Toronto Chooses House Stark At Sold-Out Game of Thrones: The Exhibition

• More than 26,000 free tickets claimed over eight days for world premiere event
• More than 10,000 fans pledged allegiance to one of the iconic Houses of Westeros, with House Stark the overwhelming favourite, followed by Targaryen and Lannister
• Series star Rose Leslie ("Ygritte") kicked off exhibition with star appearance

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TORONTO, March 19, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - HBO Canada would like to thank the tens of thousands of people who attended Game of Thrones: The Exhibition for making this free celebration of HBO's hit series such a huge success and for publicly pledging their allegiance to House Stark of Winterfell.

"HBO Canada's die-hard Game of Thrones fans came out in droves to engage with this premiere event and we were ecstatic with the turn out, with fans showing up in costume, and with the excitement on social media," said Domenic Vivolo, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Astral Television Networks. "On behalf of HBO Canada, thanks to everyone who attended for providing the perfect kick-off to this international tour and for proving to the world that we Canadians are closely allied with the Starks - maybe this is because we know all too well the truth of their words 'Winter is Coming.' We hope everyone joins us on March 31 for the premiere of Season 3 of Game of Thrones to learn what's next for the Starks and the rest of Westeros."

Running from March 9 - 16 and located on the Trading Floor within the Design Exchange (DX), Game of Thrones: The Exhibition was a free event focusing on key characters from five of the noble houses (Stark, Lannister, Targaryen, Baratheon and Greyjoy), and showcasing a treasure trove of more than 70 original artifacts from seasons 1 and 2, plus select pieces from this year's new season. In total, more than 26,000 people nabbed a ticket either online in advance or by lining up for Rush Tickets on-site, representing a fully sold-out event that exceeded last year's effort.

The exhibition was also an interactive experience, with visitors plunged into the virtual Battle of Blackwater Bay, photographed on the Iron Throne and also asked to pledge their allegiance to a House of Westeros. More than 10,000 visitors took part in this poll, with 50% of respondents bending the knee to House Stark, followed by 28% to House Targaryen, 10% to House Lannister, 4% to House Baratheon, 3% to House Greyjoy, and 2% each to House Tyrell and to Stannis Baratheon.

The event was launched in style with an appearance by series star Rose Leslie ("Ygritte"), who greeted fans and media and signed autographs at the red-carpet opening on March 8.

About Game of Thrones: Season 3
Premieres Sunday, March 31 at 9 pm ET/MT on HBO Canada
Based on George R.R. Martin's best-selling books, Game of Thrones is an intricate and visually stunning, epic series that has captured the imaginations of fans globally with its striking characters that live in a world whose summers and winters can last for years.

HBO Canada is a multiplex channel offered by Astral's The Movie Network (Eastern Canada) and Corus Entertainment's Movie Central (Western Canada). HBO Canada brings Canadians the current slate of signature dramatic programs for which HBO is known, together with new and never-before-seen programming including comedy series, live specials, sporting events, behind-the-scenes content and titles from HBO's extensive library - all in an uncut and commercial-free environment. HBO Canada is offered in high definition on HBO Canada HD and programming is accessible on demand and online where available by service provider. For more information, please visit www.hbocanada.com.

The Movie Network is a member of the Astral family. Astral Media Inc. (TSX : ACM.A/ACM.B) is one of Canada's largest media companies. It operates several of the country's most popular pay and specialty television, radio, out-of-home advertising and interactive media properties. Astral plays a central role in community life across the country by offering diverse, rich and vibrant programming that meets the tastes and needs of consumers and advertisers. To learn more about Astral, visit astral.com.

SOURCE: HBO CANADA

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