SEATTLE, WA — The Seattle Mariners and Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading wireless provider, have entered into a sponsorship agreement. The agreement, which covers two years, with a third year option, includes signage in a prime location on the center field scoreboard at Safeco Field, interactive programs for fans and a program in which Verizon Wireless and the Seattle Mariners will raise awareness for domestic violence prevention.
"We are thrilled to be sponsoring one of the top baseball teams in the country. This marquee partnership could not come at better time as we hope to connect with Seattle Mariner fans and become even more involved in the local community," said Kelley Kurtzman, regional president - Verizon Wireless.
"The Seattle Mariners are pleased to add Verizon Wireless as a corporate partner. Verizon Wireless is not only the nation's largest provider of wireless communications services, but has a clear commitment to making our community a better place," said Joe Chard, Seattle Mariners Vice President Corporate Business and Community Relations.
Verizon Wireless' network investment of more than $48 million in its Washington network during the past year helps fans stay connected. The enhancements are part of the company's aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment over the past three years.
Fans attending the Mariners game on July 21, 2004 will be asked to bring old mobile phones for donation to HopeLinesm, Verizon Wireless' multi-faceted national program that supports domestic violence prevention and awareness. Phones donated to HopeLine are recycled, refurbished or sold. Verizon Wireless uses the proceeds to award grants and donate wireless phones with airtime to non-profit human services and law enforcement agencies to aid victims of domestic violence. Twenty-thousand fans in attendance at the July 21 game will receive a Mariners/Verizon Wireless key chain.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 39 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless.
About HopeLine
Verizon Wireless encourages customers who are upgrading their wireless phone to participate in its exclusive HopeLine phone-recycling program. The national HopeLine program distributes previously owned wireless phones to victims of domestic violence, supports non-profit domestic violence advocacy groups and provides an environmentally safe method of recycling phones. Donations are accepted at all 1,200-plus Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. For additional information, customers can also visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
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