HOUSTON –The Houston Texans, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and oil and gas industry leader BHP Billiton Petroleum announced today they have reached a five year sponsorship agreement. BHP Billiton Petroleum will become the name holder of the northeast gate at Reliant Stadium. The agreement also includes presenting sponsorship of the Texans' "Liberty White" home game and the Texans Community Quarterback Program which benefits volunteers from United Way Agencies. BHP Billiton Petroleum will also become the presenting sponsor of the Rodeo's Armed Forces Day.
Financial terms of the multi-year agreement were not disclosed. The signage and naming rights transition will begin in mid-March, following the conclusion of the 2013 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
"BHP Billiton Petroleum is pleased to partner with the Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Our organizations share a strong commitment to the Houston community. We see this as a great platform for building our visibility and attracting the talent we need for our future growth," said J. Michael Yeager, Chief Executive BHP Billiton Petroleum
The Texans' first home game of the season, at which the team traditionally wears its all-white uniforms, will be known as "Liberty White presented by BHP Billiton Petroleum," and the company will also sponsor the Texans' Community Quarterback program, which recognizes and rewards outstanding volunteers in the Greater Houston area each year.
"As one of the leading oil and gas producers in Texas, we believe it is very important to contribute in a positive way to our communities, which is why we have joined forces with the Texans to recognize the exceptional contributions of community volunteers in the Greater Houston area and through our Rodeo sponsorship of Armed Forces Appreciation Day, honor brave men and women for their service in the U.S. Military." Mr. Yeager said. The Texans and BHP Billiton Petroleum are both significant supporters of the local community. BHP Billiton Petroleum raised more than one million dollars for the United Way of Greater Houston last year. The Texans have awarded more than $146,000 to 71 recipients since 2002 through the Community Quarterback program. The 2012 Community Quarterback was the Avondale House, receiving $10,000.
"We are proud to welcome BHP Billiton Petroleum to Reliant Stadium and are looking forward to building a great relationship with them over the coming years," said Houston Texans president Jamey Rootes. "We are particularly excited to work with BHP Billiton Petroleum in recognizing the many outstanding leaders who are making an impact throughout the Houston community as part of our Community Quarterback program."
BHP Billiton Petroleum's agreement with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will see the company serve as the presenting sponsor for the Show's annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day, which honors the brave men and women for their service in the U.S. military. Service men and women in uniform and with a military ID, along with their spouses and children, receive free admission to Reliant Park on that day. Armed forces personnel, veterans, families, friends, and the public are encouraged to come out, dress in red, white, and blue, and show appreciation for the troops, past and present.
"It is an honor to have BHP Billiton Petroleum as one of the newest Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo partners," said Leroy Shafer, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo interim president and CEO. "We are proud to have BHP Billiton Petroleum join us in our efforts of honoring the members of our Armed Forces."
