Thunder to open 15th season at home with Tulsa, Oklahoma City
August 4, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder today proudly welcomed AT&T as their first ever Pioneer Sponsor.
The Thunder Pioneer Sponsor is a community leader willing to enhance their business and the business of others through multi-faceted partnership designed for long-term effects.
AT&T, the premier name in local and long distance, Internet, wireless phone and satellite TV, will serve as the exclusive telemarketing sponsor of the 2006-07 Wichita Thunder season, with options for the next two seasons. Terms of the deal, the largest in franchise history, will not be disclosed.
As Pioneer sponsor, AT&T is entitled to premium features and exclusive benefits as part of the overall CHL presentation both on and off the ice, including active participation in numerous Thunder promotions, as well as logo placement and recognition on nearly all Thunder materials.
"We are extremely thankful to AT&T, as we are with all of our sponsors. This partnership elevates our stature in both the community and the Central Hockey League", said Thunder general manager Chris Presson. "We look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with AT&T, which will only strengthen both of our organizations in the Wichita community."
AT&T, which has greatly expanded its services over the last year, will have a strong presence in the Kansas Coliseum, welcoming fans, offering information about their products and providing free internet service on the concourse at all Thunder home games.
AT&T was purchased by SBC Communications, Inc. in November, 2005 and now operates as AT&T, Inc. At the time of SBC's purchase of AT&T in 2005, SBC provided local telephone service in 13 states, provided long distance service to 10 million customers and owned 60% of mobile phone provider Cingular Wireless, the largest mobile phone service provider in the United States. BellSouth, in a joint venture with AT&T Inc., owns the remaining 40% of Cingular Wireless. The company was also an Internet Service Provider and the largest DSL provider in the US, with more than 5.1 million DSL subscribers as of late 2005. AT&T began trading on the NYSE under the symbol "T" on December 1, 2005.
Beginning in September, Thunder fans will have the opportunity to sign up for or switch to AT&T service simply by visiting the Thunder website, www.wichitathunder.com. All fans who sign up or make the switch will receive free gifts from the Thunder such as tickets or merchandise.
The 2006 CHL Most Improved Franchise, the Thunder will begin their 15th CHL season with a pair of home games on Friday, October 20th versus the Tulsa Oilers and Saturday, October 21st versus the Oklahoma City Blazers. The complete CHL schedule will be released on Monday.
The Thunder finished second in the CHL and seventh among 54 "AA" hockey teams for attendance last season, averaging 5,719 fans per game, and expect to surpass that total in 2006-07. For tickets, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL.
Central Hockey League Stories from August 4, 2006
- All-Star Defenseman Stacy Bauman Re-signs - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Scorpions to open Santa Ana Star Center October 27 - New Mexico Scorpions
- Oilers Partner with Rampage - Tulsa Oilers
- RiverKings sign over 2000 career points - Mississippi RiverKings
- Eagles to Face Rage in Home Opener - Colorado Eagles
- Rayz welcome additions to office - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Thunder to open 15th season at home with Tulsa, Oklahoma City - Wichita Thunder
- Rocky Mountain Rage Hosts Tulsa in First Home Opener - Rocky Mountain Rage
- Sundogs Home Opener Scheduled for November 10 Against Youngstown SteelHounds - Arizona Sundogs
- Brahmas update - Fort Worth Brahmas
- SteelHounds Host Expansion Rocky Mountain Rage During Home Opening Weekend - Youngstown SteelHounds
- Get ready to rumble - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Bucks Home Opener Vs. Rio Grande Valley - Laredo Bucks
- Oilers Face Wichita In Home Opener - Tulsa Oilers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
