TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Outback Steakhouse is giving fans an inside tip on a solid bet at the 2013 Outback Bowl -- a free appetizer with any purchase on January 2.  If the South Carolina Gamecocks win the game, Outback will offer a free* Bloomin' Onion, and if the Michigan Wolverines win, guests will receive a free* Coconut Shrimp appetizer.  The offer is valid with any purchase and available on January 2, 2013 – the day after the Outback Bowl game.  Guests only need to visit Outback Steakhouse and say, "Outback Bowl" to their server on January 2, 2013 to receive the offer.  Fans can sign up to be notified which Aussie-tizer® is free* on January 2 by texting "WINS" to 27438**.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121228/NY35168LOGO )

"Outback is giving all fans something to cheer about," said Outback Steakhouse President, Jeff Smith.  "No matter what happens on gameday, everyone is a winner the day after the game at Outback Steakhouse, where tasting victory or maybe swallowing your pride never tasted so good."

The 2013 game marks the 18th year of Outback Steakhouse's title sponsorship of the Bowl, which is the longest bowl sponsorship in history.  The Michigan Wolverines will square-off against the South Carolina Gamecocks New Year's Day at Raymond James Stadium on the company's home turf in Tampa, Florida.  It is a match-up of two nationally ranked teams from two of the most prestigious conferences in college football – the Big Ten and SEC. The Gamecocks are ranked 10th in the BCS while the Wolverines are ranked 18th.

To find a location near you or for more information about Outback Steakhouse, please visit www.Outback.com, facebook.com/outback or follow us on Twitter @Outback.

About Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse was once again voted #1 Best Steak in the 2012 Zagat Survey® of National Full-Service Restaurant Chains for the fourth consecutive year. Outback Steakhouse starts fresh every day to create the flavors that our mates crave. Best known for grilled steaks, chicken and seafood, Outback also offers a wide variety of crisp salads and freshly made soups and sides. New creations and grilled classics are made from scratch daily using only the highest quality ingredients sourced from around the world. For more information, please visit www.outback.com or http://www.facebook.com/outback.

*Some restrictions apply.  Valid with any purchase on 1-2-2013 only.  While supplies last.  Not valid with other discounts or offers.

** SMS Terms and Conditions:  By texting "WINS", you are opting in to receive future communications via text message from Sponsor of Short Code 27438.  5 msg/mo.  Msg & data rates may apply.  Charges may occur until opted out.  Check with your carrier for more info.  Text "STOP" to 27438 to opt-out.  Text "HELP" to 27438 for more info.  Participating carriers include AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Alltel, Boost, Nextel, U.S. Cellular and Dobson.

SOURCE Outback Steakhouse