The big day is here. We’re looking forward to seeing hundreds (upon hundreds) of you tonight at the GeekWire Launch Party. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. and run until 9 p.m. at the Showbox Sodo, 1700 1st Avenue South, a block south of Safeco Field in Seattle.
First things first: PARKING. You can try your luck on the street or in nearby surface lots but our recommendation is the Safeco Field Parking Garage. With 2000 spaces, it’s located just south of the ballpark on Edgar Martinez Drive at First Avenue. Entrance and exit from Edgar Martinez Drive — automated, credit card, pre-pay $5.
Inside the bash, there will be hours of networking, games, prizes, celebrity appearances and plenty of food and drink to keep everyone busy. Click here for a printable PDF of the floor plan.
Here’s what to expect.
GeekBall: Soccer meets billiards in this innovative game. Grab a partner for two-on-two pick-up games on the GeekBall court for bragging rights and limited edition GeekWear. We’ll be calling plays in two spotlight matches, featuring Golazo and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. (See video of our trial runs below.)
Golf with Big Fish Games: A hole-in-one wins you a free Big Fish Games coupon, and entry in drawing to win an iPad or Wii. Everyone’s a winner with a Big Fish golf ball give-aways. Play continues throughout the evening for the chance to win limited edition GeekWear.
Hoops, brought to you by Decide: Take a shot in this fast-paced free-throw contest. Sink it to be entered into a drawing for a chance to match up against basketball great Detlef Schrempf in a game of G-E-E-K, or win an Xbox 360 Kinect package. Every player walks away with a super-stylish Decide headband.
Hockey Shoot Out, brought to you by Kobo: You can’t miss this station front-and-center after you check in! Hit the target to win a chance to face-off against Todd Humphrey, who comes out of retirement from his pro hockey days to give you a chance to steal the puck and win Kobo’s new e-reader.
Jeopardy, brought to you by thePlatform: Test your memory and reflexes as you buzz in the answers to five questions. thePlatform hosts Corona for players. Winners in this best-of-five face-off get entered in a drawing to win an Xbox 360. Play continues throughout the evening.
FilterBook Live, brought to you by Filter: On an actual 12-foot high “wall,” share your drawings and ideas about what the future looks like to you. Not an artist? Not to worry! Some helpful Filter folks can be “hired” as “Draw-vatars” to artistically interpret your vision to the Wall. Best of all, you’ll receive an extra drink ticket AND be entered for a chance to win an Xbox 360 with Kinect.
TechDwellers Beer Pong: Party in the lounge! TechDwellers hosts the pitchers fueling games of flip-cup and beer pong. Everyone enjoys tasty brews, and winners get a shot at dinner and a game ($100 restaurant gift certificate and pair of Mariners tix). “Celebrity” photo ops throughout the evening, and the games continue with chances to win limited edition GeekWear.
Gist Foos: Put your hand-eye coordination to the test with this tried and true geek favorite: foosball. Step up to the stage in the lounge, and face your friends and ringers from Gist. Win your game, get a coveted Gist t-shirt. Just for playing get entered into a drawing to win a RIM Playbook! Play continues throughout the evening for chances to win limited edition GeekWear.
See everyone tonight!
