DALLAS (Aug. 21, 2009) – Learfield Sports’ Black Bear Sports Properties recently secured a three-year, wireless provider sponsorship agreement between University of Maine Athletics and U.S. Cellular, which makes an official announcement today.

 

The partnership calls for U.S. Cellular to sponsor the University of Maine’s ice hockey, football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball teams beginning fall 2009. Additionally, the agreement provides for signage on all of the fields and courts, as well as radio, television, print, online and hospitality offerings. Other Learfield Sports-managed schools with U.S. Cellular agreements are Wisconsin, Iowa, Iowa State, University of Northern Iowa, Kansas State, Oklahoma and Missouri.

 

“Many of our customers and associates are students, faculty, and alumni of the University of Maine, and we are pleased to support college athletics for the many sports fans throughout the region,” said Eric Conlon, U.S. Cellular director of sales in New England. “We believe in connecting people and sporting events are a great way to bring family, friends, and community together.”

 

“Having reliable communications is imperative to our programs success,” said Blake James, director of athletics at the University of Maine. “We are thrilled to have a partner that shares in our commitment to excellence and to the community.”

 

In addition to the sponsorship, the University of Maine Athletic Department will utilize U.S. Cellular’s BlackBerry and cell phone services. “Having reliable communications is necessary for us to do our job well. Without it, we would not be able to execute to the level our fans and partners deserve,” adds James.

 

Black Bear Sports Properties is the official multimedia rights holder for University of Maine Athletics and a property of Learfield Sports, which manages rights for more than 50 collegiate institutions and associations. It also titles the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup, manages marketing partnerships for the Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA) and provides exclusive sports programming to more than 1,000 radio stations throughout the country.

 

Dallas-based Learfield Sports is an operating unit of Jefferson City, Mo.-based Learfield Communications, Inc., which made its initial foray into the world of sports marketing in 1975 as the radio rights holder for the University of Missouri. For more, visit learfieldsports.com.

 

U.S. Cellular has been serving Maine residents since 1988 and employs more than 350 associates statewide. The company operates more than 65 company-owned retail and agent locations throughout Maine. U.S. Cellular’s investment in Maine goes beyond its wireless products and services; it extends directly to the community. Last year, the company donated more than $120,000 to non-profit organizations in Maine. In addition, U.S. Cellular associates are active in their communities providing free phone calls, volunteer support, and grants throughout the year to organizations and individuals such as the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, Togus VA Medical Center, Opportunity Farm for Boys & Girls, and People’s Regional Opportunity Program.

 

The 9,000 associates of U.S. Cellular believe a wireless phone enhances people’s lives and a wireless company should be in the business of bringing people together. U.S. Cellular has a wide range of monthly plans, including those with unlimited nationwide calling, unlimited free incoming calls and options to prepay. The company has a growing catalog of phones like the BlackBerry® Pearl and Curve, and the touch-screen Samsung Delve, which offer e-mail and Web access. Based in Chicago, U.S. Cellular is the nation’s fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier, serving 6.2 million customers across the country. To learn more about the company visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com.

 

Media Contacts:

 

Jennifer Duncan

Learfield Sports PR

Office: 469-767-8324

jduncan@learfieldsports.com

 

LaTrina Blair

Media Relations, U.S. Cellular

Office: 773-355-3364

LaTrina.Blair@uscellular.com

 

Kelly Cioe

PR Counsel

Office: 603-436-2347

Kelly@whalenpr.com

 

Posted on Friday, August 21, 2009