VZ Test Man Gets Down With Gators

Verizon Wireless announced today that it has become the official wireless carrier for the University of Florida Athletic Association, extending a long-term partnership inherited in its acquisition of Alltell late last year.

Verizon Wireless will officially kick off the exclusive sponsorship with a visit from its iconic Test Man TV character to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp) in Gainesville this weekend, when UF takes on the Tennessee Volunteers.

As part of the acquisition, Verizon will inherit Alltell's previous sponsor assets including exclusive signage in The Swamp and other Gators sports venues as well as other sponsorship elements such as broadcast rights, special events, charity partnerships and appearances by coaches.

"It's an exciting opportunity to team up with the defending national football champs and so many other elite Gator men's and women's sports teams," said Pam Tope, Florida region president for Verizon Wireless. "We're proud to bring the top wireless company, network and services to the top college sports program in the country."

In addition to the sponsorship and marketing components of the agreement, Meyer and other coaches will be using the industry-leading Verizon Wireless network and numerous state-of-the-art technologies to give the Gators an edge over their opponents.

The new headgear may get some additional airtime this weekend, assuming the Gators "save some timeouts for Tennessee."