"World's Most Dangerous Wave" Washes Over Times Square

2006 Mavericks Surf Contest(R) Presented by Verizon Wireless Airs May 13 on NBC Sports and Times Square Reuters Sign

Mavericks Surf Ventures announced today that The 2006 Mavericks Surf Contest® Presented by Verizon Wireless will be broadcast on NBC Sports and on the world-famous Times Square Reuters Sign on May 13 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Twenty-four of the world's greatest big-wave surfers took on 40-foot waves in frigid waters for the 2006 Mavericks Surf Contest® on February 7, 2006, before a record attendance of 50,000 spectators, on a day that has been called the best in big-wave surf contest history. Stacked with perilous wipeouts and riveting upsets, the one-hour NBC Sports broadcast will span 22 stories and 7,000 square feet of video boards towering over the 1.5 million people who visit Times Square daily.

"We're honored to provide exclusive network television coverage again this year for the most unique and compelling big-wave surfing contest in the world," said Jon Miller, senior vice president, programming, NBC Sports.

"The Reuters Sign is the perfect showcase for Mavericks' sheer size and spectacle, and we're thrilled to be a part of this historic event," commented Dave Jenssen, Reuters VP Tech/Creative.

Added Mavericks Surf Ventures Managing Partner Keir J. Beadling, "Times Square has never seen anything quite like Mavericks, so this will definitely be a day to remember."

In conjunction with the broadcast, Hard Rock Cafe New York in Times Square will host an exclusive VIP viewing party, where contest competitors, industry insiders and media will gather to relive the spine-tingling action of The 2006 Mavericks Surf Contest® Presented by Verizon Wireless. Immediately following the broadcast, Hard Rock Cafe will host the kick-off of The 2006 Mavericks Live Tour(TM), featuring live public performances by Slightly Stoopid and Pepper. The Tour will also visit the Hard Rock Live venues in Orlando and Hollywood, Fla. on May 31 and June 1, respectively.

About Mavericks Surf Ventures:

Mavericks Surf Ventures, LLC is a partnership between surfing legend Jeff Clark and San Francisco-based sports management and marketing firm Evolve Sports, LLC. Mavericks Surf Ventures produces The Mavericks Surf Contest® and offers apparel and other licensed merchandise under the Mavericks(TM) brand. Coined as "the wave beyond," Mavericks inspires hardcore athletes to face the unpredictably raw power of Mother Nature, and stirs the souls of those who aspire to challenge their own limits. Sponsor partners of The Mavericks Surf Contest® Presented by Verizon Wireless included Verizon Wireless, Sparks Alcohol Beverage, SURFER Magazine, Clif Bar & Co, Hard Rock International, REACTOR Watches, Doc's Pro Plugs, Coast Commercial Bank, and Capture Technologies. More information is available at Mavericks' official website, www.maverickssurf.com -- nominated on April 10 for a prestigious Webby Award.

About NBC Universal Sports:

NBC Universal Sports is set apart by a tradition of exceptionally high standards in broadcast production, and an emphasis on building true partnerships with the leagues and governing bodies with which the network is aligned. The NBC Sports broadcast lineup includes: The Olympic Games (thru 2012), The NFL (beginning 2006), NASCAR, Notre Dame Football, The PGA Tour, Wimbledon, Arena Football, The Dew Action Sports Tour and more.

About Hard Rock International

With 121 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes, 11 Hotel & Casinos and two stand-alone Casinos in more than 41 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by The Rank Group Plc. For more information on Hard Rock, visit www.hardrock.com.

Distributed by Market Wire