GeekWireBash-Final-300x250-v2GeekWire is turning five this month, and we’re celebrating in style with an epic party that’s shaping up to be the biggest we’ve ever hosted.

Yes, ping pong and foosball are back in full force, with sold out tournaments and plenty of opportunity for open play.

But we’ve expanded this party to include so much more, filling a much bigger venue this year: The CenturyLink Field Event Center.

That’s right. We’ll be taking over the same place that hosts the boat show for this year’s geeky extravaganza, which will include celebrity appearances, beer gardens and other fun and games. Think about it kind of like a geek carnival.

More than 1,100 people are already registered for this epic party, and we hope you’ll join the fun, too. Tickets are on sale now, and you can get yours here. You will not want to miss this party.

Here’s just a portion of what will be going on:

Former NBA star Detlef Schrempf, who starred at the GeekWire launch party five years ago, will be back for our 5th Anniversary Bash. Photo: Karen Ducey.
Former NBA star Detlef Schrempf, at the GeekWire launch party, will be back for our 5th Anniversary Bash on March 24. Photo: Karen Ducey.

Hoop dreams with Detlef Schrempf: The NBA legend and former Seattle SuperSonic will dust off the high tops for our version of the classic basketball game of H-O-R-S-E, challenging select attendees to games of G-E-E-K.

Ping Pong Ball Scavenger Hunt: Search the venue for specially-marked ping pong ball sleeves, and win great prizes when you return those sleeves to the Nuance booth. Let the sleuthing begin.

Sumo Wrestling: Challenge your boss, office mate or rival to a friendly pushing match on the PrimeNow mat, complete with giant sumo suits. Knock someone over, and you’ll be entered to win a prize courtesy of Amazon.com.

Seattle Sounders players in the FIFA 16 Zone: Sounders FC players will be on hand, challenging virtual soccer pros to mini matches in the Qumulo-sponsored FIFA 16 video game zone. Knock off a Sounder in this Xbox competition, and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a free pass to the inaugural GeekWire Sports Tech Summit, taking place July 12-13 in Seattle.

Beer pong will be back at the GeekWire Bash.
Beer pong will be back at the GeekWire Bash.

Beer Pong: Forget slams and spins. The real competition will take place in the Flowroute beer pong zone where attendees will have some fun while sipping on some suds.

Massages: Stressed out at work? Or need to loosen the muscles from that intense ping pong or dodgeball match? Relax. Licensed massage therapists from League will be on hand giving free 10-minute chair massages.

Classic Arcade and Video Game Truck: Tetris and Galaga and Donkey Kong. Oh, my. Thanks to sponsor Atlas, we’re re-creating a classic video game arcade with some of the cult favorites of the 80s. Don’t want to go old school?  Never fear.  We’re also rolling in the video game truck with some of the hottest titles of today.

Show your team spirit Photo: Kyle Kesterson
Show your team spirit. Photo: Kyle Kesterson

Spirit Prize: We’ll be giving away a top prize to the folks who fly their geek flags most proudly, supporting their teammates in the various tourneys or just having some cosplay fun. Do you have what it takes?

That’s just a smattering of the fun at this year’s bash, which will get rolling at 3 p.m. on March 24. Again, tickets are available here, and we hope you’ll be able to join us for all of the fun.

A big thanks to Point Inside, the title sponsor of this year’s bash. Also, thanks to gold sponsors: Hired, Flowroute, EY, Moz, AOL, Atlas, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Akvelon, CenturyLink, eBay, DoubleDown, BestBuy, Avvo, RealSelf, OfferUp, Booking.com, Nuance, Impinj, Qumulo, Lyft and PrimeNow.

For those interested in sponsoring GeekWire’s 5th anniversary bash, please contact GeekWire Chief Business Officer Daniel Rossi at daniel@geekwire.com.

Note: Heading to the big bash next Thursday? Make sure to use the code — GEEKWIRESEA — for a $10 credit on a Lyft ride. New users of Lyft can sign up here to get their $10 credit.

A note for tournament participants: If you are participating in the ping pong, foosball or dodgeball tournaments, we plan to post the full brackets on Thursday and share more tournament details with players at that time.

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