GAME CUBE CLUB KICKS OFF NEW TOUR

The Nintendo Cube Club program starts up again Oct. 17 with a 10-week tour giving GameCube and Game Boy Advance enthusiasts the chance to sample new games inside taken-over vacant retail spaces and lofts in 15 markets. High-tech lighting, refreshments, and music spun by local DJs set the mood. At each venue, gamers can enter a sweepstakes for Panasonic, Nintendo, and Snapple products. Consumers can also enter at panasonic.com/bored and nintendogameclub.com.

Nintendo Hype Teams will distribute approximately 22,500 tickets in each city at malls, skate parks, and other teen hangouts. Tickets are also available at nintendocubeclub.com. National and local print, radio, and online ads support the tour, which runs through Dec. 21. Starcom, Chicago, takes care of the ads and Hype Teams. US Concepts, New York City, handles the tour.