America’s number one syndicated show Wheel of Fortune will roll into Chattanooga on Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12, with the promotional vehicle the Wheelmobile, WTVC Newschannel 9 announced.
Wheel of Fortune and the Wheelmobile are coming to Chattanooga and to Riverbend as part of its promotional tour to help celebrate the festival’s 30th anniversary.
Officials said the Wheelmobile "is in search of good game players who are energetic, enthusiastic and fun. Viewers interested in being a contestant on an upcoming episode are invited to attend. Fans will have the opportunity to fill out an application, have his or her name drawn at random to play a simulated version of the game onstage, win unique prizes and be evaluated as a potential contestant for the broadcast version of the show."
Executive Producer Harry Friedman said, “The Wheelmobile tour gives us the opportunity to present local viewers with a unique and personal experience with the show. It’s a way for us to thank our viewers for their long-term support, and for making the show number one.”
Friends of the Festival Executive Director Chip Baker added, “We are incredibly excited to have the Wheelmobile at this year’s Riverbend Festival thanks to NewsChannel 9. Riverbend patrons can come out and enjoy the interactive show, and the players are all being watched as possible contestants on the national hit show The Wheel of Fortune. We are excited to partner with our friends at NewsChannel 9 to make this another great attraction for Riverbend 2011.”
Mike Costa, vice president and general manager of WTVC Newschannel 9, said, “Bringing another top-rated national show to Chattanooga is important to us. Wheel of Fortune draws thousands of viewers every night – viewers who are pretty good puzzle solvers. I cannot think of a better way to help Riverbend celebrate three decades of music, fun and entertainment than helping Wheel of Fortune find the next great contestant from here in the Tennessee Valley.”
Wheel of Fortune airs weeknights at 7 p.m. on NewsChannel 9. For more information on the Wheelmobile, tune into NewsChannel 9, log on to NewsChannel9.com or visit wheeloffortune.com.
Gates to the Riverbend Festival will open ½ hour early and at 4 p.m. on the Wheelmobile event dates. Weekly admission to the Festival is available at an advance price of $28 per person (with free enrollment into Riverbend Rewards) beginning April 1 – 30, $30 per person (without enrolling in Riverbend Rewards) from April1st – June 9th, or, beginning June 10th – 18th, weekly pins can be purchased for $40 or daily passes for $24. In case of inclement weather, the event may be cancelled.
Staff members from the Wheel of Fortune promotions team will begin handing out applications one hour before each show begins. Searches will be held at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., with each show lasting about an hour. Everyone who attends the event will be able to submit an application. Participants will be selected to come to the stage and audition via a random draw.