By Kevin Adler

To put on a football game on the scale of the Empire Challenge each year requires an incredible range of contributions � from the New York Jets and Hofstra University which donate the use of the field and practice facilities, to the two dozen coaches and trainers who give up two weeks of their summer, to the major corporate sponsor who help foot the bill for the game and the many pregame activities.

Outback Steakhouse has become closely associated with the game through the efforts of Ron Duckstein, franchiser of 17 restaurants in the New York City metropolitan area and New Jersey.

Each year, Duckstein and local Outback Steakhouse restaurant owners cater pregame meals for both teams and coaches, as well as a tailgate party. Last year, Joe Gems, owner of the Huntington restaurant, and Mike Costello, owner of the Island Park location, were on hand to coordinate the tailgate party.

Outback added a touch of in-game excitement with a promotion in the second quarter. The public address announcer told fans to look under their seats for dinner-for-two gift certificates to Outback Steakhouses. A somewhat orderly scramble ensued, as people searched for the coupons.

Canon U.S.A.�s support for the event also dates back several years, and its roots are strong on Long Island. The company�s U.S. headquarters are in Lake Success, about 10 miles from Hofstra University. "Our employees live and work here, and a good number of them are at the game with their families," said Jon Lese, Canon U.S.A.�s assistant director of corporate programs, who was attending his first Empire Challenge game.