'Qwest Arena' Launches with Strategic Agreement by Qwest, Owners of Downtown Arena, Grove Hotel and Idaho Steelheads; New Relationship Will Benefit Local Community and Area Sports Fans.

BOISE, Idaho -- Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) and the owners of the downtown arena, Block 22 and Idaho Sports Properties, together with the Grove Hotel and the Idaho Steelheads Hockey Club, today announced a new sponsorship agreement that names the facility "Qwest Arena."

The agreement also calls for Qwest to become the exclusive telecommunications supplier to Qwest Arena, the Grove Hotel and the Idaho Steelheads organization for high-speed Internet, wireless, local and long-distance services. In addition to naming rights, Qwest will partner with the Idaho Steelheads to increase support for local charities.

"We are excited to find a partner who shares our core values of being a good community partner and who is also dedicated to providing an excellent experience for our fans," said Glenn Stanford, Qwest Arena and Idaho Steelheads president. "In Qwest, we have found more than a name for the facility, we have established a partnership that will reach well beyond the rink and into the very community that supports it."

"We're pleased to be associated with this great community resource and partner, to further our commitment to Idaho, and to support the continued economic development of downtown Boise and the state," said Jim Schmit, Qwest president for Idaho. "We look forward to providing great service to the patrons of the Grove Hotel, the Idaho Steelheads and the thousands of fans and visitors who will attend games and events at Qwest Arena throughout the year."

Qwest's roots in Idaho extend more than 100 years. Qwest employs nearly 1,800 people in Idaho and, over the past five years, has invested more than one-quarter of a billion dollars in Idaho's network infrastructure. That network is used daily by large and small businesses, schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations and residents throughout the state. Qwest continues to expand high-speed Internet access throughout the state.

About Qwest

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) is a leading provider of high-speed Internet, data, video and voice services. With approximately 40,000 employees, Qwest is committed to the "Spirit of Service" and providing world-class services that exceed customers' expectations for quality, value and reliability. For more information, please visit the Qwest Web site at www.qwest.com.

About Qwest Arena

Qwest Arena is the most original indoor sports and events arena in the Northwest. Located in the heart of downtown Boise, Qwest Arena is just steps away from shopping, restaurants and local businesses. The Arena has bowl seating for 5,000 people, including 39 entertainment suites and The Zone restaurant and sports bar overlooks all of the action in the Arena. Home of the 2004 ECHL National Champion Idaho Steelheads and the Idaho Stampede of the Continental Basketball Association, Qwest Arena hosts a variety of special events including concerts, trade shows, conventions, ice shows, and other sporting events. Adjoined to the arena, the Grove Hotel is Boise's only AAA-rated Four-Diamond property, and embodies the essence of luxury and convenience while living up to the highest standards and amenities in the state.

Forward-Looking Statement Note

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