Verizon Wireless Presents �New Hampshire's Newest Hot Spot: The Verizon Wireless Arena

MANCHESTER, NH — Verizon Wireless and SMG have signed a 15-year agreement for the naming rights of the city-owned Manchester Civic Center. The agreement was announced today at a news conference held at the newly named Verizon Wireless Arena.

Under the naming rights deal, which is valued at over $11 million, Verizon Wireless will receive interior and exterior signage, and multiple marketing and promotional opportunities.

"As a premier sports and entertainment destination, the Verizon Wireless Arena is an exciting addition to Manchester's successful economic development," said Bob Stott, president of Verizon Wireless' New England Region. "We are proud to be a part of this exciting endeavor, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to the city of Manchester and the people of New Hampshire."

The $47 million, 10,000-seat facility, set to open on November 15, 2001 will be home to the Manchester Monarchs, the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, a future Arena 2 football team, concerts, ice shows and collegiate events.

"The Verizon Wireless name represents an innovative, nationally known leader with a strong Manchester presence," said Mayor Robert Baines. "As we continue our city's renaissance as a business and entertainment destination, partnerships with companies such as Verizon Wireless will be a great boost to the Manchester economy."

Verizon Wireless was selected as the winner in a long-fought bidding contest for the arena's naming rights. " With Verizon Wireless, we have a partner that offers the strength and integrity fitting for the city of Manchester's new world-class facility," said Sandy Dunn, Regional General Manager of SMG.

Verizon Wireless' name and logo will be prominently displayed on the arena's main marquee on Elm and Lake Streets, as well as on a South exterior sign on the side of the building facing Route 293. The facility boasts 34 luxury suites, which have already sold out to local businesses, two party suites, and a club seating area with wait-staff service for spectators.

Verizon Wireless operates two Communications stores in Manchester, as well as stores in Concord, Salem and Nashua, New Hampshire. The Verizon Wireless Arena is the latest of several amphitheaters and music centers named after the company; others include The Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, Calif., The Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater and the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Selma, Texas.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 28 million wireless voice and data customers. The coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD), including Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless and PrimeCo Personal Communications. Verizon Wireless has a footprint covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 97 of the top 100 U.S. markets. The company, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 40,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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