Alltel Wireless Sponsors Tyson Gay

Last Updated on August 16, 2008 by Jimson Lee

Paul Klein of ABC once said “TV is the business of selling audiences to advertisers”.

How true.

Rewind to the 2000 Sydney Olympics where all the finals were tape delayed “live” on TV, at least in North America.

Immediately “live on tape” after Michael Johnson’s 400-meter final, where he won his second consecutive 400 meter Gold medal, we are shown a TV commercial of MJ running directly onto an enormous cell-phone keypad in a Samsung commercial.

Coach Clyde Hart answers his cell phone then Michael screams into his cell phone:

“Hey, Coach! We did it!”

Well Michael, step aside for Tyson Gay.

America’s largest network Alltel Wireless announced today that it has entered into a sponsorship agreement with World Champion Triple Gold medalist Tyson Gay.

I wonder what kind of commercials we’ll see when he wins four three gold medals in Beijing this summer?

Alltel Wireless announces sponsorship of world champion American sprinter Tyson Gay

2007 World Athlete of the Year will be featured in marketing initiatives for Arkansas-based Alltel Wireless

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network, today announced that it has entered into a sponsorship agreement with three-time World Champion Tyson Gay, the 2007 International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Male World Athlete of the Year and winner of the 2007 Jesse Owens Award as the outstanding male American track-and-field athlete. The agreement, which runs through 2008, provides Alltel the rights to incorporate Tyson Gay’s image, name and likeness into brand-related marketing initiatives, including comprehensive multi-media experiences, exclusive mobile content and retail store appearances.

Alltel Wireless is proud to support Tyson Gay on his quest to become the World’s Fastest Man and win gold this summer in Beijing,” said Frank O’Mara, chief marketing officer at Alltel Wireless. Our network provides Alltel customers with superior coverage across the nation, and is recognized for its ability to consistently deliver speed and reliability. Similarly, Tyson Gay has always displayed these traits in his performance on the track, and we hope to emphasize this connection through marketing initiatives featuring this talented athlete in the coming months.”

As a student at the University of Arkansas, I have fond memories of my time in Fayetteville and I’m proud to represent an Arkansas-based brand like Alltel Wireless,” said Tyson Gay. I have always been impressed with Alltel’s commitment to their customers, and their superior service has helped me stay connected with those who matter most to me as I take this memorable journey to represent my country.”

Gay was named the 2007 IAAF Male World Athlete of the Year and the 2007 United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Sportsman of the Year after winning three gold medals at the 2007 World Championships. The former University of Arkansas star became only the second man in history to win the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and 4×100-meter relay at the World Championships. Gay also broke Michael Johnson’s 200m World Championships record. His career best times of 9.84 seconds in the 100m and 19.62 seconds in the 200m, make him the fastest 100-200m combination runner in history.

Alltel Wireless has a rich tradition of supporting amateur and professional athletics with an extensive sports sponsorship portfolio that includes partnerships with Daytona 500 Champion Ryan Newman and the No. 12 Alltel Dodge team, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and numerous collegiate and professional sports teams.

Alltel Wireless continues to provide choice and control to the customer’s wireless experience with its exclusive My Circle” feature, giving customers unlimited calling to and from any five, 10 or 20 numbers on any network for free. Alltel Wireless was also the first to offer Anytime Plan Changes, giving customers the flexibility to change their calling plans at any time, without extending their current contract.

Alltel is owner and operator of the nation’s largest network and has more than 13 million customers. For more information about Alltel, please visit www.alltel.com.