Press Release: The Comedy Festival Launches Celebrity Poker Charity Auction Powered By Ticketmaster

LAS VEGAS -- The Comedy Festival is offering the ultimate Las Vegas experience with a Ticketmaster online auction to bid on a coveted player's seat in the Comedy Cares First Annual Celebrity Poker Tournament scheduled for Nov. 18 at PURE Nightclub in Caesars Palace. Comedy and poker fans alike may bid online at www.ticketmaster.com/promo/21114 for a chance to win a "buy-in" to play poker with celebrities including stars of "The Sopranos" and comedian Ray Romano, along with special event admission for one guest.

Presented by PURE, Caesars Palace, AEG Live and The Hollywood Reporter, TCF's Celebrity Poker Tournament will welcome such star players as Bill Maher, star of the HBO series "Real Time with Bill Maher," and cast members from "The Sopranos," including Lorraine Bracco, Dominic Chianese, Vincent Curatola, Michael Imperioli, Steve Schirripa, Tony Sirico, Aida Turturro, and Steven Van Zandt. Auction bids start at $10,000 and bids will be accepted through Mon., Nov. 14 until 3:00 p.m. (Pacific). The online auction winning poker player and guest must be age 21 or over. The winner of the Comedy Cares First Annual Celebrity Poker Tournament will receive a five night stay at the Saban Villa in Acapulco along with first class round trip airfare for two. Proceeds from the celebrity poker tournament will benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

The auction presents an opportunity to enjoy an invitation-only poker tournament while also helping to raise funds in support of Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, an organization that helps save the lives of America's children every day.

In addition to the auction, tickets and packages for The Comedy Festival and other must-see events are on sale now at Ticketmaster retail ticket centers, online at www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 877-TCF-FEST. Tickets are subject to availability and applicable Ticketmaster convenience fees.

About The Comedy Festival

HBO and AEG Live's inaugural The Comedy Festival, sponsored by TBS, will be "Everything Comedy," featuring over 50 shows in three days in live stand- up, sketch comedy, and film, as well as special events and screenings at Caesars Palace and the Flamingo Las Vegas November 17-19. Previously announced TCF highlights include performances by Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart, George Lopez, Dennis Miller and Bill Maher, as well as a special tribute to Jerry Seinfeld, who will be honored with the first annual The Comedian award. Detailed information about The Comedy Festival is available online at www.thecomedyfestival.com.

Originally published November 10, 2005