FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Editorial Contacts:
Empire Challenge Web Site
www.empirechallenge.com
Mike Buscemi
Boomer Esiason Foundation
516/746-0077

BEF Web Site
www.esiason.org
Lou Desiderio
The Rowland Company
212/527-8811
917/627-0912

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE ALL-STAR CLASSIC CELEBRATES THE TOP HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TALENT FROM LONG ISLAND / NEW YORK CITY WHILE ADVANCING THE FIGHT AGAINST CF

Outback Steakhouse, Canon USA., Nike, Under Armour, Anaconda Sports, the New York Jets, the NFL and Other Local Companies Support Boomer Esiason’sFight to Cure Cystic Fibrosis
Fan Fest, Halftime Activities and Bay Fireworks Highlight
Day-Long Events at James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - June 23 2004 - For the ninth consecutive year, the brightest football talent from New York City and Long Island will be the centerpiece of a football extravaganza that will raise money and awareness to fight cystic fibrosis and support youth football in the New York metropolitan area. Boomer Esiason, ex-NFL quarterback and analyst for both CBS Sports "NFL Today" and "Monday Night Football" on Westwood One radio, announced today the details of the ninth annual Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge all-star football game which will be held on July 1 the James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University.


Created by Esiason in 1996 as a benefit for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, the Gunnar H. Esiason Endowment Scholarship Fund at Hofstra University and local youth football programs, the Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge has grown to become the crowning goal of high school players throughout the New York metropolitan area.
Kickoff for the 2004 game is set for 7:30 p.m, with gates opening at 6:00 p.m.

A series of pre-game and post-game activities are also planned, including spectacular Bay Fireworks display presented by Canon immediately following the game. Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the James M. Shuart Stadium ticket booth on game day.

In addition, a number of local and international companies have teamed-up with the Boomer Esiason Foundation to underwrite the cost of the football game and other day-long activities for the entire family. Along with Outback Steakhouse, Canon U.S.A., NFL Flag, the New York Jets and many others will help the Foundation raise more than $200,000 from the July 1st event.

In a recent interview, Mr. Esiason expressed his gratitude for those companies who have taken an active role in supporting their local communities.

"The support these companies have provided to the Boomer Esiason Foundation is a great example of how corporate America can make an impact in bettering the communities where employees work and live," said Esiason. "Their support for the Foundation will be used to improve the lives of all those afflicted with cystic fibrosis. As both a local resident and a parent with a CF-afflicted child, I’m thankful for companies like Canon USA, New York Jets, NFL Flag and Outback Steakhouse who believe that giving back to the community is critical to their role as corporate citizens."One of these corporations is located not far from Hofstra University’s James M. Shuart Stadium. Canon USA has supported the annual all-star classic since it’s beginning in 1996. "Canon USA is proud to be a corporate citizen of the Long Island community," said Debbie Epstein, Vice President and General Manager of Corporate Communications for Canon USA. "This event is one way we can demonstrate our support for Long Island and events, as well as our commitment to the Boomer Esiason Foundation."


"The Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge is an excellent example of how the entire community can be brought together, cheer on their favorite players and raise money for very worthy local and national charities," said Ron Duckstein, joint venture partner / New York metropolitan area for Outback Steakhouse. "Our involvement doesn’t begin or end with upper management. All our employees volunteer and participate in more than 200 community events throughout the year, including the Empire Challenge," Mr. Duckstein added.


New York City / Long Island All-Star Team Practice Schedule

Team practices will be held at the New York Jets complex June 25 - 30. ALL credential and interview requests for that week must be submitted via the supplied "e-registration form" on the Empire Challenge Web site http://www.empirechallenge.com/pages/media_credentials.html no later than Thursday, June 24. NO media personnel will be allowed into the Jets complex unless a formal request is submitted before that date.

To access TEAM PRACTICES for your date and time-specific requests, please provide photo identification upon your arrival at the New York Jets Complex security booth at the main entrance.
Please Note: All practice times subject to change
No media personnel will be allowed into the Jets complex without submitting a formal request.

Practice Schedule - New York Jets Complex
Friday, June 25 Long Island 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Sunday, June 27 New York City 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Monday, June 28 Long Island 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
New York City 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Tuesday, June 29 Long Island 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
New York City 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Wednesday, June 30 Long Island 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
New York City 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Game Day

Media Credentials
Media interested in attending the game must formally submit a credential request via the Empire Challenge Web site http://www.empirechallenge.com/pages/media_credentials.html --no later than Wednesday, June 30. All requests must include names of all attending media personnel. Media credentials will be available at the Will Call Window at the ticket booth at the southwest corner of the stadium’s main entrance on game day. Please present photo identification at the ticket booth. Will Call will be staffed from 3:00-8:00 p.m. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m.

NFL High School 7-on-7 Tournament

The best of New York City, Long Island, Washington D.C. metro area and Westchester County, New York will compete in a 7-on-7 Championship�tournament the during pregame and halftime festivities during this year's Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge.�
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The competition, organized by the NFL, will feature the top teams from their respective areas of the country. In the past the NFL has hosted teams from NYC and Long�Island, but will now expand to include teams from�the Washington D.C. metro area and Westchester County, New York. The NFL hopes to eventually have a national NFL High school 7-on�-7 Tournament.��

July 1st Game Day Events

Fan Fest
ADMISSION IS FREE!!
From 3:30 - 6:30, James M. Shuart Stadium Parking Lot - Hofstra University All fans will be able to participate in Fan Fest. The New York Jets present Jets Fest, an interactive football theme park filled with inflatable challenges and games, will be on site along with giveaways and exhibits from each branch of the United States Armed Forces.Outback Steakhouse Tailgate ADMISSION $100 (Children 3 and under are free)This annual pregame party is a great way to kickoff the day’s football fun. Outback Seakhouse provides all your tailgate anneds while you enjoy the music of Arcadia. Tailgate tickets are available for purchase in advance; admission to the game is included with your tailgate ticket purchase. To buy tickets, please call 516-746-0077. After 5:00 pm, please dial x 21.


PreGame
7-on-7 High School Flag Tournament Preliminary Games featuring the best high school underclassmen from New York City, Long Island, Westchester County and Washington DC.

John Amirante, New York Rangers anthem singer, to honor America with the National Anthem

Flag presentation by military color guard

Local NFL Stars to Be Honorary Team Captains (Subject to Change)
Morlon Greenwood—1996 All-Star (Miami Dolphins), Clifton Smith—1999 All-Star (Washington Redskins), Tutan Reyes (Carolina Panthers), Melvin Fowler—1997 All-Star (Cleveland Browns), Ian Smart (New York Jets).

Halftime Presented by NFL Flag
7-on-7 High School Flag Tournament Championship Game featuring the best high school underclassmen from New York City, Long Island, Westchester County and Washington DC.

PostGame Presented by Canon
Canon Fireworks Show Hosted by Bay Fireworks
Immediately following the all-star game’s award presentation, Canon and Bay Fireworks will light up the sky with a spectacular fireworks display, providing the perfect end to a day of fun, football and fireworks.

MSG Network Coverage
The Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge will air tape-delayed on MSG on Saturday, July 10 at 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. and Friday, July 16 at 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Check your local listing for channel information.


The Boomer Esiason Foundation
The Boomer Esiason Foundation is a dynamic partnership of leaders in the medical and business communities joining with a committed core of volunteers to heighten awareness, education and quality of life for those affected by Cystic Fibrosis, while providing financial support to research aimed at finding a cure.
The Boomer Esiason Foundation works to ensure that:
The brightest researchers and scientists, who every day come closer to finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, have the resources they need to expand and accelerate their efforts;
Dedicated doctors and caregivers have access to innovative and effective treatments that ease the suffering and enhance the lives of the children and young adults afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis;
People from all walks of life are educated and motivated to become committed participants in the ongoing battle against Cystic Fibrosis;
Those directly affected by Cystic Fibrosis are encouraged and empowered to fully understand this deadly disease and to take active roles in combating it; and Students and hospital staff are provided with the financial resources and educational tools they need to prepare for life’s challenges and to create a legacy of quality healthcare for generations to come.

 

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