LongHorn Steakhouse Cranks Up the Volume on Its 'Live at LongHorn' Music Program With Coke Zero and 'Tee Off & Tunes With Darius Rucker' Sweepstakes

LongHorn Steakhouse Cranks Up the Volume on Its 'Live at LongHorn' Music Program With Coke Zero and 'Tee Off & Tunes With Darius Rucker' Sweepstakes

Restaurant Chain to Begin Offering Coke Zero in All Restaurants Nationwide

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LongHorn Steakhouse announced the addition of Darius Rucker to their "Live at LongHorn" country music program in partnership with Coke Zero and Capitol Records Nashville.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090223/FL74289LOGO)

In celebration of this partnership, LongHorn is announcing "Tee Off & Tunes with Darius Rucker" - a national sweepstakes giving guests a chance to win backstage access to a private Darius Rucker concert and VIP tickets to this year's THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola.

This exclusive promotion also supports the introduction of Coke Zero in more than 300 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants nationwide. This new offering will appeal to guests who seek a variety of beverage choices when visiting LongHorn.

"LongHorn Steakhouse is excited to partner with Coke Zero and to add Darius Rucker to our 'Live at LongHorn' family of artists," said Terry Stanley, Executive Vice President of Marketing for LongHorn Steakhouse. "Music is a special part of LongHorn's heritage, and we are proud to be able to support country music while offering our guests a chance to win this exclusive prize package."

"Guests who visit LongHorn can now enjoy their favorite meal with the only beverage that offers Real Coke Taste and Zero Calories," said Russell Baker, Senior Brand Manager, Coke Zero, Coca-Cola North America. "Through this program with LongHorn, Coke Zero is making it possible for people to win a unique first class experience that combines their passions for music and golf. It's one more great reason to enjoy a refreshing Coke Zero with a delicious LongHorn steak."

"I feel privileged to have the chance to partner with two great brands - Coke Zero and LongHorn Steakhouse - and to be a part of the 'Live at LongHorn' program," said Darius Rucker. "I'm also excited to have The PGA TOUR involved, as my fans know I love the game of golf!"

Guests who order any Coca-Cola beverage at a LongHorn Steakhouse will receive one scratch-off card with a code redeemable on MyCokeRewards.com to enter the sweepstakes. Codes can be entered on the site starting August 10 through August 30, with the sweepstakes winners announced on September 5.

Grand prize packages worth $10,000 each will be awarded to two lucky winners. Each package includes an all-expenses paid trip to Atlanta for two people, two VIP tickets to THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola that include "Inside the Ropes" access, and two tickets for Darius Rucker's private performance at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta on September 25. Winner accommodations include three days/three nights at the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown Atlanta. In addition to the grand prize, eligible participants have the chance to win merchandise that includes Darius Rucker autographed guitars and CDs as well as one of 15 iPods. For more information about the sweepstakes and how to enter to win, visit www.liveatlonghorn.com.

Darius Rucker first came to prominence as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the pop group Hootie & The Blowfish, whose 1994 debut, Cracked Rear View, sold more than 16 million copies to become one of the best-selling albums in history. In early 2007, Rucker signed with Capitol Records Nashville and has since been embraced by the country music community with his chart-topping 2008 debut, Learn To Live - an album that has produced three consecutive No. 1 singles. Rucker's transition has been highly praised, with The New York Times proclaiming he has "one of the year's most vibrant country albums." Rucker is currently on tour with Rascal Flatts. For more information, please visit www.dariusrucker.com.

THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola is the final event in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. The prestigious event, held at the historic East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, includes only the top 30 players from the PGA TOUR's FedExCup standings. For more information, visit www.pgatour.com.

ABOUT THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, POWERADE, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our Web site at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

ABOUT LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE

More than 25 years after opening its first restaurant in Atlanta, LongHorn Steakhouse now operates more than 320 restaurants in 29 states. In 2007, LongHorn created the "Live at LongHorn" music program to provide a venue for connecting American country music artists to country music fans through in-restaurant meet-and-greets, live performances in intimate venues, and videos and songs on their unique website at www.liveatlonghorn.com. LongHorn is a division of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI), the world's largest full-service restaurant operating company. For more information about LongHorn, please visit www.longhornsteakhouse.com.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090223/FL74289LOGO
Source: LongHorn Steakhouse

CONTACT: Melissa Miller, +1-312-297-7442, melissa.miller@edelman.com

Web Site: http://www.longhornsteakhouse.com/

-------
Profile: intent