Someone Will Win an Xbox 360 "Every 10 Minutes"

By: César A. Berardini - "Cesar"
Aug. 29th, 2005 7:14 am

The Xbox 360, the next-generation video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, may not be available until the holiday season, but thousands of lucky people will be selected to win an Xbox 360 console before they can buy it. Through Mountain Dew's "Every 10 Minutes" sweepstakes, which began yesterday, consumers can win the most anticipated new gaming console months before it hits store shelves.

Microsoft and Mountain Dew will select a new winner of an Xbox 360 every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for nine weeks straight. In this unique sweepstakes, participants can develop their own strategies to best position themselves for an opportunity to win during the 10-minute intervals. Everyone who enters has the chance to choose how they will play.

Here's how the "Every 10 Minutes" promotion works:

1. Look for a unique code printed under specially marked "Every 10 Minutes" caps of 20-ounce and 1-liter bottles of participating Pepsi products and under the rim of specially marked fountain cups.

2. Go to the Web site, www.every10minutes.com, powered by Yahoo! Register and set up your personal, free "Every 10 Minutes" account.

3. Participants will be able to choose which 10-minute drawing to enter and can spread codes across different drawings, or stockpile codes and put them all toward one drawing.

In addition, codes entered will automatically earn the participants points toward obtaining collectible merchandise and gear, including Mountain Dew T-shirts and hats.

"With thousands of people pre-registered for this Mountain Dew sweepstakes, we have seen great excitement surrounding the promotion," said Frank Cooper, vice president of promotions and interactive marketing, Pepsi- Cola North America. "The Xbox 360 has the potential of not only transforming the gaming experience, but the entire entertainment experience, which is why this next-generation console is an incredible prize for our consumers."

In support of the "Every 10 Minutes" promotion, a new national TV and radio commercial produced by BBDO New York will debut this week. The promotional elements are being developed by TracyLocke, Wilton, Conn., Pepsi's longtime promotional partner. Las Vegas-based MEGA, Inc. facilitated the relationship with Microsoft.

6. Xbox 360 SWEEPSTAKES PRIZE:
Sponsor will ship to each verified sweepstakes winner the following: one (1) Xbox 360 system, one (1) game (title to be selected at time of registration for Promotion), and one (1) "Party In A Box" prize consisting of a five (5) Xbox 360/Dew branded hats and T-shirts, two (2) manufacturer's coupons redeemable for free 12-pack Mountain Dew products. Total estimated retail value of sweepstakes prize package is $580.00. Limit one (1) Xbox 360 prize per person and/or Account and/or household.

7. PRIZE DELIVERY DATE:
Xbox 360 prize will be delivered via overnight delivery (adult signature required) to the address (no P.O. Boxes allowed) registered to the Account used for sweepstakes entry to all winners for receipt on the Saturday prior to the retail release date the Xbox 360 system, currently anticipated to be at the end of 2005 calendar year. The retail release date is subject to change and revision at Microsoft's discretion. If the retail release date does not provide for adequate time to ship the Xbox 360 prize for receipt on the Saturday prior to the retail release date, Sponsor shall use commercially reasonable means to ship the Xbox 360 prize for a receipt date prior to the retail release date. All verified winners will be advised by Pepsi and/or Microsoft of any changes in the retail release date and prize delivery date. The Party In A Box portion of the sweepstakes prize will be shipped via regular mail within approximately 2-3 weeks of drawing date. Prizes will only be delivered to addresses within the United States. No responsibility is assumed by Sponsor for any postal mail or overnight deliveries returned as undeliverable without a forwarding address. No responsibility is assumed by Sponsor for prize after it has been shipped.