Ohio State University students, faculty and staff, and other fans of the Buckeye men's basketball team can show their appreciation to the players and coaches at a noon rally on the Oval this Thursday (4/1). A celebration of the stunning 1999 season, in which the Buckeyes went all the way to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament, the event will include remarks from Coach Jim O'Brien and several players, President William E. Kirwan and Columbus Mayor Greg Lashutka; music by the OSU Pep Band; and cheers led by the Ohio State cheerleaders.

   The program will begin promptly at noon. In case of rain, the rally will be held in St. John Arena, and the decision to move to the arena will be announced to local news media and posted on the university's Web site, http://www.osu.edu, by 10 a.m.

   Visitor parking near the Oval is limited to a few spots in the Ohio Union garage. Off-campus visitors are advised to take a COTA bus to campus or to park in the lots at the Jerome Schottenstein Center or along the east side of Olentangy River Road. The university will not ticket visitors in these lots between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday.

   NOTE TO NEWS MEDIA: There will be no interviews with the team or coaches at this event. Parking for live trucks will be in front of Orton Hall (enter lot off College Road via driveway behind Hagerty Hall). No trucks will be allowed on the grass. An audio multbox will be provided.

Contact: Ruth Gerstner, University Communications, 292-8424.