Alaska Airlines has announced the renewal of its jersey sponsorship with Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers.
The Seattle-based carrier will continue a multi-year partnership to feature its logo on Timbers’ kits and club apparel and will remain the team’s official airline partner.
Alaska has been a major sponsor since the Timbers’ inaugural 2011 MLS season in a deal which had ‘exceeded expectations’ according to Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines senior vice president of communications and external relations.
"This is our premier sponsorship in the Portland community," Sprague said, adding that the airline employs around 2,000 people in the Portland area.
"The Timbers have done a lot of things really well in terms of driving this passionate fan base and that’s been recognized nationally."
Timbers games are among the top five most frequently broadcast on national television.
The partnership will continue to offer early boarding for fans wearing Timbers jerseys at Portland airport and the Timbers-liveried jet will continue flying on the route network.
Alaska Airlines will partner with the team on community fitness and educational initiatives and donate 25 tickets for home games to disadvantaged Portland-area children for the Timbers’ ‘Tickets for Kids’ program.
The carrier will also be the presenting sponsor for all Timbers MLS youth soccer camps.
"We are thrilled to be renewing our Alaska Airlines partnership and we look forward to seeing the Alaska name on our kits in 2015 and beyond," said Portland Timbers’ president of business operations Mike Golub.
