Southwest Airlines teams up with the Denver Nuggets as Official Airline sponsor

Southwest Airlines has announced the renewal of its relationship as the official sponsor of the National Basketball Association's (NBA's) Denver Nuggets.

The sponsorship will include in-arena signage, promotions, contests, and more during Nuggets home games. Southwest has been the official airline sponsor of the Nuggets since the 2008/2009 season.

To celebrate the continued relationship, Southwest held a "Bags Fly Free" event outside the Pepsi Center. The first forty fans to arrive at the tent and say "Bags Fly Free only on Southwest Airlines" entered for a chance to win tickets to the Nuggets game and roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines.

"Denverites are passionate about their hometown Nuggets, and Southwest Airlines is passionate about Denver," said Southwest Airlines Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution, Kevin Krone. "We're excited to see all that this partnership will bring to our valued Customers and to Nuggets fans!"

"The Denver Nuggets are extremely proud to partner with a best-in-class brand like Southwest Airlines," said Executive Vice President of KSE, Paul Andrews. "We are committed to supporting the successful climb Southwest Airlines has accomplished in this market and look forward to strengthening their position as an industry leader."

In addition to in-arena signage, the sponsorship will include advertising rights, halftime promotions with chances to win roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines, and Rapid Rewards frequent flyer incentives to Nuggets fans.

Southwest Airlines began service to Denver on January 3rd, 2006, with thirteen daily nonstop departures to three destinations. The airline currently operates 112 daily nonstop flights from the Mile High City, making Denver the fastest growing city in the Company's history. Last month, Southwest announced that the carrier will begin new nonstop service between Denver and Boston Logan; Denver and Spokane; and Denver and Reno/Tahoe in January 2010. With these previously announced services, Southwest will operate 127 daily nonstop flights from Denver to 43 cities by May 2010.

"Our objectives were – and continue to be – to integrate our products on sports’ biggest stages and to build global brand awareness. Whether capturing victories around the world, winning national championships or working to develop future generations of talent, Team Garmin has helped us achieve those objectives and has made an impression on billions of potential customers".

The partnership, which will run through the end of 2013, will provide the team with the opportunity to continue its founding mission: building the next generation of cycling champions. It will also allow Garmin, Slipstream and their partners to develop new technology that will give the team advantages on the road.

More important, says the team, the long-term sponsorship provides them with a platform and foundation for retaining and recruiting the best riders in the sport.