Went to a Pokemon TCG Prerelease. I haven't been to one in about a decade. Last I remember, the shop waited until they had enough members, sat everyone down by age group, and handed out booster packs and the Prerelease promos.
Today I went to the card shop which had a few tables set up, and the newish "Build & Battle Box" display was at the checkout counter. I grabbed a box each for me and my daughter, inquired of the clerk as to how this worked as I haven't bought one in a while, and the clerk informed me that I just purchased the boxes and could play if I wanted. I was a little let down, but perhaps it was because the venue was so small compared to other shops. I plan on attending more in the future as Prerelease events were so much fun. I've slowly been crawling back into the hobby because my daughter is getting to the age where she can play, and her school friends are gushing over the cards.
What a dangerous toll on my debit card this presents...