Coca-Cola Zero Cranks Up The Volume At Longhorn Steakhouse By Presenting "An Exclusive Ticket" To The NCAA® Men's Final Four® And Darius Rucker Sweepstakes

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ATLANTA  -  Coke Zero™ announces the NCAA® promotion and sweepstakes called "An Exclusive Ticket" at LongHorn Steakhouse. Fans can register for a chance to win "An Exclusive Ticket" to the 2010 NCAA® Men's Final Four® in Indianapolis and experience the "Coke Zero Countdown" concert, starring Darius Rucker, along with an exclusive VIP party, and tickets to the 2010 NCAA Men's Final Four.

This is the second in a series of three promotions that give fans the chance to attend an exclusive sporting event and a live concert by Darius Rucker. LongHorn recently added Rucker to its "Live at LongHorn" country music program in partnership with Coke Zero™ and Capitol Records Nashville. "LongHorn Steakhouse is excited to partner with Coke Zero™ and to have Darius Rucker as part of 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."

Grand prize packages worth $5,000 each will be awarded to four lucky winners. Each package includes an all-expenses paid trip to Indianapolis for two people, two VIP tickets to the 2010 NCAA® Men's Final Four®, a VIP party and two VIP passes to Coke Zero Countdown. Winner accommodations include four days/three nights at one of Indianapolis's top hotels. In addition to the grand prize, eligible participants have the chance to win merchandise that includes Darius Rucker autographed guitars and CDs. For more information about the sweepstakes and how to enter to win, visit www.CokeZero.com/longhorn. Guests can visit CokeZero.com/longhorn to enter the sweepstakes February 15th through March 8th.

"Guests who visit LongHorn can now enjoy their favorite meal with the only beverage that offers Real Coke Taste and Zero Calories," said Fergus Thomas, 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 NCAA® March Madness®. It's one more great reason to enjoy a refreshing Coke Zero™ with a delicious LongHorn steak."

"When Capitol came to me with the opportunity to partner with these two great brands, I immediately jumped at the chance to be involved because this allows music fans an opportunity for an unique experience while spotlighting country music," said Darius Rucker.

ABOUT DARIUS RUCKER
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 and current Top 10 single, "History In The Making." 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's success in the country music format was recently recognized at the 43rd Annual CMA Award's when he received the Best New Artist title. Rucker is currently on tour with Rascal Flatts. For more information, please visit www.dariusrucker.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, The Coca-Cola Company is 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 it operates. For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit the 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 30 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.

NCAA, Final Four and March Madness are licensed by or trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

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