THQ Inc. today announced that it will return as the title sponsor of the 2002
THQ U.S. Open, a two-night showdown between the greatest supercross
riders on the planet at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the fourth consecutive
year. THQ has been involved with the U.S. Open since 1999.

“THQ has taken a very active role in supporting the sport of motocross
with major sponsorships like the THQ U.S. Open and is responsible for creating
some of the most innovative motocross experiences widely enjoyed by both the
fans and the actual riders themselves,” said Eric Peronnard, founder
of the U.S. Open. “THQ’s strong sponsorship support has given this
event unparalleled excellence and we are proud to have them back as our title
sponsor for the fourth consecutive year.” . . .

THQ’s strong support of the sport of motocross began in 1999 with the release
of their first motocross racing game, “Championship Motocrossâ„¢ featuring
Ricky Carmichael” for the original PlayStation® video game console.
Since then the company has released three more motocross games, including the
recently released “MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael”
for the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system. The critically acclaimed
game franchise has evolved along with the sport of motocross, incorporating
the widely popular freestyle aspect of the sport, and now boasts the highest
market share in its category, according to NPD TRST data. Throughout the years,
THQ has fostered strong relationships within the motocross community and has
worked with more than 20 apparel, equipment and industry companies in cross-promotional
efforts and sponsorship opportunities.

“We are excited to return as the title sponsor of the 2002 THQ U.S. Open,”
said Peter Dille, vice president, marketing, THQ. “THQ has been actively
involved in the motocross community for several years and the THQ U.S. Open
has been a great way to anchor our presence and provide a platform to promote
`MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael’. We’re looking forward to another great
event.”

THQ’s title rider, two-time winner of the THQ U.S. and defending 250cc supercross
and motocross champion, Ricky Carmichael, has been invited back to the 2002
THQ U.S. Open. Carmichael could make history at this year’s event by becoming
the first rider to win the event three times.

About “MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael”

“MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael” is the only game that features
seven-time AMA National Champion Ricky Carmichael as well as 27 other pro riders
from the 125cc, 250cc and freestyle ranks. In addition to the real pro riders,
the game showcases 22 motocross, supercross and amateur tracks making it the
most authentic MX game on the market. Expanded career modes allow riders to
earn cash and upgrade their bikes and equipment in both racing and freestyle
modes. MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael also features 11 mini-games, an
enhanced freestyle mode with all new tricks, expansive environments and wide-open
worlds for gamers to explore as well as a powerful freestyle stunt track editor
that allows players to create and design the ultimate motocross course. Numerous
hidden characters and bikes add to the mix including rock-rap superstar and
motocross enthusiast Vanilla Ice. Visual enhancements include new particle effects,
reflection mapping and dirt accumulation on riders creating one of the most
realistic looking motocross games to date. Players will reap the rewards of
racing through an entire season of pulse pounding motocross action while ESPN
commentators Cameron Steele and Davey Coombs join in for all the fun.

“MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael” will also be available for
the Xboxâ„¢ videogame system from Microsoft in
the fall.

Tickets for Las Vegas MGM Grand’s 5th Annual THQ U.S. Open (October 11-12,
2002), and the 2nd Annual Amateur Arenacross World Finals (October 13, 2002),
are currently on-sale. Fans can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster at 702/474-4000,
the MGM Grand Box office, or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com and www.ussx.com.
Hotel space goes quickly for the U.S. Open, so for reservations, contact the
MGM Grand Hotel at 800/929-1111 or the Las Vegas Reservation system at 800/233-5594.
Book your rooms and tickets now, as space is limited.

About THQ

THQ Inc. is a leading, worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment
software for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, wireless devices,
and those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Nintendo
and Microsoft. The THQ web site is located at www.thq.com.
The THQ Wireless site is located at www.thqwireless.com.

Filed under: News

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!