I did that $5 down deal for GTA:SA at a local BB and I asked the clerk that, but he'd didn't even know the game was coming out.

My question is has BB ever done this for a video game? Would they for those two, seeing as they're the biggest things coming out this fall (or all year)?

I wouldn't hold your breath.. EB/Gamestop might.

My local video games etc. store is holding an all day halo tournament the day before Halo 2 is released. They are keeping the store open all night for people that want to get it early. I wouldnt think best buy would do that, but is it really that difficult to wait an extra 10 hours

Doom III had midnight sellings at about 12 Best Buys around the nation...that was the last midnight opening I remember Best Buy happening. I don't remember them having them for GTA or Vice City...I would not be surprised about Halo 2 though.

Wal-Mart and Meijer are a safe bet. I also think local shops are more likely to open at midnight than a place like BB or CC.

My EB Games just got signage for a midnight opening for Halo 2. Haven't heard anything on GTA yet.

Just find a local, independent video-game store. They won't be under pressure by the companies to sell the games on a certain date - they'll just sell them when they get them in. That's how I was abel to play PGR2, for example, a full week before EB was allowed to sell it.