Hundreds of emails poured in when board game company Top Trumps USA announced last summer that a Tucson-themed Monopoly was in the works.
"The community had an input on all the landmarks that were suggested. We received hundreds of emails," sales executive Jennifer Tripsea said in an email. "Tucsonans love their city and we are so excited for this edition."
The board game will make its debut this Saturday, March 9 during a free party at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St., where temporary life-size Monopoly squares will be painted on the plaza. The bash will also feature contests, prizes and music from 5-7 p.m.
Katherine Joyce, a local artist, paints a Monopoly board at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 8, 2024. Hundreds of emails poured in when board game company Top Trumps USA announced last summer that a Tucson-themed Monopoly was in the works. The game is set to include local landmarks, businesses and cultural sites, replacing the game's traditional Atlantic City squares. The board has the famous four corners and nine spaces in between.
The game is set to include local landmarks, businesses and cultural sites, replacing the game's traditional Atlantic City squares. There will also be customized community chest and chance cards.
While the entire board will be unveiled at Saturday's party, Tripsea said Sentinel Peak ("A" Mountain), Seven Falls in Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Park made the cut. (Skate Country, Tucson's only roller rink, also posted a sneak peek of the game.)
A saguaro bloom located at Saguaro National Park East near the Cactus Forest Loop Drive in 2023.
While other Tucson versions of Monopoly have dropped in the past, this is the only officially licensed Hasbro Monopoly Tucson edition, Tripsea says. The company has launched Monopoly games inspired by 36 other U.S. cities, including Scottsdale.
"What sets Tucson apart from other cities is the local pride and its beautiful cultural appeal," Tripsea says. Online, Top Trumps USA says Tucson "is known as the soul of the Sonoran Desert, and the flavor of the Southwest."
The game will be available for purchase beginning March 9 at Hotel Congress, Tucson Games and Gadgets, Rialto Theatre, Ben's Bells, Posner's Art Store and Skate Country. It can also be purchased online for $44.99.
"We think Tucson residents will be thrilled with the local destinations that are represented on this special edition Monopoly board," Tripsea said in a press release. "From iconic businesses to can't-miss local landmarks, we are excited to represent Tucson in a classic Monopoly format."
