Cingular Wireless Saddles Up With Sponsorship of World Champion Rodeo Competitor Monty Lewis

Cingular Wireless Saddles Up With Sponsorship of World Champion Rodeo Competitor Monty Lewis ATLANTA, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest wireless carrier with more than 46 million customers, has reached an exclusive two-year endorsement deal with world champion tie-down roper Monty Lewis. As part of the pact, Lewis will compete in more than 75 rodeo events each of the next two seasons, including key stops on the Wrangler ProRodeo Tour, outfitted in Cingular-branded apparel. He will also serve as a spokesperson for the company and make special appearances. Lewis is one of the rising stars on the professional rodeo circuit. The 23-year-old claimed the 2004 tie-down roping world championship in his first full season of ProRodeo competition after a breakout performance at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. It was his first appearance at the season-ending all-star event. In addition to the world title, Lewis' 2004 rodeo season also included six Tour wins and earnings of almost $200,000. "We are pleased to partner with such a likable athlete and individual," said Dave Garver, Executive Director of High Growth Segments and Sponsorships at Cingular Wireless. "Monty Lewis is the ideal ambassador for professional rodeo and a big reason behind the sport's growing popularity among all types of fans. Most people don't realize that close to 24 million people attended sanctioned rodeo events in 2004, ranking it seventh among all major sports." "I'm excited to establish a relationship with the nation's leader in wireless communication," said Lewis, a former two-time College National Finals Rodeo qualifier at West Texas A&M University. "Professional rodeo is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and Cingular's involvement further authenticates its popularity. This is a natural fit." Lewis will kick off the 2005 season January 23 at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver, Colo. The Wrangler ProRodeo Tour season will be marked by more than 25 events between January and December. Additionally, nearly 300 hours of television coverage of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)-sanctioned events will appear on Outdoor Life Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and CBS. About Cingular Wireless Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving more than 46 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between SBC Communications (NYSE:SBC) and BellSouth (NYSE:BLS), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(SM), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com/ . Get Cingular Wireless press releases e-mailed to you automatically. Sign up at http://www.cingular.com/newsroom . Source: Cingular Wireless CONTACT: Clay Owen of Cingular Wireless, +1-404-236-6153, or clay.owen@cingular.com Web site: http://www.cingular.com/ http://www.cingular.com/newsroom ------- Profile: International Entertainment