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Sarah Dallof reportingThousands of people stood in line for hours today for 15 minutes of fame and a chance at $1 million. Those thousands were hoping for a shot on the game show "Deal or No Deal."
We're talking about an estimated 10,000 people willing to camp out overnight for a 20-second audition. Some stayed in tents overnight in a line that stretched all the way around the RC Willey near 300 West and 2100 South.
As people waited they bought hot dogs, drinks, held up signs and just tried to attract attention from anyone walking by.
"We spent the night here last night and it was a little chilly," game show hopeful Kathy Doman said.
"The show, it's just a dream come true. It's so much fun, and I love the show, just love it, and talked them into coming with me. And I don't regret a minute of it. I mean, it was so much fun," Marjorie Doman Fleigler, also a game show hopeful, said.
People came from across the state came to give it their best shot. The Bailey family drove down from Logan. They told us considering entertainment was pretty slim in Logan, $1 million was a pretty good incentive to come to Salt Lake.
Once inside, hopefuls had about 20 seconds to impress the casting directors and seal the deal. "I think by the end they said 'No deal, Get out!' But I gave my best shot and that's all you can do," Kim Tripp said.
When asked what people would do with the money if they made the show and won big, we heard everything from "go back to college" to "buy a house," and just blow it celebrating.
Similar auditions were held in other parts of the country as well.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
