Hasbro's NERF Hoops It up as a Sponsor of the Harlem Globetrotters 20

    Business Editors

    PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 17, 2005--Showing that it still has game after more then 35 years, Hasbro, Inc.'s (NYSE:HAS) NERF brand has signed on as a proud sponsor of the world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters' 2004-2005 North American tour. NERF is a participating sponsor of 100 of the Globetrotters' tour dates and is the title sponsor of the 6th Annual Harlem Globetrotters vs. The NABC College All-Stars Game on April 1st in St. Louis. Highlights of the sponsorship include ticket and toy giveaways and "NERFOOP basketball clinics" conducted by the Harlem Globetrotters.
    "The Harlem Globetrotters are a team with a fun, creative style that's all their own and that best embodies the spirit of the NERF brand's 'play your game' attitude," said Jeff Popper, director of marketing for NERF. "Partnering with this world-renowned entertainment property allows us to reach thousands of young basketball fans who enjoy the fun, creative style of the Harlem Globetrotters and NERF."
    The Harlem Globetrotters will make special appearances on behalf of NERF with free "NERFOOP basketball clinics" at select chapters of local Boys and Girls Clubs nationwide, showing off their world-famous ball-handling skills and teaching kids hot new moves with the NERF NITE JAM NERFOOP basketball. Kids participating in NERFOOP clinics will receive free tickets to an upcoming Harlem Globetrotters game. The Harlem Globetrotters will also appear at select local retailers to demonstrate their NERF tricks and autograph NERF merchandise.
    As part of the sponsorship, consumers will be eligible for exclusive discounts on Harlem Globetrotters tickets by showing receipts from purchases of NERF products at their local box office. During each NERF-sponsored game, there will be a half-time promotion allowing audience members to participate in fun NERF activities.
    The excitement culminates with the 6th annual NABC College All-Star Game on Friday, April 1, 2005 at the Savvis Center in St. Louis, where the Harlem Globetrotters will take on the nation's top college seniors in a competitive basketball game during the NCAA's Final Four Weekend. As the All-Star Game's title sponsor, NERF will give away NABC College All-Star Game tickets to 40 lucky fans who will attend the game and be treated to a VIP locker room meet and greet with Harlem Globetrotters players.
    "NERF mirrors the fun, family entertainment and spirited game play that the Harlem Globetrotters are renowned for," said Mannie Jackson, owner and chairman of the Globetrotters. "NERF is a time-honored brand that continues to be enjoyed by millions of kids and kids at heart, making them an ideal partner."
    Introduced in 1969 as the "world's first official indoor ball," NERF toys revolutionized the toy industry with the introduction of soft, foam-based toys designed for both indoor and outdoor play. From classics like the NERFOOP to newer offerings like the NERF NITE JAM NERFOOP and the NERF CHALLENGER VORTEX FOOTBALL, NERF toys have been a staple of indoor and outdoor play for more than 35 years. With Hasbro's NERF toys, "play your game" is the name of the game.
    The Harlem Globetrotters will appear in over 200 cities across the United States in Canada as part of their 79th season and 2005 'World of Fun' North American Tour. The Tour will last for four months. The Harlem Globetrotters have played in 117 countries and before 121 million fans worldwide. In 2002, the organization was only the fifth team to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame; followed by an induction into the Black Sports and Entertainment Hall of Fame and the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. They have also been recognized as the most popular sports team by the 2002, 2000 and 1999 Q Ratings.
    For more information on NERF please visit www.nerf.com. For more information on the Harlem Globetrotters and the NABC All-Star Game, visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com.
    Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, AND WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.

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CONTACT: Bratskeir & Company Stephanie Scheider, 212-679-2233 sscheider@bratskeir.com or Hasbro, Inc. Gail Carvelli, 401-727-5318 gcarvelli@hasbro.com

KEYWORD: RHODE ISLAND INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS RETAIL ELECTRONIC GAMES/MULTIMEDIA CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD SOURCE: Hasbro, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005