We must protect this ivy!

[abrnfanatc 6]

Cubs ink deal with Under Armour for signage in Wrigley outfield.

Click here to see how baseball history has been kicked in the groin

02/14/2007 5:14 PM ET

Chicago Cubs, Under Armour reach partnership agreement

Deal includes first-of-its-kind signage at Wrigley Field

CHICAGO and BALTIMORE -- The Chicago Cubs and Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE:UA) today announced a partnership that includes first-ever signage on two outfield doors in left and right field at historic Wrigley Field. The signage, 7-by-12 foot paintings of Under Armour's signature logo, will be in place in time for the Cubs' 2007 home opener on Monday, April 9 vs. Houston.

"We greatly appreciate the Chicago Cubs' history and wanted to be part of their new direction and exciting future," said Under Armour's VP of Brand Steve Battista. "We're thrilled to partner with such a storied ballclub as a symbol of their strong desire to improve on-field performance while blazing new trails with the franchise."

The deal comes on the heels of Under Armour's recent growth on the baseball diamond, highlighted by the recent release of their first-ever line of baseball cleats. Alfonso Soriano, the highly-touted free agent signed by the Cubs in the off-season, will wear Under Armour performance batting gloves and wristbands this coming season, and is featured prominently in the Cubs' 2007 advertising.

"The Chicago Cubs' mission is to develop a winning culture and our partnership with Under Armour reflects that vision," said Jay Blunk, the Cubs' Director, Marketing and Sales. "The Cubs are committed to finding alternative and creative revenue streams to build the championship team our fans richly deserve."

The partnership also gives Under Armour, known as the originator of moisture-wicking performance apparel worn by athletes on playing fields around the world, advertising rights to the signage behind home plate in Wrigley Field, the second-oldest ballpark in the country. The Under Armour logo is also featured in the country's oldest major league stadium, Boston's Fenway Park, where Under Armour shares space with on the Green Monster with sporting goods retailer, The Sports Authority.

About Under Armour, Inc.

Under Armour® (NYSE: UA) is a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. The brand's moisture-wicking synthetic fabrications are engineered in many different designs and styles for wear in nearly every climate to provide a performance alternative to traditional natural fiber products. The company's products are sold worldwide and worn by professional football, baseball, and soccer players, as well as athletes in major collegiate and Olympic sports.

The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland, and there are UA offices in Denver, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, and Toronto. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.underarmour.com.

[WAR EAGLE!!! 0]

Yeah...I can not believe they did this. Since they did do it however, and are sure to make a killing off of it, let's go ahead and sgn Zambrano to about a 7 year $100 Mil contract. If we let him walk after this year I am going to be pissed!