SanFrancisco.Giants.MLB.com

The style of the neon sign over Willie Mays Gate will remain the same. (Giants illustration)

SBC and the Giants have a 24-year agreement that gives SBC the naming rights to the team's four-year-old waterfront ballpark. The new name reflects SBC's move from a regional brand to a global identity that went into effect late last year.

"SBC played a critical role in the development of our ballpark and helped to keep Major League Baseball in San Francisco," said Larry Baer, Giants Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "The company remains an important partner in what we believe has become the best ballpark in America and a popular San Francisco landmark. Our fans can continue to expect the same type of exciting contending Giants baseball and quality customer service they have enjoyed ever since we opened the park."

The ballpark opened to rave reviews in 2000. In four short years, the 41,500-seat park has hosted more than 13 million fans and served as the backdrop for a number of historic baseball moments, such as Barry Bonds' record-setting 73rd home run in 2001 and five Major League Baseball playoff series -- including the 2002 World Series. The team leads all of baseball with 28,000 full season ticket holders and has topped the National League in attendance for the past two seasons.

The ballpark has also hosted some of the biggest entertainment acts in the world, such as Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones. Additionally, it helped to reinvigorate the south end of San Francisco's downtown waterfront and to transform it into one of the City's most vibrant and exciting new neighborhoods.

"This announcement reinforces our commitment to the Giants and the ballpark," said Lora Watts, external affairs president for SBC in the Western Region. "We have had an outstanding relationship with the team and we look forward to a tremendous future for our partnership and for the fan experience at this world-class facility."

Working in conjunction with Debra Nichols Design, the Giants and SBC have developed a logo and architectural signage that maintains the classic look and feel of the ballpark. Debra Nichols -- who designed the ballpark's original signage -- will oversee the signage changes to reflect the new name.

"We are extremely proud of the success and popularity of the ballpark during these past four years," continued Baer. "While the name of the park may be changing, the outstanding ballpark experience will not. We are committed to ensuring that the look, feel and experience at SBC Park remains up to the high standard our fans have come to expect."

SBC Communications Inc. (www.sbc.com) is one of the world's leading data, voice and Internet services providers. Through its world-class networks, SBC companies provide a full range of voice, data, networking and e-business services, as well as directory advertising and publishing. A Fortune 30 company, America's leading provider of high- speed DSL Internet Access services, and one of the nation's leading Internet Service Providers, SBC companies currently serve 58 million access lines nationwide. In addition, SBC companies own 60 percent of America's second-largest wireless company, Cingular Wireless, which serves more than 22 million wireless customers. Internationally, SBC companies have telecommunications investments in 22 countries.