The Price is Right Live came to The University of Rhode Island Ryan Center on Friday, leaving a few lucky attendees with prizes like a pizza oven, a car and paid trips to Ireland and Miami.
The show had an original start time of 7 p.m on Friday. However, the festivities didn’t start until about 7:30 p.m. because the parking lot was backed up and attendants struggled to make it into the venue, according to Todd Newton, Friday’s host of The Price is Right Live.
The late host of “The Price is Right” television show, Bob Barker, created The Price is Right Live 24 years ago, according to Newton. Newton credits Barker for being his mentor and teaching him everything he knows about hosting.
“[Barker] hosted the television show for 35 years and is probably the most iconic game show host in history,” Newton said. “So with every performance I want to make it as memorable and special to not only the audience but the contestants that get to come on stage because that’s what he instilled in me.”
The stage show travels throughout the United States, according to Newton. This year’s tour started on Jan. 9 and will continue until April 9, then another tour will start in September and go until December.
The show had a total of four fan favorite games, including Plinko and Cliffhangers, plus an appearance from the big wheel. There were a multitude of different physical and cash prizes that audience members won.
Contestants were pulled randomly to get up on stage and qualify to win prizes. There was a special registration form that attendees could fill out as they walked into the Ryan Center, or they could fill it out prior to the event.
The main event of the night was The Price is Right Showcase. Friday’s grand prize was a new Hyundai SUV and a trip to Miami.
“With this job I get to be Santa Claus every night of the year,” Newton said. “I get to share people’s happiest moments with them and I can never get tired of it.”
On top of the physical prizes won, three contestants won cash prizes. The prizes came as a result from three different games, including the fan favorite game Plinko where up to $5,000 could be won.
One of the other games that gave cash prizes was Punch-a-Bunch where the contestant almost got the other $5,000 prize, but ended up walking away with $1,000.
One prize that wasn’t won by a contestant was a trip to London. The contestant came up short in the Check-Out game.
For more information on other events headed to the Ryan Center this semester, follow the Student Entertainment Committee on Instagram @urisec or refer to its event calendar.