Rochester Receives Newest Distinction with Announcement of MONOPOLY: Rochester Edition
Classic Board Game Seeks Public Input for Businesses and Nonprofits to Become Squares on the MONOPOLY: Rochester Edition Board
On Friday, July 19, 2024 the Flour City’s “real estate” market got even hotter, thanks to a special appearance by a celebrated figure known to American families since 1935. At 9:00 am, the iconic Mr. Monopoly—complete with top hat, cane, and white moustache—made a special appearance at The Strong National Museum of Play to help publicly announce the next official MONOPOLY: Rochester Edition board game, under license from Hasbro, a leading toy and game company. MONOPOLY was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1998.
Guest speakers included John Marano representing Hasbro, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President Bob Duffy, and The Strong Museum’s President & CEO Steve Dubnik.
To ensure the board captures the most essential elements of Rochester, community recommendations from the public are being solicited for locations to be considered as squares on the board. Top Trumps USA, the American division of Winning Moves International and creators of classic games and puzzles is seeking well-established Rochester businesses and nonprofits to be part of this historic way to honor communities across the city. Public submissions and business inquiries can be sent to: rochester@toptrumps.com.
“Rochester is such a unique community with a rich history and a ton of community pride,” said John Marano, a Top Trumps representative. “We aim to ensure that MONOPOLY: Rochester Edition is an accurate portrayal of what locals and tourists love about this charming region. From fantastic museums to rich cultural icons, we would love for everyone to get on board and send us their favorite organizations and landmarks around town to include in the game.”
"We are honored and thrilled that Rochester has been chosen for its very own edition of Hasbro’s celebrated 'Monopoly' game,” said Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Robert J. Duffy. “Just as Monopoly is a classic game cherished by generations, and one that I have enjoyed playing with my parents, brothers, and children, Rochester is a classic city with a rich history that is worth celebrating. We look forward to seeing which iconic locations will be chosen to showcase our community's unique character and vibrant spirit on the board.”
MONOPOLY: Rochester Edition will replace the perennial board game’s famous Atlantic City squares, from Boardwalk to Park Place, with Rochester businesses, nonprofits and landmarks. The Rochester board will also include customized Community Chest and Chance playing cards as well as MONOPOLY money, ensuring every detail of the game pays homage to the region. Other than MONOPOLY: The Hamptons Edition (Long Island), Rochester is the only location in New York State to be chosen for this distinction. MONOPOLY: Rochester Edition will debut early 2025 and will be available in stores and online, at CVS, Amazon, and at select local Rochester retailers. The final squares for MONOPOLY: Rochester Edition will be announced in early 2025. To learn more about MONOPOLY city experience boards, visit www.toptrumps.us.
ABOUT MONOPOLY
MONOPOLY first hit shelves in 1935 with the Racecar, Thimble, Boot, Top Hat, and Battleship among the original set of MONOPOLY tokens while the Scottie Dog and Wheelbarrow were added in the early 1950s. Although the brand has evolved over the past 88 years, the gameplay and iconography of the classic MONOPOLY game has remained unchanged, making it a timeless classic sure to be enjoyed by future generations. Today, MONOPOLY is the world’s favorite family game brand and is enjoyed by more than one billion players in 114 countries across the globe.
ABOUT TOP TRUMPS USA INC.
Top Trumps USA Inc. is a USA division of Winning Moves International, making world-famous educational card and board games. These include the original Top Trumps card game, Top Trumps Match - the Crazy Cube Game, Top Trumps Quiz, the fast-paced, word tile game Lexicon-GO!, playing cards, puzzles, and more. Top Trumps is known for bringing official versions of completely customized, city-specific MONOPOLY boards to the North American market, under license from Hasbro. Each MONOPOLY city experience pays homage to favorite U.S. regions, featuring celebrated neighborhoods, landmarks and businesses, for a game play that truly evokes the special uniqueness of each community.
ABOUT HASBRO
Hasbro is a leading toy and game company whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. Hasbro delivers engaging brand experiences for global audiences through toys, consumer products, gaming and entertainment, with a portfolio of iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Hasbro Gaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands.
Hasbro is guided by our Purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com