Call Bears: U.S. Cellular Expands Sports Presence In Chicago

U.S. Cellular Signs On As One Of Bears’ Top Sponsors

By Terry Lefton, Editor-at-Large

U.S. Cellular has signed on as the Bears’ newest “Hall of Fame” corporate sponsor. Sponsorships at that top level typically cost in the low seven figures per year. U.S. Cellular will entitle the west grandstand at Soldier Field and put its logo on the 17,000 seats in that section. Also included in the deal are tickets and hospitality, team-controlled media and rights to the Bears’ training camp and fan convention, said Chris Hibbs, Bears Senior Dir of Sales & Marketing. The Chicago-based cellphone service provider, which also holds entitlement to the White Sox’ home field, has been a Bears sponsor with non-exclusive category rights since ‘05. Activation plans include retail and in-stadium efforts. Other Hall of Fame Bears sponsors are Coca-Cola, Chase, Comcast, Staples, Miller and Motorola.