Bank of the West Secures Title Sponsorship of Southern California's Original Action Sport & Lifestyle Festival.

Lifestyle Editors/Business Editors

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 3, 2004

International Management Group (IMG) today announced that Bank of the West has secured title sponsorship of California's longest running action sport and lifestyle festival. The premier 2004 Bank of the West Beach Games featuring world class surfing, beach volleyball, BMX and skateboarding competition takes place from July 26 to August 1 at the Huntington Beach Pier.

"Bank of the West has been looking for the right landmark community event," said Vice Chairman Steve Glenn, senior Southern California executive for Bank of the West. "We are extremely excited to be the title sponsor of an event that represents the Southern California lifestyle, merging the beach culture with the most exciting action sports and live music. This event has broad appeal and provides something for everyone."

A key element of the 2004 Bank of the West Beach Games is the addition of an exciting new event, the King and Queen of the Beach professional volleyball tournament. This event will be a "throwback" to the early days of beach volleyball, featuring larger courts and traditional beach rules.

"The Bank of the West Beach Games is Southern California's quintessential action sports and lifestyle festival with its roots firmly placed in Surf City USA," said James Leitz, vice president for IMG X Sports. "The tradition and heritage of the Honda U.S. Open of Surfing Presented by O'Neill dates back nearly five decades to the mainland's first major surfing event. Over the years this event has become the epicenter of action sport, music and lifestyle."

The Bank of the West Beach Games attracts more than 600 world-class athletes from across the globe and features volleyball, surfing, skateboarding, and BMX in world-class venues along with live concerts and an interactive lifestyle festival spread over 12 acres. In 2003, over 300,000 spectators enjoyed the event.

"While the event comes with a rich and colorful surfing history since 1959, it also continues to evolve by making way for talented athletes competing in more recently established sports that draw a younger crowd," said Cathy Green, mayor of Huntington Beach. "As an event that constantly evolves, the Beach Games continues to attract new audiences to experience Huntington Beach, bringing an estimated $3.9 million in total economic impact to the local community."

The Bank of the West Beach Games will be broadcast to a potential 70 million households on Fusion TV, airing on Fox Sports Net from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesdays (dates TBD). The shows will re-air on FUEL TV (dates TBD). Volleyball will receive two original hours on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN).

All events during the 2004 Bank of the West Beach Games are open to the public, free of charge. The main rounds of surfing begin on Monday, July 26 and run through Sunday, August 1. Festival activities, BMX and skate competitions begin on Thursday, July 29. Volleyball and the live music will be held on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31.

About Bank of the West

San Francisco-based Bank of the West (www.bankofthewest.com) is the third largest commercial bank with headquarters in California, with $30 billion in assets and 80 Southern California locations. Bank of the West currently operates 296 branches in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada and New Mexico.