America's No. 1 Card Game Goes "Wild" to Break World Record for Largest Card Game Tournament

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Mattel, Inc. today announced it will celebrate the 35th anniversary of UNO®, America's No. 1-selling card game,(1) by inviting fans from across the U.S. to the 35th state, West Virginia, for the world's largest UNO® game. On Saturday, October 21, participants will play UNO® in an attempt to break the world record for the largest card game tournament at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston, W.Va.

Approximately 3,500 fans are expected to attend the anniversary celebration in the Charleston baseball stadium, home of the West Virginia Power. As part of the world record attempt, Mattel will make a donation to the YMCA of Kanawha Valley in Charleston.

"Since its introduction in 1971, UNO has been a family favorite and a game that spans the generations," said Cynthia Neiman, vice president of marketing, Mattel Games. "We are excited to bring people together to share their passion for the game in what should be an unforgettable day."

Up to 350 fans will be dealt a hand of seven UNO® cards - blue, green, yellow and red numbered cards, and the popular Skip, Reverse, Draw 2 and Wild action cards - which they will play strategically in order to be the first to yell "UNO!" and move onto the final rounds. Game participants will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis through e-mail and mail-in pre-registration processes. Fans who are interested in participating should register at [email protected].

All tournament participants will receive UNO® card games, and some individuals will qualify to win the newest UNO® game, UNO Spin™. The winner of the world's largest UNO® game will receive season tickets to the West Virginia Power as well as products from the UNO® family of games.

For 35 years, UNO® has become one of the most recognized card games in the world. UNO® is fast-paced and unpredictable but easy to play, making it the perfect game for families and groups of two to 10 players. There are now several exciting versions of the popular game, including UNO H20®, which features waterproof cards; UNO Attack!®, which features a rapid-fire card shoot-out; and UNO Spin™, which adds new risks and rewards to the game with a revolutionary UNO Spin™ wheel.

About Mattel

Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT; www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever introduced. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American Girl® and Tyco® R/C, as well as Fisher-Price brands (www.fisher-price.com), including Little People®, Rescue Heroes®, Power Wheels® and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 26,000 people in 42 countries and sells products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. The Mattel vision is to be the world's premier toy brands - today and tomorrow.

(1) Source: The NPD Group / Consumer Panel Tracking; Annual 2005, Card Games Category, Properties