Pokémon anniversary release draws big line, overnight campers at St. Matthews store
By Blakely McHugh
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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WLKY) — A line of people camped outside Best Buy in St. Matthews overnight.
No, Black Friday didn’t come early. They were eagerly awaiting the release of new Pokémon products.
Friday marks the release of an expansion to the Pokémon trading card game called “Mega Evolution – Delta Reign.”
The launch includes new products celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
We saw people there as early as 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, eager to catch ’em all.
By 8:30 a.m. Friday, the line wrapped around the building, with more than 100 people waiting.
Some brought lawn chairs, blankets and air mattresses to make the overnight wait more comfortable.
“I got a four-hour power nap on the air mattress,” John, who has been there since 10:45 p.m. said.
Another traveled from Georgetown for the release.
“I came from Georgetown and it took me an hour and four minutes to get out here,” Evan, said. “Been up probably going on 12 hours.”
The hot ticket item was the Pokémon 30th Anniversary Ultra Premium Collection, also known as the UPC.
“It’s got 30 packs, the game mat, and a bunch of other stuff to play the game,” Michael said.
Michael and his son, also Michael, were the first in line.
They arrived at 4 p.m.
Among those in line was 9-year-old River Whitney, who had been saving for months.
“Well, I love Pokémon. I just love Pokémon,” River said.
He said he sold cards, did chores and used birthday money to save up for the release.
He and his dad waited about an hour and a half and came away with other Pokémon items.
“I actually really wanted some of this stuff, so I’m okay with what I got,” River said.
Most people WLKY spoke with planned to keep their cards, though the collection’s resale value is about $400.
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