Dozens of Best Buy locations will be opening their stores on midnight March 9th for the new Smash Bros. Brawl US release. (Luckily there’s one just 10 minutes away from where I live.) Check here to see for any participating stores in your area…

In addition, Gamestop is also holding a midnight release of their own, with a Brawl tournament planned — although you’ll have to call your nearest store to find out the details.

Round 1: Midnight Launch, March 8th, 2008
Round 2: District finals, March 15th, 2008
Round 3: Regional Finals, March 29th, 2008
Round 4: Grand finals, April 12th, 2008

[UPDATE: 02/20]

Could European fans receive their copy 3 months after the US release? Various gaming sites are reporting a June 6th European launch date. Apparently a Nintendo of Europe representative leaked the info at the Micromania Games Awards held yesterday.

“This is a rumour and purely speculative. Nintendo is yet to confirm any release dates for Smash Bros.” – Nintendo of Europe representative