Spectator event and/or televised lottery

Abstract

A method and system for enhancing the entertainment and enjoyment of a spectator or participatory event, wherein participants and/or spectators automatically receive an opportunity to enter a drawing for a prize upon using a wireless communication device to make an electronic acquisition of interest. In a preferred embodiment, a fan of an entertainer will attend a concert by the entertainer and during the show use a cell phone or similar electronic wireless communication device to purchase a song, ring tone, or game, and in association with the ordering process, will be asked if they wish to be included in a drawing to identify a person or persons that would get to sit on stage up close to watch the artist perform. In an embodiment, the invention comprises a process of conducting a lottery type contest for participants at a live event. Participants will use their wireless devices by text messaging/SMS a number to enter the lottery. Entry may start at the time of ticket purchase for a live spectator event or start at the event itself. Lottery winners are randomly chosen by a computer system and prompted through their cellular device, PDA, pocket PC, and/or two-way pager as to how to receive their prizes

1 . A method of conducting an event-specific lottery, comprising:
 (a) issuing a notice of the opportunity to win a prize selected from the group consisting of seating in a location nearest to an entertainment source or on a stage therewith, access to an area exclusively for use by entertainers or performers, participation in a show, and a product identified with the show or performers,   (b) automatically notifying purchasers of merchandise via electronic means of the opportunity to enter into a drawing for said prize, wherein a purchaser may enter into said drawing by responding to the notice automatically generated with a purchase, and wherein a notice is given where required by law for entry into the drawing without purchase of merchandise and a manual or electronic mechanism is provided for entry into the drawing without making a purchase, and   (c) randomly selecting at least one winner of said prize and notifying same.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said electronic means of purchasing is a wireless communication device and entry into the drawing is done via a text message or computer. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said method comprises a user of said wireless communication device ordering for a fee a downloadable electronic product, and in response thereto an automatic request is sent via the wireless communication device to the user asking if the user wishes to enter the drawing and the user can enter by entering the requested response needed to enter the drawing. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said downloadable electronic product is selected from the group consisting of a ring tone, music, and images. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said downloadable electronic product is music from an artist performing at an event attended by the user while ordering the music, and the prize is selected from the group consisting of seating on stage while the artist is performing, a back stage pass, and an autographed item associated with the artist. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said entertainment source is selected from the group consisting of a theatre event, a musical event, and a sporting event.