Colorado Springs Balloon Classic selects Qwest as presenting sponsor

Qwest Takes to the Skies with Presenting Sponsorship of 2009 Colorado Balloon Classic

Press Release

As the 2009 Colorado Balloon Classic launches with its theme, “Are you ready for this?”, Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q) answers with a resounding, “Yes!” and signs on as the presenting sponsor of the event. Qwest’s title sponsorship of the event helps ensure its continuing place as Colorado’s largest air show and balloon event.

“Being the presenting sponsor of this year’s Colorado Balloon Classic is a great opportunity for Qwest to show support for the communities in which our employees and customers live and work,” said Chuck Ward, Qwest Colorado president. “The Colorado Balloon Classic Presented by Qwest is a long-standing tradition and one that we’re proud to help support in Colorado Springs for the benefit of the many visitors. It also is a great opportunity to showcase Qwest’s technology products and services in a fun environment.”

Qwest’s technology and services for residential customers will be on display at the event. Qwest will have two tents at the Colorado Balloon Classic, as well as a Jeep Commander outfitted with a laptop and high-speed Internet service, wireless phones and a flat-screen TV with DIRECTV service. The first 100 people to visit Qwest’s sales tent and sign up for new service or upgrade their existing service will receive a free Web cam. And Qwest is giving away one Dell Mini Netbook computer each day of the event. Visitors just need to stop by the Qwest tent and enter to win.

“Award-winning events like the Colorado Balloon Classic continue to get better each year because of generous sponsors like Qwest, and we thank them for their support,” said Colorado Balloon Classic President Patsy Buchwald. “As we look forward to another year of great entertainment and beautiful sights, we are grateful to sponsors like Qwest whose involvement with the event is so important.” The Colorado Balloon Classic runs Sept. 5 through 7, 2009, in Memorial Park near downtown Colorado Springs. Admission is free to the public.