AMARILLO, Texas, July 29, 1999-- Hastings Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAST), a leading multimedia entertainment superstore and Internet retailer, today announced that its e-commerce web site, www.gohastings.com, will sponsor a live on-line concert featuring Lucky Dog/Sony recording artist Jack Ingram at 8:30 p.m. CDT on July 29, 1999. Web shoppers will be able to view the 45 minute concert, purchase an autographed copy of the artist's CD's and submit questions to the Mr. Ingram that will be answered in a live, on-line interview immediately following the concert. Jack Ingram's concert will follow a live performance by Warner Bros. Recording artist "Owsley" which will begin at 7:30 CDT.

"Having both Jack Ingram and "Owsley" perform live on gohastings.com is going to be an incredible night of Internet entertainment," said John Marmaduke, chairman and chief executive officer of Hastings Entertainment. "We feel this is a perfect platform to introduce exciting new talent to our consumers and allow them to feel closer to the entertainment experience."

Art Kaye, Sales Manager from Lucky Dog/Sony Music, added, "Bringing Jack Ingram’s great talent to the Worldwide Web prior to the September 21 release of his new CD, "Hey You", is extremely exciting. Thanks to our friends at Hastings for making this Internet performance possible."

The concert will be featured on gohastings.com's new Web-cast page, which will offer a wide variety of both on-demand and live video events. Through an agreement with Yahoo!, a leading global Internet media company, the company will deliver live entertainment events through Yahoo! Broadcast Services (formerly broadcast.com).

Founded in 1968, Hastings Entertainment, Inc. is the leading multimedia entertainment retailer that combines the sale of books, music, software, periodicals, DVDs and videos with the rental of videos, DVDs and video games in a superstore format. The company currently operates 137 superstores located primarily in small to medium-sized markets in 20 states across America. Hastings superstores average 21,200 square feet and total approximately 2.9 million square feet of retail space under lease. The company has opened eight superstores thus far in fiscal 1999 and anticipates opening 12 additional superstores during the remainder of the fiscal year.

Hastings also operates www.gohastings.com, an e-commerce Internet Web site that makes available to customers more than 10 million new and used entertainment products and unique gifts and toys. The site features exceptional product and pricing offers, including best-selling books at up to 50% off list price. In addition, investors and customers can review general and financial information about Hastings at this Web site.