AT&T’s wireless operations today announced an agreement to become the official title sponsor of the 2007 Cougar Hardwood Classic. The Cougar Hardwood Classic is an annual Washington State University men’s college basketball game that is the highlight of the Cougar’s schedule. This year the Hardwood Classic will feature The Citadel Bulldogs at Seattle’s KeyArena on Thursday December 20, 2007. The game will also be broadcast live on Fox Sports Net Northwest.
The contest will be the third annual AT&T Cougar Hardwood Classic, with Washington State coming away victorious in the first two. Much like Cougar Basketball, this event is growing in popularity and national recognition. The Cougars are currently ranked 6th in both the AP and the ESPN/USA Today polls, and will look to be even higher when this game is played. The previous two Cougar Hardwood Classics have featured Cougar victories over Utah in 2005 and San Diego State in 2006.
“AT&T is a major supporter of the communities and organizations in which our employees live, work and play, and we are proud to become the title sponsor of the AT&T Cougar Hardwood Classic,” said Mike Maxwell, vice president and general manager for AT&T’s wireless operations in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. “Through this unique partnership we will be able to reach some of Washington State’s most passionate sports fans about our products, services and innovations.”
In 2006 the Cougars had their best season in 60 years. They were picked ninth in the Pac-10 preseason poll, but defied the odds and finished 26-8. They finished second to UCLA in the conference and lost in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. It was their first tournament appearance since 1994 and the fifth in school history.
The new agreement provides AT&T’s wireless operations with Title sponsorship rights for the 2007 game. Elements of the agreement include television, radio, print, online, promotional and hospitality assets.
Headquartered in San Antonio, AT&T is recognized as the leading worldwide provider of IP-based communications services to businesses and the leading U.S. provider of wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services.