Verizon Wireless Named Official Wireless Provider Of Middle Tennessee Blue Raider Athletics

MURFREESBORO, TN — Verizon Wireless and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) today announced a two-year sponsorship agreement designating Verizon Wireless as the official wireless provider of the Blue Raider athletics program. According to the multi-year agreement, Verizon Wireless will provide Blue Raider Athletics with all of their wireless needs to enable the coaches and teams to stay connected.

"We are thrilled to have the leader in wireless voice and data services supporting our athletic program," said Chris Massaro, Director of Athletics at MTSU. "Verizon Wireless has done great things with other collegiate athletic programs, and through our partnership with them, we expect to enhance our fans' experience with the latest technological advancements and the most complete wireless service."

The two-year deal will kick off during the 2008 football season and will run through 2010, to provide Blue Raider teams, coaches and fans with excellent Verizon Wireless services and products. From updates on Blue Raider athletics via text message to coverage of the sporting events online, Verizon Wireless will be at the center of MTSU's successful athletics program, keeping the Blue Raider family in touch and up-to-date. Verizon Wireless has sponsored Middle Tennessee State University since 2005.

"At Verizon Wireless, we understand the dedication and teamwork that college athletic programs represent, and we look forward to bringing the same determination to this partnership," said Jerry Fountain, president of the Carolinas/Tennessee region of Verizon Wireless. "For years, Verizon Wireless has been a big supporter of college athletics, and this sponsorship will afford us a great opportunity to further our commitment not only the Middle Tennessee community, but also to the greater Murfreesboro community as a whole."

Blue Raiders fans can enjoy real-time football game coverage — whether seated in Floyd Stadium or with their cellphones anywhere across the country. Verizon Wireless' ESPN MVP VCAST application keeps sports fans connected to their favorite teams and players and provides fanatics direct access to the most extensive mobile sports content. With ESPN MVP, users can get live Gamecast play-by-play action on their cell phone, as well as manage their fantasy football team, view news articles and listen to commentary from ESPN columnists. Fans can also register for alerts and highlights of the big game to be sent to their Verizon Wireless cellphones.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 68.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 70,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.  

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