CenturyLink Field is expected to retain its name for years to come, thanks an extension between the Seattle Seahawks and CenturyLink. The extension would begin in 2019, and run through the 2033 NFL season.
CenturyLink Field and CenturyLink Field Event Center, which hosts more than 185 events per year and attracts more than 2.4 million attendees annually, is the home of the Seahawks, Sounders FC, stadium concerts, Seattle Auto Show, Seattle Boat Show, Seattle Home Show, Seattle RV Show, and various community and corporate events. This stadium naming rights extension is pending approval by the Washington State Public Stadium Authority, the Washington State public corporation owner of the stadium and event center.
The current naming rights agreement began in 2004 as Qwest Field. It was renamed CenturyLink Field in 2011, when CenturyLink became the naming rights sponsor following its acquisition of Qwest Communications. Under this new agreement, CenturyLink will continue to be the exclusive communications services sponsor of CenturyLink Field and the Seattle Seahawks.
“CenturyLink’s naming rights relationship with the Seahawks allows fans to have an enhanced game-day experience with secure, state-of-the-art stadium technology. We are excited about renewing this agreement, as it will allow us to continue to be a part of the Seahawks community and to remain connected with the 12s, one of the NFL’s most passionate fan bases,” said Glen F. Post, III, chief executive officer and president of CenturyLink. “CenturyLink Field showcases CenturyLink’s brand locally and nationally, while providing high-quality engagement opportunities with consumers and businesses regarding CenturyLink’s focus on improving their lives by connecting them to the power of the digital world.”
“We are proud to announce the continuation of our naming rights partnership with CenturyLink,” said First & Goal Inc. and Seahawks president Peter McLoughlin. “CenturyLink Field unites our community as a home to championship caliber moments and diverse events that provide memorable experiences each year to millions of people. We are honored and appreciative to have an exceptional partner in CenturyLink who continues to demonstrate their commitment to our team, our fans and our community with this extension.”
CenturyLink and the Seahawks will continue to partner on deep-rooted community programs, including the CenturyLink High School Athlete of the Week, which recognizes the performance of student-athletes on the field as well as their commitment to the classroom and community. Since the partnership began in 2004, the Seahawks and CenturyLink have donated nearly $200,000 to 108 high schools and students throughout the state of Washington. CenturyLink will continue to serve as the presenting sponsor for the team’s community-based Spirit of 12 Partners, which has raised more than $3.8 million for local charities since its inception in 2004.
Twenty-percent of annual net profits generated from the operation of the Event Center are deposited into the State of Washington Permanent Common School Fund for public school improvements.
Image courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks.