Four Florida Verizon Wireless stores will be hosting parties on September 29th for the launch of the new Motorola Droid R2-D2. Look for members of the 501st, trivia contests, giveaways, and lots of costumes to be on hand for the festivities that should be kicking off around 9:30 PM. Florida launch party locations include:

Hialeah
1599 W 49th St
Hialeah, FL 33012
(305) 819-6443

St. Petersburg
4870 Park St N
Saint Petersburg, FL 33709
(727) 544-4676

Best Buy #157
4601 E. COLONIAL DRIVE
Orlando, FL 32803
(904) 519-7775

Orange Park
1911 Wells Rd
Suite 3
Orange Park, FL 32073
(904) 215-9444


If you happen to be in the area, and attend one of the events, send us a report! If you know of other Verizon launch parties, please let us know about those too and we'll be sure to get the word out.


Source: MiamiHerald.com



UPDATE: Click on the image below for a list of more Verizon stores that will be hosting Droid R2-D2 launch parties. (via VerizonInsider.com)




UPDATE #2: BGR reports on a launch party at the following Verizon Wireless location in Texas:

Verizon Wireless Vista Ridge
2403 S. Stemmons Frwy.
Lewisville, TX 75067
(972) 459-7111


UPDATE #3: We have a couple more party locations to let you know about.

First, AL.com informs us of a release party in Huntsville, Alabama that will include members of the 501st

6275 University Dr NW
Suite 3
Huntsville, AL 35806
(256) 922-0111


We also got an e-mail from our friend Tom of the 501st Garrison Excelsior imforming us of a release party in New York:

"Join Members of Garrison Excelsior this Thursday 9-30, As we celebrate the release of the R2D2 Droid Phone at the Verizon Wireless Store on Jefferson Road in Henrietta, NY from 8am to 9am."

951 Jefferson Rd
Rochester, NY 14623
(585) 697-5900


UPDATE #4: Derek, Chancellor of the Austin Fan Force, sent over the following news of another launch party:

"Verizon will be having a launch party for the new R2D2 Droid tomorrow night Wednesday September 29th from 11pm to 1 am. They are going to have some giveaways, contest, food, etc.... They are inviting all to come dressed in Star Wars costumes, etc. Local Fan Force member Jamie McShan will have his R2D2 on hand as well, so photo ops galore!
The address is 9705 Research Blvd; Suite D Austin, TX 78759 Phone 512-346-6500"

Thanks Derek!


UPDATE #5: TFN reader Chris writes in to let us know that Chicago's Verizon Wireless store at 36 South State Street will be hosting a launch party as well. Thanks Chris!


UPDATE #6: If you live near Raleigh, North Carolina, you can attend the R2-D2 Droid 2 launch party at the Brier Creek Verizon Wireless store. Also worth noting: according to that link, Verizon's total inventory is 88,000 R2-D2 Droid 2 units.


UPDATE: 7: Starwars.com provides Droid R2-D2 details and images along with a full list of launch party locations.