March 24, 2004 Charlotte, N.C. - Press Pass will
release the first NFL Players Inc licensed cards of projected
top draft pick, Eli Manning on April 3rd. As part of National
Trading Card Day, collectors will have the opportunity to
collect the industry's first nationally distributed cards
of the record-breaking Ole Miss quarterback. One of the
best wide receivers entering the upcoming NFL draft, Roy
Williams of Texas, is also included in the Press Pass National
Trading Card Day offering.
"Press Pass has prided itself on being the first to
market with top rookies and we are thrilled to bring collectors
a sneak peak of two of the top players from the upcoming
NFL draft as part of National Trading Card Day," explained
Tom Farrell, Director of Marketing for Press Pass, a division
of RC2 (NASDAQ: RCRC). "Press Pass 2004 Football will
release in April with a comprehensive autograph and game-used
jersey card lineup. National Trading Card Day provides a
great opportunity to educate new collectors about our upcoming
football releases."
The sports collectibles industry has designated Saturday,
April 3, as National Trading Card Day and will celebrate
the day with a one-of-kind, multi-sport card set produced
through a unique cooperative effort by each of the country's
leading sports card manufacturers and licensing bodies.
The set will feature more than 50 cards of some of the hottest
names in the sports and will be available free to consumers
who visit participating sports card stores across the country.
In addition to Eli Manning and Roy Williams, the Press Pass
National Trading Card Day lineup includes cards of NASCAR
superstars Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson,
and Tony Stewart. For more information and a list of participating
stores, visit www.NationalTradingCardDay.com.
RC2 (www.rc2corp.com) is a leading producer
and marketer of high quality, innovative collectibles and
toys targeted at adult collectors and children, as measured
by sales and brand recognition. The Company's diverse product
offerings include: agricultural, construction and outdoor
sports vehicle replicas; automotive, high performance and
racing vehicle replicas; traditional children's toys; sports
trading cards and racing apparel and souvenirs; and collectible
figures. These products are sold under the Company's market-focused
brand names, including Racing Champions®, Ertl®,
Ertl Collectibles®, Learning Curve®, American Muscle,
AMT®, W. Britain®, Press Pass®, Eden®, Feltkids®,
JoyRide® and JoyRide Studios®. The Company supports
its brands and enhances the authenticity of its products
by linking them with highly recognized licensed properties
from John Deere, Harley-Davidson, HIT Entertainment, Lamaze,
Case, Polaris, Honda, Caterpillar, Ford, GM, DaimlerChrysler,
NASCAR, NHRA, Texaco, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers,
DIC Entertainment, Discovery Channel and Microsoft. The
Company's products are marketed through multiple channels
of distribution, including chain retailers, specialty and
hobby wholesalers and retailers, OEM dealers, corporate
accounts for promotional purposes and direct to consumers.
The Company sells through more than 20,000 retail outlets
located in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
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