Can you take a ride on the Santa Fe Railway, advance to Wheeler Park or purchase the Flagstaff Mall? The answer is “maybe” from the tight-lipped folks at Top Trumps USA who are unveiling MONOPOLY: Flagstaff Edition at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, near JC Penney inside the mall.

From Mediterranean Avenue to Boardwalk, “almost everything is a secret until the launch of the game,” said Top Trumps Sales Executive John Marano. “The squares represent well-loved Flagstaff businesses, historic landmarks and local icons.”

For those who like to open their Christmas presents early, here are some hints. Speculation has it that the Flagstaff Mall property will be in the orange rent district, originally occupied by St. James Place, Tennessee Avenue and New York Avenue. Monopoly veterans say the orange properties are the best ones to own, based on the science of probability.

The corners will remain as: GO, Free Parking, JAIL and Go to Jail. Plus, there will be customized Chance and Community Chest cards to draw. And the usual player pieces – Scottie dog, racecar, iron, thimble, top hat and shoe – will be in the Flagstaff game. However, sources say the wheelbarrow is out, but a cat is in.

“The science influence on Flagstaff also is reflected on the board, as well as popular recreation sites,” Marano revealed. “Flagstaff is a really special place with a lot of community pride. The team had a blast researching the area.”

Overdrive Media, a Northern Arizona-based marketing company, has been working with Top Trumps to help promote the launch of the game. “For the city, local attractions and small businesses, it is such an honor to be featured on the board,” said Overdrive Media owner Clay McCauslin. “This game will truly keep on working as a unique and powerful advertising multiplier, continuing to attract customers and tourists.”

After creating MONOPOLY boards for some 40 other U.S. cities, including Scottsdale and Tucson, Marano says the elite dark blue squares, fondly known as Park Place and Boardwalk, usually include a local landmark, possibly a park. “For example, Park Place in the New York Edition is Prospect Park, which is just under the Brooklyn Bridge,” he said.

Ordinarily, MONOPOLY board game launch events are limited to businesses that have secured their spot on the board, said Marano; however, the Flagstaff launch is open to the public.

“One hundred percent!” said Flagstaff Mall General Manager Bonnie Bouschet. “Everyone is invited. We are going to be giving out goody bags with Monopoly prizes. Some will include shopping sprees at the stores; a few will include the MONOPOLY Flagstaff limited edition board game.”

Activities for all ages are scheduled for launch day at the mall, including the opportunity to take a picture with Mr. Monopoly. “I am super excited for the Flagstaff edition,” added Bouschet. “My family is a big game-playing bunch. We will definitely be playing this when the kids and grandkids visit. Also, the box is really cool. It shouts ‘Flagstaff.’”

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Monopoly and celebrate the announcement of Flagstaff’s very own MONOPOLY board,” said Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Julie Pastrick. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and share what makes our community special.”

According to Reader’s Digest, MONOPOLY was invented in 1906 to teach people about the problems associated with massive wealth and inequality, although the early version looked very different from the board game that has become a staple in American households. Now a global phenomenon, generations have enjoyed stepping into a world where opulence and villainy collide and where all is fair in the race for riches.

Last year, Top Trumps USA, a classic game and puzzle-making company, asked Flagstaff residents and businesses to submit ideas for locations on the board. “We appreciate all those who suggested landmarks, organizations and businesses that make Flagstaff unique and truly special. And we are pleased so many of them raced in to win the opportunity for a place on the board,” said Top Trumps representative Jennifer Tripsea.

“MONOPOLY: Flagstaff Edition will be for anybody who has connections to Flagstaff,” said Marano. “It’s great for visitors who want to take a piece of Flagstaff home with them. It’s also great for locals who visit these locations in person.”

The game, licensed by Hasbro, retails for $44.99 and will be available at Barnes and Noble in the mall starting on launch day. FBN

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Courtesy Photo: Mr. Monopoly, appearing with Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Julie Pastrick last year, has scheduled another visit to the mountain town. This time, at the Flagstaff Mall on Feb. 22, to celebrate the new board game and take pictures with those who come out to see him.