Verizon Wireless, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Partner to Bring Music Top Music Artists and Interactive Concerts to Las Vegas

Verizon Wireless, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Partner to Bring Music Top Music Artists and Interactive Concerts to Las Vegas

Exclusive Music and Video Content From Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Concerts Available to Verizon Wireless Customers

IRVINE, Calif., July 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, owner and operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino today announced a partnership that will bring top tier music artists and interactive wireless technology to Las Vegas. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino concertgoers will be able to interact with the artists and share PIX and TXT messages on interactive plasma screens visible throughout the "The Joint," the hotel's concert venue, as well as on channel 25 shown throughout the casino, pool, restaurants and hotel guest rooms.

"Our partnership with Verizon Wireless reflects the true meaning of partnership marketing," said Philip Shalala, vice president of marketing for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. "Their commitment to innovation, music and technology provides our customers with a quality interactive experience. Together, we have been able to create measurable results among a specific target audience."

"Hard Rock Hotel & Casino signifies yet another major milestone in our commitment to the youth market and it demonstrates our success in building the right relationships with the music industry's most influential players," said Gregg Yacovone director of marketing for Verizon Wireless in the twelve western states. "We will continue to lead the industry through the delivery of today's hottest music and entertainment content. Providing our subscribers with the content they want and in the manner they want it."

As part of the strategic relationship, Verizon Wireless will offer its customers exclusive music and video content from concerts made available through its VCast service in the form of ringtones, ringback tones, wallpaper and streaming video. A joint website, www.getintheconcert.com, will offer updates on concerts and contests.

Verizon Wireless will also be awarding free tickets to each concert through the company's free "TXT2WIN" text messaging contest. To enter, contestants simply send a text message to "2223." No purchase is necessary to enter and win. Void where prohibited. Contestants must be 18 years of age or older to participate in the contest. Rules and contest details are available at www.getintheconcert.com. Each winner and their guest will receive one night's free stay at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino plus two free tickets to a concert at the hotel's venue, the "Joint" (transportation not included). In addition, pending artist approval, Verizon Wireless will offer onsite concertgoers a chance to win a meet and greet with the band through "TXT2WIN or PIX2WIN." Consumers can learn more about the contest at www.getintheconcert.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 45.5 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE:VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage and high- resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Built in 1995 by founder Peter Morton, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has played host to some of the hottest celebrities and the biggest high rollers that visit Las Vegas. The hotel is home to world-class restaurants, including Nobu and Simon Kitchen and Bar, renowned nightlife in Body English and the famous "Center Bar," and live music in the hotel's acclaimed concert venue. The Joint. Anyone from the Rolling Stones to Linkin Park have stayed and played at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Jenny Weaver Verizon Wireless Jenny.Weaver@verizonwireless.com 480-763-6321

Jason Taylor Tribal Brands for Verizon Wireless 650-346-5643

Stacy Kansky Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 702-693-4019

Source: Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Jenny Weaver of Verizon Wireless, +1-480-763-6321, or Jenny.Weaver@verizonwireless.com; or Jason Taylor of Tribal Brands, +1-650-346-5643, for Verizon Wireless; or Stacy Kansky of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, +1-702-693-4019

Web site: http://www.getintheconcert.com/

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/

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