ABC TV’s Shark Tank Casting Call Makes First-Ever Pittsburgh Stop

Rivers Casino hosts entrepreneur pitch interviews on March 28, 2018

PITTSBURGH — March 7, 2018 — Rivers Casino, in collaboration with WTAE, Channel 4, will host the first-ever Pittsburgh casting call for the four-time Emmy Award-winning ABC TV series “Shark Tank.” Season 10 of the hit series may prove lucky for Pittsburghers as they take their first step to potentially come face-to-face with the “Sharks.”  

This will be the show’s first stop in Pittsburgh, where the casting team will be looking to find fresh, new inventions and ideas, giving local business-savvy individuals the opportunity to be on the upcoming season of “Shark Tank.” 

“We’re always on the hunt for entrepreneurs with an exciting business or product who are full of passion and personality,” said Mindy Zemrak, supervising casting producer of “Shark Tank.” “We’ve been hearing a lot about Pittsburgh lately, so it seems like the time is right to come and see what all the excitement is about.”

The casting call will be held in Rivers Casino’s second-level banquet space beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28. Upon arrival, all casting call guests will receive a numbered wristband and will be told a time frame they will be seen that day. Rivers Casino will admit prospective contestants to line up starting at 8:00 a.m. on March 28, one hour before the casting call begins. 

The feisty star-investors of the hit show, better known as “Sharks,” include Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John and Kevin O’Leary. Each with their own taste and flair, these six go-getters make the show fascinating and always entertaining.

To preserve the authenticity and integrity of “Shark Tank’s” on-camera pitches, celebrity investors from Shark Tank do not participate in casting calls. 

Participants Over 21 — All Day:

Participants over 21 will have access to the casting event starting at 9 a.m. More information and application materials are available on the “Shark Tank” page at ABC.com. Applications will also be available on property the day of the event. All guests accompanying participants must be 21 years of age or older.

Participants Under 21 — 9 a.m. to Noon Only:

By law, no one under the age of 21 is permitted on gaming floors in Pennsylvania. However, Rivers has gained approval for a limited number of contestants under 21 to arrive through a special, dedicated entrance from 9 a.m. to noon only. Under 21 applicants must park in valet and are not permitted in the parking garage. Upon arrival, under 21 attendees will be directed to the entrance located in the back of the casino through the doors next to the Drum Bar. Prospective applicants under the age of 21 must preregister at RiversCastingCall.com prior to the event and will be required to show a government issued ID for entry. Underage participants who do not register online in advance may not be admitted. Preregistration for under 21 contestants closes March 26 at 11:59 p.m. 

“It’s very possible the ‘next big thing’ is already right here in Pittsburgh,” said Bill Keena, general manager of Rivers Casino. “Pittsburgh has a well-established track record for business startups; there’s a ton of creative, entrepreneurial talent here.”

“Shark Tank” Pittsburgh Connections

American businessman and famous “Shark,” Mark Cuban, was born and raised in Mount Lebanon, a suburb of Pittsburgh. Cuban made his fortune through the sale of startups, MicroSolutions and Broadcast.com in the 1990s, and is now known as the zealous owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. The Pittsburgh powerhouse has also invested in film production, and has appeared on such TV series as “Dancing with the Stars.”

Likewise, previous “Shark Tank” contestant, Lani Lazzari originates from Pittsburgh. Lazzari is the founder and CEO of Simple Sugars, a handcrafted body scrub company that got its start on Season 4 of “Shark Tank” in 2013, after striking a deal with Cuban. Simple Sugars is headquartered in the Pittsburgh area. 

So mark your calendars and don’t miss the opportunity to join the ranks of Lani and other Pittsburghers who have had great success on the show.         

To learn more about the special events and offerings at Rivers Casino, please visit RiversCasino.com. 

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ABOUT SHARK TANK
“Shark Tank,” the critically acclaimed and multi-Emmy Award-winning reality show that has reinvigorated entrepreneurship in America, returns to The ABC Television Network for its 10th season. The business-themed show that has become a culturally defining series and inspires a nation to dream bigger, recently amassed an amazing $100 million in deals in the Tank. The Sharks continue their search to invest in the best businesses and products that America has to offer. The “Sharks” will once again give people from all walks of life the chance to chase the American dream and potentially secure business deals that could make them millionaires. The “Sharks” include billionaire Mark Cuban, owner and chairman of AXS TV and outspoken owner of the 2011 NBA champion Dallas Mavericks; real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran; "Queen of QVC" Lori Greiner; technology innovator Robert Herjavec; fashion and branding expert Daymond John; and venture capitalist Kevin O'Leary. 

ABOUT RIVERS CASINO
Opened in 2009, Rivers Casino has been voted a “Best Place to Work” in the Pittsburgh Business Times, a “Top Workplace” in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Best Overall Gaming Resort” in Pennsylvania by Casino Player magazine and “Best Overall Casino” in Pennsylvania by Strictly Slots magazine. The casino features more than 2,800 slots, 94 table games, a 30-table poker room, nine distinctive restaurants and bars, a riverside amphitheater, a multi-purpose event space, live music performances, free parking and multiple promotions and giveaways daily. Already, more than $767 million in jackpots have been awarded to players at Rivers Casino. For more information, visit RiversCasino.com. 

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Hunter Filippo
For Rivers Casino
267-932-8760 x 307
[email protected]