This year, they’ve retooled their GLE into what they’re calling Poker-Palooza. From their website:

PokerPalooza attractions will be divided into a number of grouped categories, designed to appeal to everyone from the touring professional to those who have not yet taken up the game. “It’s going to be part trade show, part carnival, all fun” said Ty Stewart, the WSOP’s Director of Marketing.

Multiple WSOP champions are expected to be on hand signing autographs. There will be an expanded food court and signature “Bad Beat Bar” to swap stories after being eliminated from poker’s biggest event. PokerPalooza will take place in the Rio Pavilion, directly adjacent to the WSOP playing area.

Their brochure also mentions that participants in the Ultimate Fighter TV series will also be taking part.

Speaking of the UFC, Full Tilt Poker.net has been sponsoring fighters and signage on the Octagon mat and cage in recent months. However, an email that was sent out Monday now bans fighters from having Full Tilt sponsorship for upcoming events. MMAfix.com is reporting that either Ultimate Bet and/or Absolute Poker will be replacing FullTilt as sponsors.

More on these stories as they develop…