AT&T to continue its commitment to Atlanta-area charities through 2010
ATLANTA, GA, Dec. 6, 2007 – AT&T has notified the PGA TOUR and the Atlanta Classic Foundation, host organization of the AT&T Classic at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Ga., that it is exercising its option to discontinue as title sponsor after the 2008 tournament. AT&T will continue its significant charitable commitment, associated with its sponsorship of the tournament, through 2010.
Prior to its merger with AT&T, BellSouth had committed to a title sponsorship of the PGA TOUR’s Atlanta stop through 2010, with an option to discontinue after each event with six month’s notice.
"AT&T is a major sponsor of professional golf and various charities around the country, and while we are consolidating our sponsorships as it relates to golf, we are proud of our affiliation with the Atlanta Classic Foundation and very pleased to be a part of the greater Atlanta community," said Jamie Butcher, AT&T Vice President – Sponsorships. "Our commitment to Atlanta’s charities, associated with this sponsorship, will continue with significant donations in both 2009 and 2010. We thank the Atlanta Classic Foundation for its outstanding work on our behalf and for well-deserving charities throughout this community."
"While we are disappointed with the decision, we have enjoyed and appreciate our 20-year relationship with BellSouth and AT&T," said Dave Kaplan, Executive Director of the AT&T Classic. "We look forward to working with AT&T to ensure the 2008 event is the most successful to date, and we want to thank AT&T for its commitment to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through the next three years. We will be working hard with the PGA TOUR to find a new title sponsor for this event."
"AT&T is a long-time supporter of the PGA TOUR and our tournaments, and we appreciate the strong commitment they have made to Atlanta over the years," said Henry Hughes, Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations, PGA TOUR. "Obviously, we’re delighted that AT&T will continue their support of other PGA TOUR and Champions Tour events. As it relates to the Atlanta market, we’re looking forward to exploring all avenues for continuing sponsorship."
The 2008 AT&T Classic will be held May 12-18 and will celebrate its 40th year. Two-time winner Zach Johnson is the defending champion. Since 1983, the tournament has donated more than $16 million to local charitable organizations.
In addition to the AT&T Classic, AT&T sponsors several other golf tournaments, including the Masters Tournament, AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, AT&T National hosted by Tiger Woods, two Champions Tour events in San Antonio and Los Angeles and Tiger Jam presented by AT&T.
About the Atlanta Classic Foundation
The Atlanta Classic Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(4) corporation founded in 1966 with the sole purpose to bring professional golf to the greater Atlanta area. It has hosted 39 PGA TOUR tournaments and the 1974 PLAYERS Championship. The 40th AT&T Classic will be May 12-18, 2008 at TPC Sugarloaf. The ACF has raised more than $16 million for Atlanta-area charities. In addition to the AT&T Classic, the ACF hosts several other charity golf events and the Nancy Lopez Award.
About the PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to provide competitive earnings opportunities for past, current and future members of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour; to protect the integrity of the game; and to help grow the reach of the game in the U.S. and around the world.
In 2008, the three Tours are competing in approximately 108 events for approximately $355 million in prize money. Tournaments are being held in nine countries outside the U.S. and in 37 states. In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR’s web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world’s most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation’s leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.
Contact:
Laura Neal, PGA TOUR, 904-273-7655
Dave Kaplan, Atlanta Classic Foundation, AT&T Classic, 770-951-8777
Joe Chandler, AT&T, 404-927-2992
