NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 20, 2006--The Grand Ole
Opry(R) will name U.S. Bank(R) as an official Partner Sponsor during
its 6:30 p.m. performance this Saturday, Sept. 23. As a Partner
Sponsor, the company will become an integrated part of the Opry with
advertising on Opry performances as well as brand association in Opry
print, radio, and television advertising; on the Opry's website; and
in numerous other assets.
U.S. Bank has 40 offices in the Nashville area, including 13
locations in Publix stores, and locally employs 250 people.
Nationwide, it has 2,434 banking offices and 4,966 ATMs across 24
states.
"We are pleased to welcome one of this country's premier financial
institutions as an Opry Partner Sponsor," said Steve Buchanan, Gaylord
Entertainment senior vice president. "We look forward to a robust
relationship that allows us both to extend our reach and presence
across Middle America."
Ward Wilson, U.S. Bank Nashville market president, added, "U.S.
Bank is pleased to support The Grand Ole Opry and its rich tradition
of showcasing world-class country music performers. We have deep roots
and a strong commitment to Nashville, and as part of the sixth largest
bank in America, have the resources as well as friendly and
accountable employees who provide a myriad of quality financial
services."
Executives from the companies will formally announce the
sponsorship on the Opry stage during the Opry's Saturday 8:00 p.m.
segment. U.S. Bank will join Martha White(R) as an official Opry
Partner Sponsor. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store(R) was named the
Opry's first-ever Presenting Sponsor in Oct. 2004.
As part of its sponsorship unveiling, U.S. Bank will treat many of
its employees to a night at the Opry, featuring artists Big & Rich,
Pat Green, Jimmy Dickens, Cowboy Troy, Danielle Peck, and more.
About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry presents the best in country music live every
week from Nashville, Tenn. A uniquely American experience for 80
years, the Opry can be heard on 650 WSM-AM and www.opry.com. The
syndicated weekly program, "America's Grand Ole Opry Weekend," airs on
more than 200 country radio stations across the country and on the
American Forces Radio Network, and "Grand Ole Opry Live" airs each
weekend on GAC: Great American Country. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by
Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE:GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and
entertainment company that also owns and operates Gaylord Hotels and
ResortQuest. For more information, visit www.opry.com or
www.gaylordentertainment.com.
About U.S. Bank
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB), with assets of $213 billion, is the
sixth-largest financial holding company in the United States. The
company operates 2,434 banking offices and 4,966 ATMs, and provides a
comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment,
mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses
and institutions. U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank.
Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com
CONTACT: Schmidt Relations
Darlene Bieber, 615-846-3878 phone
darlene@schmidtpr.com
or
U.S. Bank
Lisa Clark, 608-877-7517 phone
888-437-8620 pager
lisa.clark2@usbank.com
