OWINGS MILLS, Md., August 18, 2007 – Sam’s Club, one of the nation’s largest warehouse clubs, today celebrated the launch of the EA Sports’ Madden NFL 08 video game by giving select boys and girls from the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) and Baltimore Ravens fans with the unique opportunity to go head-to-head with Ravens Ring of Honor member Michael McCrary in a game of Madden NFL 08.
The event, which coincided with this week’s national launch of the iconic video game, was open to the public and held at the Sam’s Club in Owings Mills, Md. Non member purchases were subject to a service fee. McCrary, a 10-year veteran who earned two Pro Bowl berths as a defensive end and a Super Bowl championship in 2001, was immediately put to the test for four quarters by CMN participant, Samuel Napper, 15, of Baltimore City, Md. For his / her participation, Sam’s Club made a $1,500 donation in the Napper’s name to the Johns Hopkins Childrens Center in Baltimore.
In addition, select Ravens fans earned the right through an in-store drawing during the event to compete against the 2004 Ravens Ring of Honor recipient on the virtual gridiron, with gamers receiving special Sam’s Club gift packs, which included Microsoft XBOX 360 and Nintendo Wii game consoles and a copy of Madden NFL 08. Sam’s Club also gave away cool prizes, and fans had the opportunity to have their own copy of Madden NFL 08 personalized by McCrary.
“What an exciting opportunity for the boys and girls of the Children’s Miracle Network, valued Club Members and Michael McCrary fans,” said Joe Muha, Buyer-videogames and computer software, Sam’s Club. “By celebrating the launch of Madden NFL 08 in our stores, Sam’s Club is not only creating unique experiences for the community, but providing them with exclusive access to one of the all-time great Baltimore Ravens players.”
Sam’s Club is holding similar events in several markets across the country this week, including Indianapolis and Kansas City, Mo., and featuring former pro football standouts, Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowl tight end Ken Dilger and Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame running back Christian Okoye.
“The enthusiasm and anticipation for the release of Madden NFL seems to reach new heights each year,” said McCrary. “As an avid gamer and a big fan of Madden NFL myself, when Sam’s Club approached me about being a part of this unique event, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share in the fans’ excitement – playing the game together for the first time.”
In addition to carrying Madden NFL 08 and a wide assortment of video game titles and gaming equipment, Sam’s Club provides quality merchandise including high end electronics and jewelry, personal needs and a variety of supplies and services for businesses including health insurance, merchant credit card processing, travel services and other programs.
A non-profit organization, Children’s Miracle Network is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for 170 children’s hospitals across North America.
To become a Member at Sam’s Club, visit the nearest Sam’s Club location or log onto samsclub.com. Regular Club hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gold Key Hours for Business Members are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
About Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and ranks as one of the nation’s largest warehouse clubs with more than 47 million U.S. members. The first Sam’s Club opened its doors in Midwest City, Oklahoma in 1983. Sam’s Club offers exceptional values on merchandise and services for business owners and consumers. Online merchandise and club information is available at
www.samsclub.com.