After a successful 20-year agreement, the Seattle Mariners and Safeco Insurance today announced that the naming rights for Safeco Field will not be extended beyond 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. We appreciate everything Safeco has done over the years to support our organization and look forward to continuing the relationship in the future," said Kevin Mather, Seattle Mariners President & COO.
"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," said Tyler Asher, Safeco Insurance President. "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."
The original agreement for the Safeco Field naming rights was reached in 1998. The ballpark opened in July 1999.
The Mariners have begun preliminary talks with potential naming rights partners.
Safeco Field is owned by the Washington State Major League Baseball Stadium Public Facilities District. The Mariners manage and operate all events at the park. Located in the SODO neighborhood of Seattle, Safeco Field has gained a reputation locally, regionally and nationally as an outstanding home for the game of baseball - for fans, the teams and the players.
Additional information about Safeco Field may be found at Mariners.com/Ballpark.