GRAPEVINE, Texas, Feb 25, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- GameStop /quotes/comstock/13*!gme/quotes/nls/gme (GME 17.20, -0.31, -1.77%) , the world's largest video game and entertainment software retailer, today announced it is hosting midnight launch events for Battlefield: Bad Company 2 on Monday, March 1, at more than 1,300 stores nationwide. Event-goers will get the chance to test their combat skills with a tank building challenge, commando dress up contest and soldier skill challenge.

Most participating GameStop locations will open at 10 p.m. local time; however, customers are asked to contact their local store to confirm the exact time of the event. Events may vary by location.

Along with the midnight events, GameStop is hosting two different tournaments to rally the troops into action. The GameStop Battlefield Bracket Challenge pits 16 celebrity-captained teams in a bracket-style tournament. Consumers can visit www.gamestop.com/battlefieldbc2 to fill out brackets between now and March 4 and be eligible to win cash and gift cards. In addition, the GameStop "Battle of the Baddest" tournament features a ladder-up online competition capped by a 64-team playoff that gives participants the chance to win cash and prizes.

Pre-order Battlefield: Bad Company 2 now from GameStop and receive instant access to the AKS-74 assault rifle for multiplayer action. In addition, reserve the game and receive a code for exclusive 30-day early access starting March 2 to the new multiplayer game mode, Squad Rush.

For an event near you, visit a local GameStop store or http://www.gamestop.com/battlefieldbc2.