Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee Announces Big 3 Commitment

DETROIT, Dec. 15, 2004 -- In a press conference this afternoon, Roger Penske, Chairman of the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee (DSBXLHC), joined by Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick, announced that General Motors, Ford Motor Company and DaimlerChrysler have each committed to multi-million dollar sponsorships in support of the DSBXLHC. The combined commitment totals more than $6 million and includes 2005 marketing rights and 2006 hospitality and community relations programming.

"We are distinctive in this town to have the dream team of the automotive industry all coming together to sponsor the community activities of the Host Committee," stated Roger Penske, Chairman, DSBXLHC. "They have made a real commitment that signifies the important impact that hosting the Super Bowl will have on our community. This will enable the Host Committee to engage our community in celebrating and welcoming Super Bowl XL."

The commitment made by General Motors, Ford Motor Company and DaimlerChrysler represents a significant milestone of the $14.3 million DSBXLHC budget and takes the Host Committee to 90 percent of its overall fundraising goal. Other Host Committee sponsors include AAA Michigan; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network; Comerica Incorporated; Delphi Corp.; DTE Energy; DTE Energy Foundation; Johnson Controls, Inc.; Lear Corporation; Michigan Economic Development Corporation; and Visteon Corporation.

"GM is proud to be part of the effort to showcase the City of Detroit through our sponsorship of the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee and events such as the Motown Winter Blast. We hope everyone who comes to Super Bowl XL will spread the word about this great city and the fabulous time they had in Detroit," stated Roderick D. Gillum, GM Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Diversity.

"Ford Motor Company is proud to support the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee and partner with General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. We are very pleased that we have the opportunity to play a role in this one-of-a-kind event and look forward to welcoming guests to our Ford Motor Company Family Fun Zone at Motown Winter Blast," stated Jim Vella, Vice President Chief Of Staff, Ford Motor Company.

"DaimlerChrysler is committed to being a 'Good Neighbor, Good Citizen' through its efforts in building a stronger Detroit and by showing that the Motor City continues to score as host of the 2006 Super Bowl," said Frank Fountain - DaimlerChrysler, Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Public Policy (Auburn Hills). "We are excited to partner with our automotive colleagues and the community to showcase a united Detroit that stands proudly on it historical past, celebrates the present and looks forward to its shining future."

Each of the automotive company sponsorships span 2005 and 2006, supporting the Host Committee's efforts and its headline programs such as the NFL Youth Education Town and the Motown Winter Blast, a signature wintertime event debuting January 21-23, 2005. Created as the backdrop for Super Bowl XL, Motown Winter Blast will feature four outdoor zones, including:

* The General Motors Snow Spectacular & Ice Show - Snow sculptors from around the world and the U.S. will be on hand for all to see amidst wintertime lighting effects in the cool, urban cityscape along Monroe Street. This unique show will feature teams competing for a share of the prize. Also, intricate ice carvings will be on display 24 hours and will include a nightly laser light show.

* Ford Motor Company Family Fun Zone - Skating celebrities from the Detroit Skating Club will also be on hand for live demonstrations at Campus Martius Park around a rink that rivals the one in Rockefeller Center! This lively outdoor family winter event also features open ice skating from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. and a wide variety of children's activities.

* Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge Taste of Detroit - A taste of Detroit's finest cuisine and the area's top musical acts will fill giant heated tents located just west of Campus Martius Park. This tasty area includes 15 restaurants and 55 musical acts, including Calling Marvin, Back In Spades, The Orbitsuns, Candy Band, Twin Pigs, Twistin' Tarantulas, Honest D and The Steel Reserve Band, Back in the Day, Thornetta Davis, Serioux, and Justin Young will keep people literally dancing in the streets.

* michigan.org Winter Experience - Located right next to the Ford Motor Company Family Fun Zone at Campus Martius Park, the michigan.org-sponsored zone will bring several winter events inherent to northern Michigan to metro Detroit such as dog sledding and snow shoeing. The area, which will be open from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., also will feature a giant 200-foot snow slide, elaborate snow mazes, and other unique wintertime activities.

The Motown Winter Blast has a combination of hip indoor zones including the Detroit Sports Bowl at Ford Field (January 22, 2005), Tour d'Art and the Motown Winter Blast Bounce.

"The Big 3 is a part of the team that will show the world it is indeed a new day in Detroit. We will be ready to host a world-class Super Bowl in partnership with General Motors, Ford Motor Company, DaimlerChrysler and countless other partners that make our city great," stated Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick, City of Detroit.

In February 2006, Detroit will be in the international spotlight with 800 million television viewers across the globe watching the game; 100,000 expected visitors; and 3,000 credentialed media.

The Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee (http://www.sbxl.org/ ) is a private, self-funded non-profit organization serving as the official liaison between the National Football League and the metro Detroit community to prepare for Super Bowl XL in 2006. Coordinating efforts with the hospitality, government and corporate officials, the Host Committee was formed as part of the bid process specified by the NFL and crafted to suit metro Detroit's needs.