Beyonce to Kick Off North American Tour at BET Experience LIVE, 6/28

BET Networks, the foremost entertainment brand for the African-American audience, and AEG, one of the leading entertainment companies in the world and developer/ operator of L.A. LIVE have teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind event, the BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE(BETX), June 28 - 30, 2013. The month of June will be a scorcher in Los Angeles, CA as the BET Experience takes over L.A. LIVE for three days and nights of music and comedy concerts, film screenings, "106 & PARK" tapings, BET Fan Fest, seminars, BET GRAMMY Museum exhibit, various Social events and celebrity appearances.

Beyonce, in the first stop on her North American tour, is set to headline the first of the three-night STAPLES Concert series on Friday, June 28. Each night will feature comedy showcases, mega concerts from Staples Center and late night soul performances at Club Nokia. Before Beyonce's performance in STAPLES, Mike Epps brings his comedy game to the Club Nokia stage, while Erykah Badu captivates the late night crowd in Club Nokia after Beyonce's highly anticipated performance. On Saturday, June 29, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Miguel and Schoolboy Q headline at Staples Center and Club Nokia will feature an exclusive session with The Roots. On Sunday, Kirk Franklin curates a morning Gospel celebration at Club Nokia. R. Kelly, New Edition and The Jacksons close out the Staples Center Concert Series following the Super Bowl of Black Entertainment; the BET Awards broadcasting live from Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE. This year's BET Awards promises to be bigger and better as it recognizes the successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in an array of categories.

"This is the next step in our evolution of the BET Awards weekend. I am proud to say that what we have planned is the greatest celebration of music, entertainment, and culture and I'm thrilled to have Beyonce kick off our festivities," said Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET Networks. "We are pleased to have the perfect partner in AEG to pull off our inaugural BET Experience."

"We are proud to be working in partnership with BET to create and co-host the first annual BET Experience at L.A. LIVE, said Timothy J. Leiweke, President and CEO, AEG. "No other organization would have the vision, the brand, the assets, the imagination or the creativity to design such an all-encompassing celebration than our Friends at BET under the inspired leadership of Debra Lee. We look forward to welcoming the thousands of fans from all over the U.S. that will come to Los Angeles and L.A. LIVE to attend this one-of-a-kind tribute and celebration."

"When the world thinks of stars they think of Los Angeles," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "And this June we are happy to welcome the stars of Black Entertainment to our City for the BET Experience. Every year the show honors those actors, musicians and comedians who Touch our souls and bring joy to our lives."

Tickets for all announced shows and a limited amount of special VIP packages for the BET Experience will Go On sale on Monday, February 11, 2013 beginning at 1 p.m./EST, 10 a.m./PST via BETExperience.com and AXS.com. Staples Center three-night packages start as low as $199. Single-night tickets are also available.Special VIP packages will offer fans the ultimate "insider access" with exclusive VIP tickets, Hospitality and star-studded events. VIP packages are the only way to purchase BET Awards tickets, available for the first time for purchase. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

In addition to concerts, comedy shows and the BET Awards, the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE will feature:

"106 & PARK" Stage: "106 & PARK," the number one music countdown show, brings the livest audience to their exclusive stage in Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE throughout the weekend with free musical performances, new talent showcases and celebrity appearances.

Music Matters Stage: This free outdoor stage will showcase up-and-coming artists associated with the BET Music Matters initiative, which has introduced BET Awards show-stopping, GRAMMY winning, chart-topping new talent to the world including Melanie Fiona, Marsha Ambrosius,andLuke James.

BET GRAMMY Museum Exhibit: A special curated exhibit of past BET Awards Lifetime Achievement Honorees will be staged at L.A. LIVE's GRAMMY Museum during the weekend.

BET Revealed Seminars: BET presents celebrity-filled seminars featuring real talk on money, culture, entertainment, family, celebrity and relationships at the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE.

BET Experience Film Fest: BET's first ever film fest will showcase a diversity of films studio releases, narratives, documentaries and shorts. Curated with Urbanworld and taking place at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live, this will be a "people's film festival" with no cost to event attendees.

The Fan Fest: An interactive expo that invites guests to engage with their favorite BET shows, talent and their favorite brands through exhibits, demonstrations and giveaways. The Fan Fest includes a BET pavilion; a diverse food experience with soul food and other regional cuisines; Wolfgang Puck stations and a culinary stage; plus a Community and exhibitor village.