I just got home from an amazing experience at TPIRLive here in Augusta, Ga! They had lots of fun trivia questions about the show (which I got them all right) and some play-along games like Range Game and Lucky $even to entertain the audience while waiting for the show to start. Todd Newton was the host, and he did an amazing job as is always expected from him. The setups were much nicer than a few years ago when I went, and the prizes are nicer and more expensive too.
I got to sit next to a young couple and started talking to them about the show. Turns out, the guy's aunt was on the show with Bob about 20 years ago and won Credit Card. I told him that the game is now retired and how awesone that she played and won a game that's not around anymore.
The first game was Punch-a-Bunch, played for $5,000! The contestant won three punches and first got $750, the third highest number on the board! She gave it back and got $500. She gave it back again and ended up with $500. Not a bad haul given it was the fourth highest amount on the board.
Next was Any Number for a trip to Hollywood and a 55" HD TV. The contestant ended up winning the tv, which was $897, so not too bad.
Third was the classic Cliff Hangers for a Weber grill, smokenater, and a supply of Omaha steaks. The first prize was a Monopoly game worth $25; Hans took 3 steps. Next was a fondue set worth $40, Hans took 5 steps. Last was an automatic pet feeder worth $66. The contestant bid $51 and Hans ended up on step 23- we got a winner!
Next, they showed some clips then revealed the Big Wheel. I don't recall much about it because they then called down the next four contestants... AND I WAS ONE OF THEM! I went nuts and ran down to wait for my turn in Contestant's Row. I was set to bid first, so I knew it would be tough. The first two contestants on the Wheel went over, so the last won $250, but no dollar spins today.
Then it was time to go up and get ready for the One Bid. Todd said hi to each of us. I told Todd I was a fan of him and that I loved watching Whammy! as a kid! The prize was a Google Nest and security system... which I have! I bid $525, next was $700, then $701, then $750. ARP: $749! Didn't win, but I got a shirt and I got to shake Todd Newton's hand, which was awesome in itself!
The winner got to play Check-Out for a trip to Hawaii. Her total was only $0.27 away from the real total; smart shopper!
Last game was the big one: Plinko! for $2,500. The lady who played started crying and Todd gave her his handkerchief and let her keep it. She had three chips total. First was only $100. Next was $500! Last one went in $500 for a total of $1,100- not bad at all!
We finally arrived at the showcases. Two players bid and if one is with $100 without going over they win everything. Otherwise, whoever is closer without going over will win a trip to New Orleans. The showcase included: 3 tabletop kitchen appliances from Kitchenaid, a 3-door stainless steel fridge/freezer from Whirlpool, a trip to New Orleans, a trip to Paris, France... and a NEW CAR! A 2019 Nissan Versa. The first player bid $40,000, second bid $51,000. Needless to saythey were both WAY over. The ARP was $21,610. So, they both received $250 for playing and a name was selected from the audience for the trip to New Orleans.
Todd ended the show by reminding everyone to help control the pet population; have your pets spayed or neutered! It was an awesome experience and I look forward to trying to come on down again in the future!