29/10/2002
October 29, 2002
Mobile Graceland Brings Elvis Memorabilia to Harrah's Laughlin and Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Oct. 29, 2002) - More than 12 million Elvis Presley fans have visited Graceland to pay tribute to "The King of Rock and Roll" since the singer's death in 1977. Beginning November 23, Nevada visitors and residents will be able to take part in the Elvis experience as Mobile Graceland arrives as part of a 31-city tour, appearing exclusively at 22 Harrah's casinos and 21 FYE (for your entertainment) stores.
Marking the 25th anniversary of Elvis' passing, Mobile Graceland is a museum-quality exhibit featuring authentic Presley memorabilia, much of which has never been displayed outside Memphis that spans the superstar's unparalleled career. The exhibit will be on display at Harrah's Laughlin Casino & Hotel November 23-25, and then will conclude its four-month tour at Harrah's Las Vegas Casino & Hotel from November 27 through December 15. The hours of operation are 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. except November 27, public viewing begins at 11 a.m. (Dark November 28, December 2 and 9). Admission is free to view the dazzling Elvis Presley memorabilia by presenting a Total Rewards Card (as always, Total Rewards membership sign up is easy and free). The exhibit, housed in an ultra-modern 53-foot-long, 18-wheel semi, contains jewelry, clothing, instruments and other artifacts as unique as the man who owned them.
The collection, which offers a glimpse of the extensive Elvis experience visitors enjoy at Graceland each year, also includes rarely seen archival photographs of the legendary "king," and four listening and viewing stations where fans can enjoy samples of Presley's work.
"We wanted to do something special for this anniversary year and share Graceland with the many fans from around the country who are unable to travel to Memphis," said Jack Soden, president of Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE). "Thanks to Harrah's and FYE, we can take Elvis on tour, and it's quite a show. Mobile Graceland is another great opportunity for us to continue our efforts in introducing Elvis to new audiences and educating them about the impact he had on the world of music and pop culture."
"We're thrilled to commemorate this Elvis anniversary year by bringing this exciting one-of-a-kind exhibit to our two Southern Nevada properties," said Tom Jenkin, general manager of Harrah's Laughlin, Las Vegas and the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. "Harrah's is committed to providing an unparalleled entertainment product, and Mobile Graceland is another way for us to give our customers a unique and memorable experience."
The traveling exhibit was unveiled in Memphis on Aug. 10 to help kick off Elvis Week, a 10-day celebration of the superstar's life. Mobile Graceland is the result of a collaborative marketing effort between Elvis Presley Enterprises, Harrah's, FYE and RCA Records/BMG. New York-based cYclops productions, inc. created Mobile Graceland and is overseeing the exhibit's design and installation.
The Mobile Graceland exhibit includes an FYE retail area where fans can order the recently released ELV1S 30 #1 HITS CD, which is presently at the top of the charts. FYE's retail area also offers other limited edition ELVIS merchandise, as well as a variety of music and movies from the Elvis catalog. For the Mobile Graceland schedule and other information, visit www.mobilegraceland.com.
Stunning super graphics greet Mobile Graceland visitors before they enter the exhibit, which houses more than a dozen authentic artifacts. First along the promenade of Presley memorabilia is a TCB ring (for "Taking Care of Business," Elvis' motto) encrusted with nearly 16 carats of diamonds.
Other highlights of the collection include: a telegram Elvis sent to the Beatles, a record player Elvis kept in his bedroom at Graceland, a U.S. Army jacket Elvis gave to the future Priscilla Presley, a letter to Elvis from former President Richard M. Nixon, and Elvis' favorite guitar, a 1956 Gibson J-200. At the conclusion of the exhibit, fans enter FYE's Elvis shopping area.
Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult with a Total Rewards Card.
Founded more than 60 years ago, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. operates 26 casinos in the United States, primarily under the Harrah's brand name. Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its target customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. Additional information about Harrah's Entertainment is available at www.harrahs.com. |