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The Major League Soccer (MLS) Portland Timbers and Alaska Airlines announced that Alaska Airlines is the team’s official airline. The multi-year deal is highlighted by the Alaska Airlines’ logo prominently featured on the team’s jerseys beginning with the Timbers’ debut MLS season in March 2011.

“Today’s announcement is a significant and defining moment for the MLS Timbers,” said Merritt Paulson, president of the Timbers.

“Alaska Airlines as a jersey partner is a perfect marriage for us. Alaska has strong local roots, shares our unwavering commitment to outstanding customer service and offers unique promotional opportunities for our organization.”

As part of the sponsorship, the airline will support the new Portland Timbers Community Fund, partnering with the team on several youth-based fitness and educational initiatives. Additionally, the airline will donate 25 game-day tickets to underprivileged Portland-area youth at every home game as part of the Timbers “Tickets for Kids” program. Alaska Airlines also will be the presenting sponsor for all MLS Timbers youth soccer camps.

“With Portland roots going back more than three decades, Alaska Airlines is honored to be the MLS Timbers’ jersey sponsor,” said Alaska Airlines President Brad Tilden. “Supporting Portland’s hometown soccer team is the perfect fit for Alaska Airlines and the 2,300 Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air employees who call the greater Portland area home.”

With the announcement, Alaska Airlines becomes the first airline jersey sponsor in the 15-year history of MLS.

“Merritt Paulson and the entire Timbers staff have done a fantastic job elevating the profile of professional soccer in Portland and the Pacific Northwest, and this strategic alliance is one of many reasons why we believe the Timbers will be very successful when they debut in MLS next year,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “What makes this new partnership so special is the fact that Alaska Airlines has such a strong presence in Portland, helping to build excitement in a region already so rich in soccer tradition.”

MLS Timbers fans attending games at the newly renovated PGE Park also will see Alaska Airlines advertising throughout the stadium including new field-level animated digital signage.

The Timbers will unveil the team’s MLS uniforms and official training wear featuring the Alaska Airlines logo in December.