REDMOND, Wash., May 22, 1997 — Seattle has thousands of restaurants, hundreds of movies playing on any given day, one of the richest music scenes in the country, bars, clubs, museums, theaters and more. Yet, most people admit they are not taking advantage of all Seattle has to offer. When it comes to entertainment, residents are missing out, according to a recent study of 500 residents commissioned by Microsoft® Sidewalk
™
, the personalized Seattle city guide to entertainment. Surprisingly, the research showed that:
-
Ninety-seven percent admit they either watch TV, order takeout or rent videos because it is easier than going out.
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Seventy-one percent claim they missed out on a performance or event they cared about because they didn’t find out about it in time.
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Despite Seattle’s strong culinary reputation, residents report they go to the same restaurant six out of 10 times rather than try someplace new. (Source: Seattle Entertainment Habits survey of 500 Seattle-area residents by David Michaelson & Associates, May 1997*)
“People love going out in Seattle,”
said Kevin Eagan, general manager of Seattle Sidewalk. In fact, almost 50 percent report having an
“amazing time”
when they go out.
“The problem is Seattle residents are working longer and paying the price in their social lives. They are too busy or too tired at the end of the workday to make plans.”
The Seattle Sidewalk city guide offers residents a way to make better decisions about what to do, where to go, what to see and when to see it. From concerts to movies, restaurants to sporting events, the Sidewalk editorial team provides previews, reviews and even customized suggestions about what’s happening every day.
“People want information they can trust that is tailored to their tastes and interests,”
said Eagan. When asked who would plan the ultimate Seattle night out, seven out of eight respondents picked a spouse, significant other or friend over famous Seattleites such as Courtney Love, Gary Larson, Mayor Norm Rice or even Ken Griffey, Jr.
“That’s why we’ve designed Sidewalk to provide personalized entertainment recommendations for each and every user who customizes Sidewalk,”
said Eagan. Whether you’re interested in reggae, theater or a ballgame, Sidewalk will send you e-mail reminders about your favorite performers or events before tickets go on sale, so you never miss out.
Sidewalk Sponsors
“
Click on to Get Out Day
”
In response to the study findings, Sidewalk is encouraging people to get out more by sponsoring
“Click on to Get Out Day”
on May 22. At an after-work celebration at Westlake Center at 5 p.m., Sidewalk will give away more than 1,500 entertainment experiences for free. Entertainment giveaways include everything from tickets to Mariners games, Club Nights at the Pier and the Seattle International Film Festival to tickets to a concert featuring Willis,
Pete Droge & the Sinners and Critters Buggin’ at the Showbox. There are also certificates for REI merchandise and the Redhook Brewery – and even a kayak from Easy Rider Canoe & Kayak Co.
John Keister, host of television’s Almost Live, will be on hand to help motivate residents in his own inimitable way.
“Stop bouncing off the walls in your own house!”
said Keister.
“Put your caffeine addiction and super alertness to use. Go out and do things, see things! Seattle’s a great place.”
“We want to motivate people to get out and enjoy the city,”
said Eagan.
“That’s what Sidewalk does every day online, but today we’re taking our message to the sidewalks of Seattle and actually putting the tickets in people’s hands.”
Seattle Sidewalk is available free on the World Wide Web (connect-time charges may apply) at [http://sidewalk.com/] and as a featured offering on MSN
™
, The Microsoft Network.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
*The margin of error for a survey of this size is + or – 6 percentage points. Copies of this survey are available by contacting Edelman Worldwide.
Microsoft, Sidewalk and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other products and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
The Microsoft Network is operated by Microsoft Corp. on behalf of Microsoft Network LLC.
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