Wednesday, June 13, 2007

MILWAUKEE, WI, June 11, 2007 – U.S. Cellular has renewed its title sponsorship of Milwaukee's U.S. Cellular Arena until 2014. The naming rights and designation as "the exclusive wireless provider to the Wisconsin Center District" continues a relationship that began in 2000.

The contract combines cash payments and wireless services to the Wisconsin Center District totaling more than $2.4 million.

The U.S. Cellular Arena, a 12,700-seat facility, is home to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men’s basketball team and the Major Indoor Soccer League’s Milwaukee Wave. It is also the exclusive Milwaukee venue for Disney on Ice, the Tripoli Shrine Circus, and a wide variety of concerts and corporate events. Along with the Midwest Airlines Center and the Milwaukee Theatre, the U.S. Cellular Arena is a major component of the Wisconsin Center District.

"Renewing our naming agreement for the U.S. Cellular Arena was important to us. It confirms our commitment to Milwaukee and to our customers in the region," said Kathy Hust, vice president of operations for U.S. Cellular. "U.S. Cellular values its long-term business relationships with individual and corporate customers. Our commitment is reflected in our customer retention rates, which are among the highest in the industry."

"U.S. Cellular is a fantastic partner, and the Wisconsin Center District greatly appreciates the company's investment in our facilities." Franklyn Gimbel, Wisconsin Center District board chairman said. “With this new agreement, people visiting the U.S. Cellular Arena will see an even greater presence by U.S. Cellular in the building."

The renewed title sponsorship provides visitors to the U.S. Cellular Arena an enhanced entertainment experience with the addition of LED display boards and the U.S. Cellular Cell Zone. The Cell Zone is a sound-resistant cell phone booth that provides privacy and a quiet environment for callers. The U.S. Cellular logo will remain prominently displayed throughout the building and on the sports playing surfaces.

"Our facilities attract hundreds of thousands of people from throughout the region and around the country." Richard Geyer, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Center District said. “"veryone who comes to a consumer show, a Broadway musical, a concert, or a convention at the Wisconsin Center District will notice the U.S. Cellular name across the front of one of our most prominent venues."

U.S. Cellular is the nation’s sixth-largest wireless service carrier, providing wireless service to six million customers in 26 states. The Chicago-based company employs 8,000 associates and operates on a customer satisfaction strategy, meeting customer needs by providing a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, superior customer support, and a high-quality network.

The Wisconsin Center District is owner and operator of the U.S. Cellular Arena, the Midwest Airlines Center, and The Milwaukee Theatre. It is the state’s premier destination for convention, entertainment, and sporting events. The Wisconsin Center District is a public agency governed by a fifteen member board. Its activities create jobs and economic activity in the greater Milwaukee region.