It's Official: Sports Authority Field at Mile High

DENVER, Sept. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Denver Broncos, the Metropolitan Football Stadium District and Sports Authority officially stood together for the first time at the newly renamed Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium.

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"I congratulate the Broncos and I congratulate and welcome Sports Authority to this facility. And every time we walk up to this stadium we're going to see their moniker placed with the great team that has meant so much to this region," said Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.

"As a local, Colorado company, we can't think of a better team to become associated with than the Denver Broncos," said Darrell Webb, Chief Executive Officer of Sports Authority.  "We're looking forward to supporting them and the fans for a long time to come."

A performance by the Stampede Drum Corps kicked off the event, with the new Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium sign in the background.  

"We're proud to be bringing this level of sponsorship, commitment and involvement to the Denver Broncos and the Colorado community," added Jeff Schumacher, Executive Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer/Chief Strategy Officer at Sports Authority. "We have 1,700 employees in Colorado and we're all fans. Having a Denver-based sporting goods company seems like a natural fit."

As part of the overall naming rights agreement, some of the sponsorship funding will go to improving the fan experience at the stadium, according to Broncos president Joe Ellis.

"They will help bring life to the building and we're excited about that.  They've been a great partner for the Denver Broncos and now they'll be a great partner for Colorado, our fans, this building and everyone in this involved in this region." commented Ellis.

"We're so pleased to be adding Sports Authority to our relationship with the Broncos and the community of Denver," added Matt Sugar, spokesperson for the Metropolitan Football Stadium District.  "It's great to have a local sponsor for a local team."  

Following the unveiling, a luncheon was hosted by Sports Authority, the Denver Broncos and the Metropolitan Football Stadium District allowing nearly 100 community leaders to connect with the partnership and help celebrate the occasion.

The Denver Broncos regular season opens Monday, September 12th against the Oakland Raiders at 8:15pm MDT and can be seen on ESPN.

About Sports Authority

Sports Authority is staffed with experts in all areas of sports and fitness related topics, and strives to be the ultimate "authority," both on and off the field. Whether in the game or cheering from the sidelines, Sports Authority is the leading destination for consumers to fulfill their own sports equipment needs, as well as find their favorite team's apparel. Sports Authority operates 465 stores in 45 states, and employs more than 15,000 associates nationwide. It also operates stores in Japan under a partnership with AEON Co., Ltd. The company's e-commerce website is located at www.sportsauthority.com.

SOURCE Sports Authority