To celebrate its 50th anniversary, “The Price Is Right” television game show is embarking on a nationwide tour that includes at least one Route 66-related stop.
“The Price Is Right” tour begins Friday with current host Drew Carey at the Santa Monica Pier — the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers — during its 50-stop venture.
According to a news release from Viacom/CBS:
THE PRICE IS RIGHT COME ON DOWN TOUR will make special stops in cities including Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, New Orleans, Nashville, St. Louis, Cleveland (the hometown of the show’s host Drew Carey) and New York. Along the way, the tour will be visiting uniquely American landmarks such as the Route 66 sign, Gateway Arch, and the World’s Largest Basket. Fans can follow the tour’s journey across the country via Instagram @TheRealPriceIsRight to see where it is headed next!
The St. Louis stop at the Arch will be on April 28. It will be among 50 stops “while supporting local businesses along the way.” The Arch isn’t on Route 66, but it’s just a few blocks from it and remains a popular side trip for Route 66 travelers.
The Associated Press, which reports the “Come On Down Tour” will be separate from its TV show and stage show, had more details:
Fans will be able to win prizes by guessing the correct retail price for various items in such games as Plinko and compete in a Showcase Showdown. There’s also a chance to win a grand prize of $50,000. Proof of vaccination is necessary.
A customized trailer that can fold up the games will be on the move. The game show’s famous wheel is part of the truck, but other parts pull out, along with podiums. “We really wanted people to feel like they could come on down and play the game that they all really know,” said Benson.
Each stop will also try to celebrate local goods and specialties, with Benson saying “people can have fun guessing the prices of things that are made right there in their own backyard.”
“The Price Is Right” first aired in 1956, but it was canceled in 1965. It was revived under its current format on Sept. 4, 1972, and has awarded $300 million in prizes in the past half-century.