Minute Maid attains naming rights for Astros Field

Astros Field is rechristened as Minute Maid Park

Astros Media Relations

HOUSTON (June 5, 2002) -- The Houston Astros Baseball Club and The Minute Maid Company, a division of The Coca-Cola Company, today announced that they have expanded their relationship to create a long-term marketing and community partnership. The partnership will give a fresh name to a downtown landmark and support youth sports around the metro area.

"We've formed a new relationship with an old friend," said Drayton McLane, owner of the Houston Astros Baseball Club. "The partnership between Coca-Cola and Major League Baseball extends back to before the turn of the century - the 20th century. And Minute Maid has been a proud part of Houston for almost as long as the Astros."

"This is a great opportunity for our business and our brand, and we are proud to have this relationship with the Astros," said Donald R. Knauss, president and CEO, Minute Maid North America. "We've been a proud part of Houston for 35 years, and the opportunity to partner with an organization that embodies so many of our core values makes this a great day for all of us."

The multi-year partnership includes naming rights for Astros Field, which will be rechristened "Minute Maid Park." The popular Minute Maid Squeeze Play attraction at the stadium will continue for the length of the agreement, along with pouring rights for products of The Coca-Cola Company, ongoing advertising and marketing programs and a commitment by Minute Maid to support youth baseball programs in the Houston area.

"Our company is built upon beverages that fit into a healthy, active lifestyle, here in the U.S. and in more than 100 countries worldwide," said Donald W. Short, President and CEO of The Minute Maid Company. "Getting kids outdoors, putting bats, balls and gloves into their hands, encouraging them to run around and helping them have fun and learn the discipline of team sports - we think those are pretty good contributors to a healthy lifestyle. Those are the kinds of things we can do through our partnership with the Astros."

"Minute Maid is a hometown company, and this agreement shows the diversity and strength of our city and the business and economic communities," said McLane.

The Minute Maid Company is an operating unit of The Coca-Cola Company and the flagship of its worldwide fruit beverage business.