Timbers Announce Founding Partnership with Widmer Brothers Brewing Company

PORTLAND, Ore.— The Portland Timbers today announced that Widmer Brothers Brewing will be the exclusive craft beer partner with the Major League Soccer (MLS) team as it begins play in 2011.

As part of the multi-year Founding Partnership, Widmer Brothers will sponsor the new bar area located behind the south goal at PGE Park and is seeking fan input for the bar’s name. Timbers fans can submit ideas and vote for their favorite name on the Widmer Brothers Facebook page, http://apps.facebook.com/widmer-timbers-poll/. 

The partnership also includes fully integrated, co-marketing opportunities, including Widmer Brothers field-level LED and stadium signage.

“We’ve been longtime fans of the Portland Timbers at Widmer Brothers, and we’re very excited to establish this partnership,” said Rob Widmer. “The Timbers are a great organization, and we’re happy to continue our support.”

Widmer Brothers’ 9,250-square-foot area is a prominent part of the renovation currently taking place at PGE Park. The south end of the stadium will feature four rows of fixed seating behind the goal in addition to an expansive area that will serve as a unique new gathering place for fans, offering a variety of food and Widmer Brothers beverage options and a distinctive vantage point.

“With a commitment to quality and craftsmanship and with roots firmly placed in Portland, Widmer Brothers is a terrific partner for the MLS Timbers,” said Merritt Paulson, president of the Timbers.

The Widmer Brothers beer featured at PGE Park will include Widmer Hefeweizen, Drifter Pale Ale, Broken Halo IPA, Drop Top Amber Ale and seasonal beers.

About Widmer Brothers Brewing
What started as a dream for two ordinary brothers who just loved beer has now become a reality for two ordinary brothers who still just love beer. Kurt and Rob Widmer helped lead the Pacific Northwest craft beer movement in 1984 when, in their twenties, they dreamed of brewing unique American interpretations of authentic European style beers. Widmer Brothers was one of the first U.S. brewers to launch a seasonal offering when Festbier was introduced in the winter of 1985 and became the first U.S. brewer to produce a year-round line up of seasonal beers. For more information about Widmer Brothers Brewing, visit www.widmer.com.

About the Portland Timbers
On March 20, 2009, Major League Soccer (MLS) awarded Portland the league’s 18^th franchise to begin play in the top-flight professional soccer league starting in 2011. The Portland Timbers will mark their debut MLS season in 2011 in a significantly renovated stadium that will create one of the most unique and authentic soccer environments in the country. New stadium amenities will include better sightlines closer to the action, new premium seating on the east side of the field, a new KeyBank Club, an expansive Widmer Brothers bar area and a team store. The Timbers have been a beloved part of the Portland sports landscape since their early beginnings in the North American Soccer League in 1975, launching the era of “Soccer City USA” in the Rose City.