HPT500 Expands to Colorado: Conceived by Heartland Poker Tour
Cripple Creek, Colorado - The new league-based concept from Heartland Poker Tour forges on with the addition of a new location in Colorado. Wildwood Casino in Cripple Creek will become the Colorado home of HPT500, offering poker enthusiasts another opportunity to put their skills to the test and climb the ranks to fame and fortune.
Wildwood Casino was selected for the program because of its recently expanded poker room and ability to execute well-run events. HPT's successful track record in the state was another factor. The tour's biannual event in Black Hawk, Colorado has consistently been the largest stop on the tour for the past five years. HPT's last six visits to the state have produced prize pools in excess of a million dollars.
As the newest and largest casino in historic Cripple Creek, Wildwood Casino is making a name for itself on the poker landscape. Within their 58,000 square foot facility, visitors will find over 500 slot machines, spacious hotel rooms, a fitness facility, and a pool and spa. Popular dining options offer everything from fresh-baked pastries to pho.
"Wildwood Casino offers everything HPT players have come to expect," said HPT Director of Operations Jen Mastrud. "The amenities, location, and service make it an ideal venue for HPT500."
The all-new HPT500 gives players the opportunity to compete at various host casinos in weekly, monthly, and quarterly events to win cash and earn points toward a seat at a nationally-televised Final Table at the end of the season. The national champion will walk away with a lucrative sponsorship package that includes buy-ins and travel accommodations to several events on the 2015 HPT schedule.
Off to a great start, HPT500 tournaments are already underway in three states. Up to nine venues will be announced for the first season and additional locations will be considered for expansion in 2015. HPT500 has been well-received at Red Hawk Casino in California, Lake of the Torches Resort in Wisconsin, and Belterrra Casino Resort & Spa in Indiana. Among the early leaderboard climbers are Robyn Rawers in California, Nate Chaperon in Wisconsin, and George Mandos in Indiana.
Tournaments are expected to start at Wildwood Casino in early June. Buy-ins for the weekly events will be $75, while entry to the monthly and quarterly events will cost $200 and $500 respectively. Winners at each of the monthly events will earn a seat to the upcoming quarterly event as well as cash and coveted leaderboard points.
A full schedule of events at Wildwood Casino will be available soon here
