In its 15th consecutive year, the Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge at Hofstra University will highlight the brightest football talent from New York City and Long Island in an effort to raise money and awareness to fight cystic fibrosis and support youth football in the New York metropolitan area. Kickoff for the event is set for 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the James M. Shuart Stadium ticket booth on game day, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Boomer Esiason, former NFL quarterback, CBS analyst, and chairman for the Boomer Esiason Foundation announced the event, which will be held June 22 at the James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University. Some of the highlights of the day’s event include:
• Ultimate Athlete Magazine Sports Expo – dedicated to showcasing all of the newest and hottest sports equipment across all sports properties.
• FanFest with Generation Jets – featuring the Generation Jets Fest, the New York Jets’ interactive theme park, including inflatable rides, giveaways, field goal and passing test setups, obstacle courses and a chance to meet the Jet Flight Crew Girls.
• Game Day Raffle – with prizes including signed memorabilia, Under Armor performance gear, and tickets to local sporting events.
Created in 1996 by Boomer Esiason, the Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge acts as a fundraising benefit for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, the Gunnar H. Esiason Endowment Scholarship Fund at Hofstra University, as well as local youth football programs, and has grown to become a crowning achievement for high school football players throughout the New York metropolitan area.
A number of local and international companies have teamed up with the Boomer Esiason Foundation, including Outback Steakhouse, USA Football, the New York Jets and many others, and they aim to raise significant funds via the event. “The Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge is an excellent example of how the entire community can be brought together to cheer on their favorite players and raise money for very worthy local and national charities,” said Jenn Szewc, joint venture partner for Outback Steakhouse. “Our involvement with the community and the Empire Challenge is a core piece of Outback Steakhouse principles and beliefs as an organization.”
The Boomer Esiason Foundation, which boasts a long tradition of fund raising in conjunction with these trusted companies, to date has raised $80 million. “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.”
Kickoff for the event is set for 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. A series of pre-game ceremony activities are also planned. Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the James M. Shuart Stadium ticket booth on game day, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
For information, visit www.esiason.org.
