TO KICK OFF THE SERIES PREMIERE OF ITS NEW ADVENTURE SERIES, "EXPEDITION IMPOSSIBLE," ABC CREATES FUN CHALLENGES IN NEW YORK'S TIMES SQUARE MILITARY ISLAND PROMOTING TEAM COMPETITION, THURSDAY, JUNE 23

What better way to introduce ABC's exciting new summer adventure series, "Expedition Impossible," than by descending on Times Square Military Island area? To kick off the reality show's premiere, ABC will erect a sand dune in the iconic New York location and construct multiple physical challenges on Thursday, June 23, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. "Expedition Impossible" premieres THURSDAY, JUNE 23 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Just as teams of ordinary people on the television show will be doing the extraordinary in the biggest adventure of their lives, Times Square passersby will have a unique opportunity to participate in fun and games through a number of challenges promoting team competition. The Times Square event will reflect the same physical and mental nature of "Expedition Impossible" through highly visual and interactive means. Upon entering the event area, spectators will receive a "passport" that they can get stamped after completing each challenge, redeemable at the Expedition Rewards tent for a customized "Expedition Impossible" water bottle (while supplies last).

Excavation Impossible, a challenge made possible by the new Ford Explorer, will give participants a fun and entertaining opportunity to dig around in the sand, competing as a team, and interact with the new 2011 Ford Explorer.

Additionally, event goers can opt to take a personal challenge by harnessing up and strapping-in for an expedition up one of the three 30-ft palm trees at the Coconut Tree Climb. The Moroccan Mind Challenge will require teams to think quickly and use snap judgment in order to be the fastest team to construct a customized "Expedition Impossible" puzzle. Plus, those who feel like traveling to the desert or visiting a Moroccan city can visit the Expedition Images photo tent and choose from a variety of sceneries, courtesy of a green screen. Visitors will receive a branded photo directing them to www.expeditionimpossibleonabc.com, where they can download their photos and share their adventurous day with friends and family.

About "Expedition Impossible"

From creator and executive producer Mark Burnett comes high adventure and human drama in ABC's new summer series, "Expedition Impossible." The show features 13 teams of 3 who will push themselves to the limit racing in an expedition across vast deserts, over snow-capped mountains and through raging rivers in the beautifully exotic, fabled Kingdom of Morocco. Each week, a new stage of the expedition will be revealed to the teams. Will they crumble under the pressure of having to think clearly in the great outdoors, or find a way to work together to complete the expedition? After 10 legs of competition with drama, lighter moments and great characters, one team will cross the finish line first to claim victory. Each winning team member will receive $50,000 ($150,000 total for the team) as well as a new Ford Explorer. "Expedition Impossible" is hosted by adventurer, zoologist, big cat trainer and all around risk taker, Dave Salmoni.