Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch Successfully Integrates MSN Sidewalk CityGuides, Validates Position as Leading Local Portal
New Site Look and Services Let Consumers 'Get It Done'
Quickly and Efficiently Online
PASADENA, Calif., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch, Inc. (Nasdaq: TMCS) today announced that it will unveil this week a re-designed user interface for its network of citysearch.com city guides, enabling consumers to "Get It Done" quickly and efficiently by using CitySearch's enhanced content and online transaction services. The new easy- to-use interface combines CitySearch's successful integration of MSN Sidewalk's city guides with one-of-a-kind services that make citysearch.com an unparalleled resource for getting things done locally online.
"The enhanced local content found on CitySearch city guides is now more extensive than that of any other local portal, with most of the information being delivered by local CitySearch staff who know the ins and outs of their communities," said Charles Conn, CEO of Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch. "Our services extend considerably beyond local content. By logging on to citysearch.com, visitors can discover a city's best restaurants, check out live entertainment events, buy tickets for the hot shows in town, and request dinner reservations -- all in just a few minutes without ever getting in a car or picking up a phone."
Unlike basic content-driven sites, CitySearch not only provides the local information people need, but also practical transactional tools to let them act immediately online. As part of the post-Sidewalk re-launch, CitySearch redesigned its user interface to offer its improved content and services in an easy-to-use format. The redesigned interface is now integrated into the majority of the more than seventy CitySearch city guides. Visitors can still find their favorite offerings on each city site, such as the monthly event calendar and local arts and entertainment feature articles. At the same time, they gain access to exciting, new services, which vary by city. These services include:
-- Hot Tickets - highlights each city's stand-out events, with soon-to-be- available direct ticket purchasing provided through Ticketmaster.com's enhanced single-click ordering and improved customer service
-- Get It Done - provides tools consumers need to take action, whether they want to book a hotel reservation, take advantage of local career assistance, or find a date using TMCS' industry-leading Match.Com dating service
-- Find It, Buy It - puts shopping and consumer services right at visitors' fingertips, including intriguing local products and CityAuction auction services
-- Enhanced Community Communications - provides a community forum for sharing "best of city" recommendations as well as offering easy event planning tool for scheduling group events.
CitySearch's enhanced features also include standard local offers such as local weather updates, daily horoscopes, links to useful community resource Web sites, and local event listings and movie times. News feeds from MSNBC provide updated local, national, business, and sports updates. CitySearch's "Features of the Day" such as - Date of the Day, highlighting a personal profile from Match.Com, a daily poll on a current topic, and food horoscopes from Zodiac Cafe - add an entertaining element to the site. People can also get a quick city pulse or check city traffic through WebCam and static photo shots for select cities.
TMCS plans to continually expand its content and service offerings, making CitySearch the one-stop source for consumers' daily information and transaction needs. Additional transaction services are already in the works, including personal product delivery in select cities; golf tee-time and expanded lodging reservation services; and personal service scheduling ranging from a doctor's appointment to a housecleaning date.
Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch is the leader in local content and transaction sites, registering 4.9 million users, before the inclusion of Sidewalk city guides, according to September figures from Media Metrix. Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch also now ranks as the fourth largest Web retailer among US home Web users according to PCData Online.
"Our enhanced content, online transaction services, and easy-to-use interface position us as the leading resource across the nation for local information and online consumer services," Conn added. "Our 'Get It Done' approach gives consumers the tools they need to effectively manage their busy lives, saving them time on a daily basis."
About Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch
Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch, Inc. (Nasdaq: TMCS) is a leading local portal company that provides in-depth local content and services to help people 'get things done' online. TMCS offers practical tools for living that make the Internet an indispensable part of peoples' everyday lives. The TMCS family of Web sites includes citysearch.com, ticketmaster.com, cityauction.com, match.com, livedaily.com, sidewalk.com, astroabby.com, and jobs.citysearch.com. TMCS is located in Pasadena, California.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements about Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch, Inc. (the "Company"), including those concerning its future product plans. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from these statements. Among the risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect the Company's actual results are: the limited operating history and early development stage of the Company; the absence of history of Ticketmaster Online as an independent company; the Company's lack of profitability and anticipation of continued losses; the Company's dependence on its relationship with Ticketmaster Corporation; control of the Company by USA Networks, Inc.; the potential for conflicts of interest; the fact that the license agreement between USA Networks, Ticketmaster Corporation and the Company is subject to certain limitations that are contained therein; possible future sales of the Company's securities by USA Networks, Inc.; company integration risks; the Company's dependence on increased ticket sales; the Company's future capital needs and the uncertainty of additional financing; the unpredictability and potential fluctuations in future revenues and operating results. Investors are encouraged to read the risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch is the owner or licensee of its name and logo trademarks and service marks. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch corporate headquarters is located at 790 East Colorado Boulevard - Suite 200, Pasadena, California, 91101; +1-626-405-0050; fax +1-626-405-9929; info@citysearch.com.
PRESS NOTES: Local Highlights for CitySearch City Sites
November 1, 1999
NORTHEAST
newyork.citysearch.com - This award winning site (Webby award 1998, LISA awards for best city site 1999) not only covers a vast array of cultural, culinary, shopping, visitor and community information but also provides users the opportunity to purchase NYCTA MetroCards online, check out the NY Convention and Visitors Bureau site and its popular Best of New York Guide which includes predictions for the next millennium. An entire section is devoted to the unique experience of "Living in the City" and contains a Q&A section on tenants' rights, information of local community boards and how to get involved. The shopping and health and beauty sections review products and service constantly to keep users apprised of the latest looks that begin on the streets of Manhattan.
Over 30 million people visit New York annually and many log on to the newyork.citysearch.com to make the most of their vacations. Sample visitor itineraries, theatre and dance reviews and information about the Hamptons, Hoboken and Brooklyn neighborhoods make the site the first stop for planning a trip to the Big Apple.
boston.citysearch.com - This site will relaunch from a Sidewalk site to include the new CitySearch features and functionality. Whether you're getting a bleacher seat at Fenway, buying clothes on Newbury Street, going to Symphony Hall or looking for that used bookstore in Cambridge, boston.citysearch.com lets you buy tickets online, print door-to-door directions, find the ideal restaurant nearby, and head out to the bars for a pint afterwards.
SOUTHEAST
atlanta.citysearch.com - This guide to one of the fastest growing cities in the country has all of the great features of CitySearch sites and is enhanced by content and promotions from partners including: Atlanta Magazine, WQXI 790, and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Agency. Check out the "Best of Atlanta" weekly feature too and top picks among the city's many wonderful eating establishments.
triangle.citysearch.com - This comprehensive guide to the Raleigh/Durham/Triangle as well as Wilmington areas has extensive arts, business, community and local coverage. Check out the Hurricane Alert for the Hurricanes hockey team or the Triangle Real Estate and Relocation Guide. Key media partners include WRDU, WDCG, WRSN, and WTRG. The first city guide launched by CitySearch, this popular site is a comprehensive guide right down to its deep coverage of local basketball rivals Duke and UNC.
charlotte.citysearch.com - Named "Best Local Web site" by Charlotte's Best Magazine, this guide to the Charlotte area is enhanced by partnerships with major local media properties such as NBC affiliate, WCNC-TV and alternative rock radio station WEND FM. Check out the "Fall Essentials Guide" for all the great arts and entertainment programming Charlotte has to offer.
SOUTHWEST
houston.citysearch.com - This guide to the Houston metro and surrounding areas provides Houston residents with not only excellent arts and entertainment events coverage and online ticketing to the city's major attractions but also unique features to keep users apprised of the latest information and gossip from the Houston arts scene. The "Roundabout Houston" column includes interviews with local artists and news while the Photo of the week captures a stunning moment in time at a cultural venue in the city. Look for upcoming guides to Rodeo and Marti Gras Galveston next year. Sidewalk features such as the Theatre district guide will be part of the CitySearch site as well.
MIDWEST
stlouis.citysearch.com - When the St. Louis Cardinals went looking for a partner to provide local information for their Cardinals interactive site, they came to CitySearch to provide local information for members of their online fan community. This site also hosted the successful charity Riverport Rock and Roll Auction to raise funds for music programs for local youth. Special features such as photo of the week and the community guide round out the offerings to truly provide users with all of St. Louis at one address.
cleveland.citysearch.com - Our Cleveland site is set to announce a major promotional and content agreement with WNCX, the leading classic rock station in its category in Cleveland. As part of the deal, TMCS will build a customized new Web site for the station and will be promoted on the Howard Stern radio show. CitySearch also works closely with Ticketmaster to promote ticket sales to events at key venues such as the Gund Arena, E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall and Gund Arena.
LAKES
twincities.citysearch.com - This site will be converting from a Microsoft Sidewalk site to a CitySearch site this week and retaining popular features such as the Restaurant and Bar Guides. As a one-stop arts and entertainment destination, twincities.citysearch.com gives you fresh ideas on 'where to go' and 'what to do' in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Whether you're looking for a seat at the Timberwolves game, the latest fashion trends at the Mall of America, a Broadway show at the Historic State or Orpheum Theatre, or the best bars on Hennepin and Grand Avenue, twincities.citysearch.com enables you to select your seat and purchase tickets online, print door-to-door directions, find a great nearby restaurant, and discover a great new bar to unwind at afterwards.
chicago.citysearch.com - This site will be converting from a Microsoft Sidewalk site to a CitySearch site this week and retaining popular features such as the Restaurant and Bar Guides. As a one-stop arts and entertainment destination, chicago.citysearch.com gives you fresh ideas on 'where to go' and 'what to do' in the Windy City. Whether you're looking for a bleacher seat at Wrigley Field or Comiskey Park, the latest fashion trends on the Magnificent Mile, a Broadway show at the new Palace Theatre, or the best blues stage in town, chicago.citysearch.com enables you to select your seat and purchase tickets online, print door-to-door directions, find a great nearby restaurant, and discover a great new bar to unwind at afterwards.
WEST
bayarea.citysearch.com - An award winning guide to the Bay Area, with the addition of new functionality and popular features incorporated from the Sidewalk guide, will offer users the best information on San Francisco, Berkeley, Marin County, the East Bay and Wine Country. Bayarea.citysearch.com is a rich site that contains a broad array of listings and information encompassing all of the elements that make the Bay Area a unique place to live and visit. Features include neighborhood profiles, extensive gay and lesbian coverage, a Sports and Outdoor section and a large listing of community organizations and volunteer opportunities. For visitors, the site has a "Guestbook" section, which enables visitors to seek listings, based on the type of visitor (e.g. business traveler, family vacation or college student) as well as comprehensive coverage of area airports.
The Bay Area site has a number of media and community partnerships that enable it to be an up to the minute source of information on San Francisco happenings. Radio partners include KLLC 97.3 Alice Radio and KFRC 99.7. CitySearch is also a sponsor of Project Open Hand, a food drive in the Bay Area during the month of November.
seattle.citysearch.com - Seattle residents can get more out of their city by logging on to the site for Ticketmaster Deal of the week, extensive coverage of local sports teams, the Seattle Golf Guide and the Snow Zone Guide. Regularly updated listings keep users apprised of the latest happenings in arts and entertainment, restaurants and shopping.
portland.citysearch.com - Portland CitySearch will feature such as a guide to local Happy Hours and another to Microbreweries, as well as comprehensive information for weekend getaways. There is also significant coverage of arts and events such as an A&E hotlist and Special Events guide, as well as outdoor recreational activities. Local news and information is provided by media partner television station KATU.
denver.citysearch.com - The Denver site covers the Denver Metro area with an array of entertainment, community and vacation oriented information to meet everyone's needs. For residents the regular restaurant, movie and arts information is augmented by special features such the Denver Weekend Guide and Hiking Guide and Shopping Area information. Visitors will appreciate the Guide to enormous Denver International Airport.
SOURCE Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch, Inc.
CO: Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch, Inc.
ST: California
IN: ENT MLM
SU: PDT
11/01/1999 08:30 EST prnewswire.com
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