An interactive play on the longest-running syndicated game show on network TV took to the Ryan Center on Friday, allowing local audience members to participate and win prizes in Wheel of Fortune Live.
Attendees could register to put their names in a randomly-selected pot for a chance to be participants in the show. These chosen few would have the chance to be picked for the roles of contestants, being the “Vanna White” of the night and even win prizes.
The pre-show and first three rounds of the game were hosted by standup comedian and actor Cody Dove and actress Kerry Ipema.
“I’m genuinely always really excited because it’s all randomized and it’s super fun,” Ipema said. “Because the people who are playing are so excited and they could win up to $10,000.”
The main host of the show was Bob Goen, best known as the host of the daytime network version of “Wheel of Fortune,” as well as “Blackout” and “Perfect Match.”
The game started with three rounds of toss-up puzzles. These puzzles involve one random letter on the board being revealed after the other until a contestant buzzes in to complete the entire word or phrase on the board. Each of these toss-up’s had five randomly chosen members of the audience participate in solving the puzzle.
The winners of these toss-up puzzles advanced to the final round, where the actual Wheel of Fortune game would take place. The other contestants received prizes like cash and Wheel of Fortune merchandise.
These winners were Alison and Elaine both from East Greenwich, Rhode Island and Cameron from Connecticut. Alison is also a University of Rhode Island alum.
“I am very excited to be back on campus.” she said.
This final round had contestants spin the wheel and guess what letters were within the puzzle, until one contestant was able to solve it. The wheel also contained spaces for not just point values but special wedges like “mystery” spaces and cards that included spa trips, expensive appliances and other luxury items.
The final round had all three players close in score, however the game concluded with Elaine on top. She was able to move onto the bonus round wheel, which had a space that could win her up to $10,000. All she had to do was solve the puzzle in 20 seconds with some letters already given to her, similar to the toss up rounds. Elaine was not able to solve the bonus round though, which the host revealed was $1,250. Elaine went home with $250 for her efforts and the other two contestants received $100 each.
This is the first time the Ryan Center has hosted Wheel of Fortune Live. The event complex is following this up with the Price is Right Live on Jan. 31, 2025, also hosted by Bob Goen.
Wheel of Fortune Live also had a pre-show, where hosts Dove and Ipema would pick random audience members to solve small puzzles to win prizes.
Ipema mentioned that she was particularly excited for this show as many veterans had attended, hoping one of them would be picked for the games.
The Ryan Center lists tickets to all future events, including the Price is Right Live, on their Tickets Center website .