Deal Marks CenturyLink’s First Corporate Sponsorship as New Company since Merging with Qwest Communications
May 19, 2011
CenturyLink enters its inaugural season in the Portland community as well as a new company, with the announcement of its first, post-merger signed sponsorship deal with the Portland Timbers Major League Soccer (MLS) team. The deal names CenturyLink the exclusive communications sponsor of the Timbers, naming rights partner for the “Man of the Match” promotional feature, along with a variety of online, broadcast and text promotions for fans. In venue CenturyLink sponsorship signage will be in place by the Saturday, May 21, 2011 game at JELD-WEN Field.
“What better way to celebrate CenturyLink as a new company, committed to the communities we serve, than to partner with the Timbers in their inaugural season as well,” said CenturyLink Portland/Vancouver Vice President and General Manager, Chris Denzin. “We are thrilled to be a part of the team, fans, energy and excitement they bring and look forward to seeing people interact with soccer fans everywhere through our promotions.”
CenturyLink has a rich tradition of sponsorships, philanthropy and employee volunteerism that includes technology-focused initiatives, driven locally, that strengthen communities and make them better places to live. This includes a dedicated, local employee base who is excited to cheer the Timbers on in their inaugural season.
“We are thrilled to partner with CenturyLink, a new company with a commitment to our community,” said Timbers Sr. Vice President of Business Development and Broadcasting, Ryan Brach. “We are proud of the partnership and look forward to bringing our fans unique promotional platforms to add to the overall Timbers experience.”
The Timbers play a 34-game regular season in MLS that runs through October 22, 2011.
About CenturyLink
CenturyLink is the third largest telecommunications company in the United States. The company provides broadband, voice and wireless services to consumers and businesses across the country. It also offers advanced entertainment services under the CenturyLinkTM PrismTM TV and DIRECTV brands. In addition, the company provides data, voice and managed services to business, government and wholesale customers in local, national and select international markets through its high-quality advanced fiber optic network and multiple data centers. CenturyLink is recognized as a leader in the network services market by key technology industry analyst firms. CenturyLink’s customers range from Fortune 500 companies in some of the country’s largest cities to families living in rural America. Headquartered in Monroe, La., CenturyLink is an S&P 500 company and is included among the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest corporations. For more information, visit www.centurylink.com.
About MLS Portland Timbers
On March 20, 2009, Major League Soccer (MLS) awarded Portland the league’s 18th franchise to begin play in the top-flight professional soccer league starting in 2011. The Portland Timbers have marked their debut MLS season in 2011 in a significantly renovated JELD-WEN Field, which has emerged as one of the most exciting and authentic soccer environments in the country. The Timbers have been a beloved part of the Portland sports landscape since their early beginnings in the North American Soccer League in 1975, launching the era of “Soccer City USA” in the Rose City.
For further information: Michelle Dugan 503-242-8534 Michelle.Dugan@CenturyLink.com
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