SEATTLE (CelebrityAccess) — The Seattle Mariners and Safeco Insurance that after 20 years, the insurance company would not be renewing their naming rights deal after the conclusion of the 2018 season.
“Safeco Insurance has been a great partner of the Mariners dating back to the earliest days of the franchise, including the ballpark naming rights for the last 20 years,” Mariners president Kevin Mather said in a statement. “We appreciate everything Safeco has done over the years to support our organization and look forward to continuing the relationship in the future.”
“It has been an honor to host the naming rights for the last 20 years and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the Mariners. While our marketing approach is changing, we intend to remain active partners with the organization for years to come,” Safeco president Tyler Asher said in a statement. “Safeco and our parent company Liberty Mutual are committed to our presence in the Seattle community, by providing jobs to thousands of people in the region and supporting non-profits that help make Seattle one of the finest and exciting cities in the U.S. and across the globe.”
Asher said in the statement that the insurance company intends to diversify its sponsorship spending.
According to the Seattle Times, the Mariners have begun initial discussions with multiple companies as possible replacements for Safeco.
Safeco Field, which opened in 1999, is one of the best-regarded stadiums in baseball, however, the Mariners are a different story. The team has not made it into the playoffs since 2001, and currently hold the dubious distinction of the longest post-season drought in the major leagues. – Staff Writers
