How to get a copy

Forget Boardwalk and Park Place: Belle Isle and Eastern Market are what it’s all about!

On November 8, Monopoly: Detroit Edition went on sale citywide, reimagined with cultural landmarks, historic landmarks, charities and Detroit businesses replacing the iconic board game’s traditional Atlantic City-themed squares. Locations such as the Roostertail, Campus Martius, Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, American Coney Island, 8 Mile and Pewabic Pottery make up the plazas of Detroit Edition. It also includes custom Community Chest and Chance cards.

The game is the only officially licensed version in the state, introduced by Top Trumps USA, the US division of Winning Moves International and licensed by toy and game company Hasbro.

“Detroit has a lot to love,” said Tim Barney, a representative of Top Trumps USA and game manager for Monopoly: Detroit Edition. “It certainly has a lot to offer. It has a beautiful culture, an interesting history, great attractions and businesses. And I say: why not Detroit? I’m a little surprised it took us so long to get there.

“I fell in love with it when I first came there. I think it’s important for me to visit each area, really immerse myself in the culture, get to know the people, learn things I can’t find in standard Google searches… I really try to keep my thumb on the pulse of the community. And while I was there, it was like I couldn’t spend enough time in the area. There’s so much, it’s hard to hit everything. But we did our best and I really wanted to come back and do the launch last Friday.”

Top Trumps did not expect such a high demand for the game, and almost immediately the first 10,000 copies sold out at most retailers in the city.

“I was in the gift shop at the Detroit Historical Museum and I saw people carrying three, four, five copies,” Barney said. “They had them under their arms and were struggling to carry them all! And then at some point I heard that retailers were limiting people to one game per person, and you could tell people wanted more. Some of those sites are on their second and third orders, trying to keep them in stock. This has been huge. They are talking about it all over the world.”

Detroit visual artist Trae Isaac excitedly managed to get two copies for herself.

“For me, as a kid it was growing up and playing Monopoly with family and friends,” Isaac said. “As an adult, I appreciated the theme versions, and I have come to realize and understand my own value and appreciation for my city and what we bring. So I thought it was natural to want two, and keep one on ice. I wanted it as part of my own personal collection because of my love for Detroit.”

Isaac bought his copies at All Things Marketplace, one of the local retailers selling the game.

“When I went to pick up the one I ordered online,” he said, “I asked how many Jennyfer had left, and she said she had one left. And I thought, ‘Can I buy that?’ I wasn’t originally going to buy two, but I figured, “Might as well since I’m here.” So I just had to go ahead and get it.

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is one of many beloved institutions on the game board.

“We are deeply honored to be included on the board of Monopoly Detroit Edition, along with so many other cornerstones of our community,” said DIA President, President and CEO Salvador Salort-Pons. “The Detroit Institute of Arts is proud to call this city our home and we are excited to see this game bringing people together to appreciate the spirit and character that make Detroit so special. We are also thrilled to be able to sell Monopoly Detroit Edition in the DIA Shop for all museum visitors to enjoy.”

The Detroit Zoo is also represented on the board, an exciting addition for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS).

“The Detroit Zoo is where life comes together, and by being part of this special Detroit edition of Monopoly, we can create meaningful connections between the zoo and the people who love this classic board game,” said Randi Hamilton, Chief Experience Officer from DZS. “The Detroit Zoo is one of Michigan’s premier attractions, welcoming more than 1 million guests each year, and we’re excited to join other beloved businesses and organizations in the Detroit area on the board.”

Also included in the game box is the classic card game Top Trumps, and an additional playing card with a Detroit-specific surprise.

Pre-order for delivery in December

“I think our warehouse has been completely cleared,” Barney said. “We’re almost sold out, and now I need to get a reprint going right away to make sure the games are ready again for the holidays so people can have them in their homes and enjoy them over the Christmas holidays. Some retailers still have it on shelves, but people can pre-order from us online for estimated December delivery.

“It’s phenomenal; it’s the fastest selling game in the entire United States since we’ve been doing this. Detroit should be proud, and I’m so glad they responded.

Where can I buy Monopoly: Detroit Edition?

Monopoly: Detroit Edition costs $44.99 and is sold at various retail locations around the city, as well as:

• College for Creative Studies

• Detroit Historical Museum

• Detroit Institute of the Arts

• Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts

For more information about the game or to pre-order a copy, visit toptrumps.com.

Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Monopoly: Detroit Edition is sold out: how to pre-order, where to buy