Georgia Aquarium and AT&T Announce Dolphin Expansion and Grand Opening Details

ATLANTA, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Georgia Aquarium and AT&T* proudly join to announce the grand opening date and details of the highly-anticipated new dolphin gallery and show, AT&T Dolphin Tales. Beginning April 2, guests are invited to explore Georgia Aquarium's newest addition – its sixth permanent gallery.  

AT&T Dolphin Tales is a multi-million dollar exhibit and the biggest expansion to date for the world's largest aquarium. AT&T Dolphin Tales, through its impressive gallery, viewing windows, interactive displays and unsurpassed live theatrical show, is dedicated to creating memorable connections and a greater understanding of dolphins, traditionally the most-requested animal by guests of Georgia Aquarium.

"We are thrilled to have the support of AT&T to help bring AT&T Dolphin Tales to life," said Bernie Marcus, Benefactor and CEO of the Georgia Aquarium. "This is a significant new addition to the Georgia Aquarium, and has been nearly three years in the making. The introduction of these graceful and playful dolphins is a must-see experience, which will entertain and delight our guests in a whole new way. The dolphin gallery underscores Georgia Aquarium's status as a world-class destination."

Encompassing several impressive spaces, the new gallery includes an entrance lobby featuring a 25-foot-long underwater viewing window. The lobby leads to the AT&T Dolphin Tales theatre, a state-of-the-art enclosed facility designed and built as the perfect backdrop for a show incorporating dolphins and live actors, and featuring exhilarating theatrical effects. Serving as a moving tribute to the beauty, grace and intelligence of dolphins, the AT&T Dolphin Tales show is a story created and orchestrated exclusively for Georgia Aquarium to create memorable connections and a greater understanding of dolphins.

"We are proud to expand our relationship with the Georgia Aquarium and help tell the magnificent Dolphin Tales to real and virtual visitors alike," said Ralph de la Vega, president & CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "With AT&T's three-screen technology, Aquarium fans will be able to experience elements of the AT&T Dolphin Tales on their PC, their TV or on a wireless device."

AT&T worked closely with Georgia Aquarium to develop and support a number of different communications channels in an effort to highlight and promote dolphin, gallery and show-related content, both in-person at the Aquarium and through online tools.  

Interactive Technology Enhances AT&T Dolphin Tales Experience

• AT&T Interactive Display: As guests enter the new AT&T Dolphin Tales gallery, they will encounter an interactive display that allows them to browse and learn more about dolphins, key features of the Aquarium's newly-unveiled mobile website, presented by AT&T, and content that can be accessed through the AT&T wireless devices and AT&T U-verse® TV.
• Mobile Website: AT&T and the Georgia Aquarium recently launched a new mobile website, which guests can access at m.georgiaaquarium.org through any internet-connected mobile device. Website content includes: Aquarium and AT&T Dolphin Tales ticket purchasing; daily event times; gallery and animal guide, a scavenger hunt, Aquarium map and more.
• Webisodes Available Online and Soon on AT&T U-verse TV: Beginning today online, the first in a series of new webisodes highlighting various aspects of the new gallery, including the making of the show, transportation of the dolphins to Georgia and dolphin care and training. Each two-to-three minute vignette will be available at georgiaaquarium.org. A new webisode will be released each week until the AT&T Dolphin Tales grand opening and each segment will educate and entertain viewers on the momentous job of creating and opening such a major new venue. In the coming weeks, this content will also be made available through AT&T U-verse TV, U-verse Online and U-verse Mobile.  
• AT&T's Mobile Barcode Technology: To further engage visitors in the Aquarium experience, AT&T's mobile barcode technology will enable guests to scan Georgia Aquarium barcodes located throughout the facility with their AT&T wireless devices, directing them to a mobile website where they receive information including the Aquarium map, details on the AT&T Dolphin Tales mobile tour and more. To download the free AT&T Code Scanner go to: http://scan.mobi or the app store from your mobile device. To view a video demonstrating the mobile barcode technology in action, visit:  www.att.com/mobilebarcodes.

AT&T Dolphin Tales Hits the Road

Beginning in April, AT&T and Georgia Aquarium will take the AT&T Dolphin Tales experience on the road. A mobile tour, housed inside of a 75-foot-long tractor-trailer, will invite guests to come inside for a glimpse at the AT&T Dolphin Tales experience. Through a "virtual" dolphin environment utilizing AT&T technology, guests will enjoy learning more about dolphins while surrounded by a sensory experience recreating elements and scenes from the live show. The AT&T Dolphin Tales mobile tour vehicle will be free of charge to guests and has plans to visit multiple locations around Atlanta, including The Avenue® shopping centers and a number of festivals. The mobile tour will also visit several cities outside of Atlanta. The schedule of tour stops will soon be available at georgiaaquarium.org and attdolphintales.com.  

To take an immersive first-look at AT&T Dolphin Tales, and to purchase tickets, visit georgiaaquarium.org. To ensure that AT&T Dolphin Tales is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, attendance will be limited each day. Guests are required to purchase AT&T Dolphin Tales gallery tickets in advance to guarantee entry and a seat to the show.

Mobile Text-to-Give Program Support:

Donors can text the keywords SPLASH ($5 donation) or DOLPHIN ($10 donation) to 20222 with proceeds benefitting the Georgia Aquarium's dolphin conservation efforts. Standard message and data rates apply. For complete information about the Georgia Aquarium's Mobile Text-to-Give, visit www.attdolphintales.com.**

For information on AT&T and interactive elements and other dolphin-related content, visit www.ATTDolphinTales.com.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world's largest with more than ten million gallons of water and the largest collection of aquatic animals. The mission of the Georgia Aquarium is to be an entertaining, educational and scientific institution featuring exhibits and programs of the highest standards; offering engaging and exciting guest experiences promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world. The Georgia Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For additional information, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org.

About Philanthropy at AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2009, more than $155 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine. 

** Text SPLASH to 20222 to donate $5.00 to Georgia Aquarium; text DOLPHIN to 20222 to donate $10.00 to Georgia Aquarium. A one-time donation of $5.00 or $10.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the Georgia Aquarium by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org. Messaging and Data rates may apply. All purchases must be authorized by the account holder. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to shortcode 20222; Reply HELP to shortcode 20222 for help.   

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.