Feb. 10, 2009
Lexington , KY . – The University of Kentucky Athletic Association today announced that DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH ) is the exclusive sponsor of W2K, the UK Men’s Basketball Program’s historic path to 2,000 NCAA victories. The W2K kick-off event begins Tuesday, Feb. 10 inside Rupp Arena where the Wildcats take on Florida. Tipoff is at 9:00 p.m. ET.
In conjunction with the University of Kentucky, DISH Network will provide a series of promotions surrounding the storied Wildcats’ achievements under such famed coaches as: Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall, Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith. W2K will carry on their tradition under Coach Billy Gillispie.
“It is a great honor to partner with DISH Network during the University’s historic journey to reach 2,000 victories in men’s basketball,” said Jason Schlafer, UK’s Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing. “DISH Network is a leader nationally as a pay-TV provider and their continued success has matched the passion of our fans for Kentucky men’s basketball and its winning tradition.”
“We are excited to sponsor W2K and the University of Kentucky Wildcats as their Men’s Basketball Program reaches 2,000 wins – a milestone in NCAA history,” said Ira Bahr, DISH Network’s Chief Marketing Officer. “For almost a century, Kentucky Basketball has delivered lasting value to its fans and as a value leader DISH Network takes pride in our commitment to offering the best in college sports, technology and TV.”
As part of the sponsorship, DISH Network will offer multiple activities to prepare Kentucky basketball falls for W2K, including: in-game video of historic Wildcat moments, onsite giveaways inside Rupp Arena, a Web site featuring Kentucky basketball’s greatest highlights, and other prizes from future game tickets to free DISH Network service.
Fans of the University of Kentucky can follow this historic run via their website, www.ukathletics.com/w2k or visit Facebook and search for W2K to become a fan.
For more information about DISH Network, call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), visit www.dishnetwork.com, or visit your local DISH Network retailer.
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About DISH Network Corporation
DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) provides approximately 13.78 million satellite TV customers as of Sept. 30, 2008 with industry-leading customer satisfaction which has surpassed major cable TV providers for eight consecutive years. DISH Network also provides customers with award-winning HD and DVR technology including the ViP®722 HD DVR, which received the Editors’ Choice awards from both CNET and PC Magazine. In addition, subscribers enjoy access to hundreds of video and audio channels, the most International channels in the U.S., industry-leading Interactive TV applications, Latino programming, and the best sports and movies in HD. DISH Network offers a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America, the DishDVR Advantage Package, high-speed Internet service, and a free upgrade to the best HD DVR in the industry. DISH Network is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.
