INDIANAPOLIS, May 28, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ticketmaster, a Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc., (Nasdaq:TKTM) company, has teamed up with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to debut all-in-one ticketing for fans of the 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil, the largest and most prestigious auto drag race in the world. The NHRA is the first sporting event to utilize Ticketmaster's all-inclusive priced ticketing model for their fans.
"Ticketmaster is proud to work with the NHRA to offer their fans an innovative and more transparent ticketing option," said Mike McGee, EVP, North American Business Operations, Ticketmaster. "Our all-inclusive ticketing received a great response when it was launched last year for the Eagles' Long Road Out of Eden U.S. tour, and we're happy to team up with the NHRA to bring the same level of service and satisfaction to the sports world."
"This is another step in our ongoing fan relief effort," said Ron Anderson, general manager, O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. "This is a step that both NHRA and Ticketmaster are taking to help drag racing fans eliminate some of the worry that may come with purchasing tickets. We're grateful to have a strong relationship with Ticketmaster and glad that we can bring some relief and help to our devoted followers."
Tickets for the 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, taking place from September 2nd through 7th at O'Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis are on sale now by calling (800) 884-NHRA, or by visiting Ticketmaster.com. The consumer will incur no added convenience and handling fees at check-out (with the exception of customers who choose special delivery options through TicketFast or UPS).
Each Labor Day weekend, NHRA racers and fans descend on O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis for the biggest, oldest, richest, and most prestigious drag race in the world. The fabled strip is regarded by many as one of the smoothest on the circuit, and fans say that no career is truly complete without a win at drag racing's grandest event. The event also hosts the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle, the bonus event for Pro Stock Motorcycle racers, and is the last event in the Countdown to 10. Fans planning on attending this year's Mac Tools U.S. Nationals will also have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Race Fan Relief program held at NHRA Full Throttle events in Pomona, Gainesville and Atlanta at O'Reilly Raceway Park.
About Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc.
Ticketmaster Entertainment consists of Ticketmaster and Front Line Management Group. As the world's leading live entertainment ticketing and marketing company, Ticketmaster connects the world to live entertainment. Ticketmaster operates in 20 global markets, providing ticket sales, ticket resale services, marketing and distribution through www.ticketmaster.com, one of the largest e-commerce sites on the Internet; approximately 7,100 retail outlets; and 17 worldwide call centers. Established in 1976, Ticketmaster serves more than 10,000 clients worldwide across multiple event categories, providing exclusive ticketing services for leading arenas, stadiums, professional sports franchises and leagues, college sports teams, performing arts venues, museums, and theaters. In 2008, the Company sold more than 141 million tickets valued at over $8.9 billion on behalf of its clients. Ticketmaster Entertainment acquired a controlling interest in Front Line Management Group in October 2008. Founded by Irving Azoff and Howard Kaufman in 2004, Front Line Management Group is the world's leading artist management company. Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc. is headquartered in West Hollywood, California (Nasdaq:TKTM).
About the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is the world's largest and loudest auto racing organization, founded by Wally Parks in 1951. The NHRA is dedicated to safety while providing millions of racing fans with The Extreme MotorsportTM: the fastest and most spectacular form of entertainment on wheels. With 80,000 members and more than 35,000 licensed competitors, NHRA is a thriving leader in the world of motorsports. With more than 300 dedicated employees, NHRA offers drag racing opportunities for hot rod enthusiasts of all levels, from kids ages 8-17 in the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League all the way up to the top of the professional ranks with the organization's NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. With more than 20 categories of competition, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle at the Professional level, to a multicultural array of high-octane personalities it calls world champions, NHRA thrives on unique competitors accomplishing unique achievements. For more information, log on to www.nhra.com