U.S. software giant Microsoft Corporation has announced a sponsorship deal with the owners of London's Wembley Stadium to be the rebuilt facility's first "founding partner."
Under the five-year deal, reported to be close to $9 million, Wembley will be wired with the latest information technology from Microsoft as it enters the final stages of its reconstruction.
Microsoft's logo will be seen by millions passing through the stadium's turnstiles when it reopens in 2006, as the deal allows the company to place 100 branded "plaques" around the stadium. Microsoft will also get a corporate hospitality box on the halfway line and exclusive use of the 90,000-seat venue for one day each year.
Wembley said it hopes to announce three more big-name sponsors soon.
Some information for this report provided by AP.