Gulf Coast Exploreum launches “Name a Dino” contest for baby T-Rex



See official rules below

The first dinosaur in the Gulf Coast Exploreum’s upcoming Dinosaurs Downtown exhibit has arrived and is in need of a name! The Exploreum today launched the “Name a Dino” contest, inviting the public to pick a name for Mobile’s new baby Tyrannosaurus Rex, who is now on display at the science center.

A fast-runner and deadly predator, the Tyrannosaurus Rex is the most well-known dinosaur and one of the largest land carnivores of all time. Tyrannosaurus means “tyrant lizard” and Rex means “king” in Latin. Participants are encouraged to use this description of the dinosaur and to be creative in name selections.

Individuals may pick up an entry form at the Exploreum or may submit an email that includes the reason the name was chosen and their contact information to nameadino@gmail.com. Entries will be accepted through Dec. 4. Once the entry period closes, the Exploreum will post five names for public voting online at www.exploreum.com from Dec. 15, 2009 – Jan. 12, 2010. The individual whose name receives the most votes will be awarded a Standard Family Membership and four free tickets to experience Dinosaurs Downtown, which opens Jan. 16, 2010. The winner will also have his or her name posted with the baby T-Rex during the exhibit.

"This contest is a great way for the public to get involved as we prepare to open the exhibit," said Marketing Director Hela Sheth. "Dinosaurs Downtown will be an interactive, full-sensory experience for the entire family. I'm excited to learn the name of our new baby dinosaur."

The science center announced the signing of the larger-than-life exhibit last July. Dinosaurs Downtown will feature 10 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, a dinosaur photo opportunity and a fossil dig where young children can excavate for their very own “fossils.” The animatronic dinosaurs will move, roar and, in some cases, even spit for Exploreum visitors.

“The Exploreum is known for its world-class traveling exhibits, and we are extremely pleased to deliver another hit for the region,” said Assistant Director Caroline Etherton.

Online tickets for Dinosaurs Downtown may be purchased beginning Dec. 1 at www.exploreum.com. Souvenir gift tickets for the holidays are currently available for purchase by calling 251.208.6879. Schools and tour groups are encouraged to book in advance by calling 251.208.6880.

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OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. The “Name a Dino Contest” is subject in all respects to the complete Official Rules. Contest is only open to participants who, as of the entry date, are legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States (i.e., excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and the District of Columbia, and are at least 13 years old. Contest is void in all other jurisdictions and where prohibited or restricted by law. Contest entry period begins at 12:01 a.m. ET on November 9, 2009 and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on December 4, 2009. Entry methods and limits, and prize information and restrictions are set forth in the Official Rules. Sponsor: [THE EXPLORE CENTER, INC].

1. How to Enter: The new dinosaur at the Sponsor’s science center, the Gulf Coast Exploreum, needs a permanent name. Each participant in the Contest is invited to choose a name that reflects the dino’s biography. There are four (4) ways to enter the Contest:

a. Send an email to nameadino@gmail.com with your chosen name for the dino, the reason why you chose the name, your full name (and parent or guardian if participant is under 18), birthday, mailing address, daytime phone number and email address.

b. Hand print or type on a 3" x 5" piece of paper your chosen name for the dino, the reason why you chose the name, your full name (and parent or guardian if participant is under 18), birthday, mailing address, daytime phone number and email address and mail it in an envelope, with correct U.S. postage affixed, addressed to Exploreum Dino Naming Contest, P.O. Box 1968, Mobile, AL 36633.

c. Pick up an Official Entry Form available at the Gulf Coast Exploreum, complete all of the required information and follow all the instructions and give to the Box Office.

d. Pick up an Official Entry Form available at the Gulf Coast Exploreum, complete all of the required information and follow all the instructions and mail it in an envelope, with correct U.S. postage affixed, addressed to Exploreum Dino Naming Contest, P.O. Box 1968, Mobile, AL 36633.

2. Drawing; Odds: Sponsor will determine five (5) finalists from all eligible entries received by Sponsor during the Entry Period based on, in Sponsor’s sole opinion, the entry material’s content (fifty percent (50%) of total score) and creativity (fifty percent (50%) of total score). The five (5) finalists will be determined on or about December 11, 2009. Finalists do not win any prizes in the Contest as a result of being a finalist, but rather are eligible to be considered in the online voting to determine the one (1) winner in the Contest. The five (5) finalists will be posted on Sponsor’s website at www.exploreum.com for public voting. The online voting period will begin at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on December 15, 2009 and will end at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 12, 2010. Anyone visiting Sponsor’s website at www.exploreum.com during the online voting period is eligible to vote. The one (1) finalist entry that receives the most online votes during the online voting period will be awarded the prize. Sponsor will notify the potential winner on or about January 13, 2010, in accordance with the information provided by the participant in the Contest entry.

The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received in the Contest.

3. Prize: Subject to these Official Rules, one (1) prize will be awarded in the Contest. The prize consists of and is limited to only the following: one (1) standard family membership, which is valid for two adults and six children living in the same household to visit the Gulf Coast Exploreum for a calendar year.