Players Feast at Outback Steakhouse Welcome Dinner

Tampa, FL -- Players from Ohio State and South Carolina in town for the Outback Bowl got a real taste of Outback hospitality this evening at the Outback Steakhouse Welcome Dinner at the Tampa Convention Center. The official travel parties of both schools were treated to dinner with the bowls board of directors and Outback Steakhouse VIPs. And talk about a grocery list!

Outback Steakhouse Catering served 375 lbs of steaks, 275 lbs of chicken breasts, 400 lbs of baked potatoes, 60 lbs of butter, 50 lbs of sour cream, 50 cheese cakes, 300 lbs of lettuce, 40 lbs of tomatoes, 60 lbs of cheese, 50 lbs of onions, 120 lbs of mushrooms, 40 gallons of ice tea, 1,100 rolls.

Fortunately the players will have plenty of opportunities to work off the meal before the game on New Year's Day. Their week includes visits to tonight's Tampa Bay Lightning game, Busch Gardens and Clearwater Beach.

The Outback Bowl will be played at 11 A.M. on January 1 at Raymond James Stadium. The game is sold-out but will be telecast on ESPN. Fans can follow the teams throughout the week with daily updates on the Outback Bowl web site.