17th Annual UnitedHealthCare Empire Challenge To Showcase Top Local Football Talent

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UnitedHealthcare is committed to helping improve the health of our communities so we are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Boomer Esiason and his foundation.

Hempstead, NY (PRWEB) June 12, 2012

The 17th Annual UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge will showcase the brightest football talent from Long Island and New York City to raise awareness and funds to fight cystic fibrosis and support youth football in the New York metropolitan area. Boomer Esiason, co-host of WFAN’s “Boomer & Carton Show” and chairman of the Boomer Esiason Foundation, today announced the details of the event, which will be held on Tuesday, June 19th at James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University. Kick-off is set for 7:30pm.

Highlights of the day’s event include:

•     UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge Sports Expo - dedicated to showcasing all of the newest and hottest sports equipment across all sports properties
•     Generation Jets Fan Fest – featuring Generation Jets Fest, the New York Jets' interactive theme park, including inflatable rides, obstacle courses, and giveaways. Fun for all families!
•     Strawberry’s Tailgate Party – marquee pre-game party to kick off the day's football fun with Strawberry’s Sports Grill providing all the tailgating food, Coke & Diageo providing all the beverages, and Hype-It-Up DJ Entertainment providing the music. Various NFL alumni players will be on hand for meet and greets as well. Tailgate tickets are available for purchase in advance and include admission to the game (addt’l info below).
•     Game Day Raffle – with prizes including signed memorabilia, Under Armour performance gear, and tickets to local sporting events…there is something for everyone!

Created in 1996 by Boomer Esiason, the UnitedHealthcare 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. This game 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 UnitedHealthcare, Under Armour, New York Jets and many others. They aim to raise significant funds via the event. “UnitedHealthcare is committed to helping improve the health of our communities so we are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Boomer Esiason and his foundation,” said Bill Golden, chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare of New York. “While the Empire Challenge recognizes the best area high school football players, the funds raised not only help fund cystic fibrosis research but also support local youth sports programs to help kids get active – and start them on a path to a lifetime of physical activity and wellness.”

The Boomer Esiason Foundation, which boasts a long tradition of fund raising in conjunction with these trusted companies, to date has raised over $90 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.

Empire Challenge Foundation:
Empire Challenge Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose primary goals are to provide financial assistance to research aimed at finding a cure for cystic fibrosis and to promote youth football programs. Through an annual high school all-star football game, Empire Challenge Foundation, Inc., along with its corporate sponsors, raises money for the Boomer Esiason Foundation’s fight against cystic fibrosis, contributes to the Gunnar H. Esiason Endowed Scholarship Fund at Hofstra University, and supports youth football in the New York metropolitan area.

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. For more information, please visit http://www.esiason.org

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

•     Practice Schedule – Hofstra University @ James M. Shuart Stadium (Hofstra Stadium)
•     Friday, June 15 = Long Island 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm / NYC 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
•     Saturday, June 16 = Long Island 9:30 am – 12:30 pm / NYC 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
•     Sunday, June 17 = Long Island 8:30 am – 11:30 am / NYC 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
•     Monday, June 18 = Long Island 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm / NYC 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Media Credentials (Team Practices):

•     For all credential and interview requests for that week go to Empire Challenge web site no later than Thursday, June 14.
•     PRACTICES ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. Please Note: All practice times subject to change.
•     No media personnel will be allowed into Hofstra complex without submitting a formal request.
•     Any issues whatsoever, you may call 516-746-0077 and ask for Ken Zore or Rich Hahn (BEF).

Media Credentials (Game Day):

•     Media interested in attending the game must formally submit a credential request via the Empire Challenge Web site no later than Thursday, June 14.
•     Each media member attending the game must submit an individual credential request via the web site.
•     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. General Admission ticket gates will open at 6:30 p.m.
•     Any issues whatsoever on Game Day, you may call 513-702-4248 cell (Ken Zore-BEF).

UnitedHealthcare Sports Expo (Tuesday, June 19th):
This year, the game and its surrounding events will keep the same traditions but will feature an exciting new twist . UnitedHealthcare Sports Expo, which will be free for all patrons, will include a wide range of activities sure to keep the whole family entertained. FREE admission.

•     Open from 4:00-10:00pm
•     Located on the Stadium Concourse

Fan Fest with Generation Jets Fest:
Fans of all ages will be able to participate in the Fan Fest, which features Generation
Jets Fest and the Islanders I.C.E. Tour. Both teams have these traveling interactive theme parks which includes inflatable rides, giveaways and fun for the whole family. Come out and kick a field goal, race through the obstacle challenge and show-off your slap-shot. FREE admission.

•     Open from 4:00-7:00pm
•     Located in the parking lot behind Margiotta Hall, just outside the main gate entrance to the stadium. Same location as the large white Tailgate Party Tent.

Strawberry’s Tailgate Party:
This pre-game party is a great way to kick off the day's football fun. Strawberry’s Sports Grill will provide all your tailgate needs while you enjoy music and chatting with former NFL alumni (subject to availability).

•     Open from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
•     Located in the parking lot behind Margiotta Hall, just outside the main gate entrance to the stadium. Same location as the Fan Fest with the inflatable rides and attractions.
•     Admission to the game is included with your tailgate ticket purchase.
•     Tailgate tickets are available for purchase in advance ($100). To buy tickets, please call 516-746-0077.

Pre-Game:

•     God Bless America = Chelsea Lovett
•     National Anthem = John Amirante, New York Rangers anthem singer.
•     Color Guard = Joint Services Color Guard out of New York City.
•     Honorary Captains/NFL Alumni = Dave Herman (SB III Champion and former Hofstra football player), Wesley Walker (NYJ), Freeman McNeil (NYJ), and Stephen Boyd (DET).

Halftime:

•     Frisbee Dogs = Courtesy of Mid-Atlantic Disc Dogs and Paw Stars

3rd/4th Qtr Break:

•     Gravity Cheer Cheerleaders will perform.

Post Game:

•     The Timothy M. O’Brien Most Valuable Player
•     The Player of the Game Award
•     The UnitedHealthcare Cup will be presented immediately following the conclusion of the game

MSG Networks Coverage:

•     Tuesday, June 19, 7:30pm = LIVE broadcast of the entire game on MSG Varsity.
•     Friday, June 22, 7:30pm = Re-broadcast on MSG Varsity.
•     Sunday, July 1, 1:00pm = Re-broadcast on MSG+
•     Saturday, July 7, 4:00pm = Re-broadcast on MSG

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