TAG league and it has inspired us to revamp the competition and open it up to our increasing fan base," said Kelly Stone, Director of U.S. Marketing for Hasbro’s NERF brand. “The major changes to the 2011 competition, our alliance with ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and completely redesigned DART TAG equipment give this unique sporting event the spotlight it deserves and make the NERF DART TAG experience more accessible to our diverse community of NERF athletes across the country.”
For more information on 2011 NERF DART TAG tournament rules, eligibility, registration forms, and the NERF DART TAG World Championship, visit WWW.NERF.COM.
The NERF DART TAG experience will also be enhanced this year with an updated collection of competition grade jerseys, blasters, and accessories created for ultimate game play. Featuring greater dart capacities and performance, the 2011 DART TAG lineup allows fans to train at their ultimate level as they prepare for the NERF sporting competition of the year. The new NERF DART TAG line hitting shelves today nationwide includes the following:
NERF DART TAG SWARMFIRE Blaster
The first fully automatic DART TAG blaster in the collection, the NERF DART TAG SWARMFIRE blaster, will change the game of DART TAG forever! Players can launch a powerful stream of up to 20 darts, keeping opposing teams at bay. The NERF DART TAG SWARMFIRE blaster is suitable for ages eight years and up, requires six "C” batteries (not included) and will be available for the approximate retail price of $29.99.
NERF DART TAG QUICK 16 Blaster
Whether you’re getting ready for an offensive or defensive DART TAG play, you’ll be able to stay calm and collected with the new rapid-fire NERF DART TAG QUICK 16 blaster by your side. The NERF DART TAG QUICK 16 blaster sends an intense stream of darts towards the opposition and features an integrated clip system making reloads quick. The blaster includes 16 Velcro Tip DART TAG darts, is suitable for ages eight and up and will be available for the approximate retail price of $19.99.
NERF DART TAG SPEED LOAD 6 Blaster
The NERF DART TAG SPEED LOAD 6 blaster helps keep the intensity of DART TAG game play at an ultimate high. With a new top reloading system and cool, sleek design, players on both teams will have to stay on their toes to keep up with all the fast-paced action and rapid return fires. The NERF DART TAG SPEED LOAD 6 blaster includes six Velcro Tip DART TAG darts, is suitable for ages eight and up and will be available for the approximate retail price of $12.99.
NERF DART TAG SHARP SHOT Blaster
Get ready for a DART TAG game wherever you go with the NERF DART TAG SHARP SHOT blaster. This new, lightweight blaster features a carabiner styled clip which can be hooked on belt loops allowing players to always be at the ready for when a battle breaks out. The NERF DART TAG SHARP SHOT blaster includes four Velcro Tip DART TAG darts, is suitable for ages eight years and up and will be available for the approximate retail price of $7.99.
NERF DART TAG 2 Player Starter Pack
Experience the thrill of the NERF DART TAG League tournaments right at home with the complete NERF DART TAG 2 Player Starter Pack! Featuring two DART TAG SHARP SHOT blasters, two sets of DART TAG VISION GEAR eyewear, two DART TAG starter jerseys, and eight Velcro Tip DART TAG darts, the NERF DART TAG 2 Player Starter Pack has everything you and your friends will need to get started. DART TAG jerseys available in either orange or blue; sold separately. The Starter Pack is suitable for ages eight and up and will be available for the approximate retail price of $29.99.
NERF DART TAG Official Competition Jersey
An essential element of the DART TAG arena, each NERF DART TAG official competition jersey, available in orange or blue, features target panels on the front, back, and sleeves, as well as mesh side panels to keep teams cool in the heat of battle. The NERF DART TAG official competition jersey is available in size Small or Large, is suitable for ages eight and up and will be available for the approximate retail price of $15.99. Each sold separately.
NERF DART TAG VISION GEAR Eyewear Assortment
Your DART TAG uniform isn’t complete without NERF DART TAG VISION GEAR eyewear. The new NERF DART TAG VISION GEAR assortment includes one pair of VISION GEAR eyewear (choose from orange, black, or white), allowing players to pick the best look to suit their team’s style. Featuring a new flexible rubberized coating to keep players comfortable during play and hinged arms for battles on the go, the NERF DART TAG VISION GEAR eyewear assortment is ready for a DART TAG game anytime, anywhere. The NERF DART TAG VISION GEAR eyewear assortment is suitable for ages eight and up and will be available for the approximate retail price of $4.99. Each sold separately.
NERF NATION can be followed on www.Facebook.com/NerfNation, www.YouTube.com/Nerf, and www.Twitter.com/NerfNation.
About Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Hub, Hasbro’s multi-platform joint venture with Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) launched on October 10, 2010. The online home of The Hub is www.hubworld.com. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.
Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2011 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
About ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosts more than 300 events a year, is the leading multi-sport venue for amateur and professional sports in the United States, accommodating 70 different sports and athletes from more than 70 countries. Designed to take youth sports to the next level, the 230-acre facility features the ESPN Innovation Lab, a real-world testing ground for the ESPN Emerging Technology Group to develop ground-breaking on-air products like Ball Track and ESPN Snap Zoom, as well as development of its new 3-D television channel. In addition, the complex features 56 high-definition cameras (42 robotic, 10 hand-held and four studio) and 40 high-definition video screens, including three jumbo screens, that can capture and display footage from any event taking place at the complex. The camera and video screens, as well as a 20-zone audio system, are controlled through the state-of-the-art HD and 3-D Broadcast Center that features eight edit bays and links to ESPN facilities in Bristol, Conn., New York and Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.wdwnews.com for press releases, photos and videos. Follow us on Twitter at @DisneySports.
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