As reported on ICv2, starting with Shards of Alara, Wizards of the Coast is opening up its Pre-Release events to include brick and mortar retailers who host Magic the Gathering events.  The Shards of Alara Expansion for Magic the Gathering has a street date of October 3rd (see “WotC Opens Up Pre-Release Events”). The full details of the application and logistical processes won’t be unveiled until July, but a WotC spokesperson has informed ICv2 that retailers will receive their Pre-Release product in the same way that they normally source MTG product--those who use Authorized Wizards of the Coast distributors will receive their Pre-Release product via their distributor, while those who buy directly from WotC will get their Pre-Release items from WotC Direct Sales.