'Star Trek: The Experience' To Close With Ceremony

Monday, September 1st, marks the last day of the Las Vegas Hilton-based Star Trek: The Experience, but it is not going quietly into the night.

As reported by TrekMovie.com, more details have emerged regarding the final day of Star Trek: The Experience. A press release from the marketing director of the attraction explained how the fan favorite attraction would end its Las Vegas run and gave a "Star Trekkian" reason for the closure. "The central premise of 'Star Trek: The Experience' is that alien researchers and scientists, along with their necessary support staff and materiel were transported via a 'temporal rift' from the late 24th century to present–day Las Vegas to study and interact with the various cultures of 21st century Earth," said the release. "The rift, however, has recently grown unstable therefore the 'Time Station' must be abandoned."

The attraction will close after a "decommissioning ceremony" which will begin at 10:00 P.M. on September 1st. The public will be in attendance, as well as VIPs. The VIPs will attend an invitation-only reception to be held at Quark's Restaurant and Bar after the ceremony.

The decommissioning ceremony is to be modeled after an actual U.S. Naval vessel decommissioning. According to the press release, "Extensive research was done to assure the ceremony, which rings down the curtain on the seventy-nine million dollar, 65,000 square foot complex, will follow the actual procedure for decommissioning a U.S. Navy vessel as closely as possible."

According to Chad Boutte, marketing director for Star Trek: The Experience, "In keeping with over forty plus years of established 'Star Trek' themes of exploration and cooperation, we felt the pride in being a part of that legacy should be reflected in a dignified but joyful leave-taking. Although we wish we could do so much more, our fans and friends expect nothing less. Since the June announcement of our closure, we've received tens of thousands of e-mails and messages of support. The outpouring of affection is just overwhelming, and is visible as our 'Wall of Memories,' just inside the attraction. We hope that everyone who has ever felt or wanted to be a part of our 'Star Trek' family will join us on September 1st to help celebrate over ten years of one of the most thrilling interactive attractions ever conceived."

Five lucky (and deep-pocketed) fans will be able to become one of those VIPs. Star Trek: The Experience is auctioning VIP tickets on Ebay. According to the description of the auction, "The Final VIP show will consist of twenty-seven guests who will travel to the 24th Century to experience Borg Invasion 4-D and Klingon Encounter as they conclude their ten year mission. In addition to being part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you will also be seated in the exclusive VIP seats for the Decommissioning Ceremony, receive a special commemorative item, and be invited to attend the private staff party after the ceremony." Bidding for the VIP tickets ends Sunday afternoon.

To read more, head to the article located here.

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