BUCKEYE BLAST 1999 FEATURES COMEDIAN HOWIE MANDEL AND MUCH MORE

   COLUMBUS -- He stars in his own cartoon series, and he has appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Now, comedian Howie Mandel is set to perform for thousands of Ohio State University fans during Buckeye Blast 1999 at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on Oct. 28 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

   "We're thrilled to have Howie Mandel headlining this year's Buckeye Blast," said Gilda Mossadegh, Homecoming student co- chair. "Howie's great -- his comedy appeals to just about everyone. We've had such a positive response from students and the Columbus community. Everyone's so excited about the show."

   Buckeye Blast also will feature appearances by the Ohio State football team and Coach John Cooper, The Best Damn Band in the Land (TBDBITL), Ohio State cheerleaders and Brutus Buckeye, a laser show, the Buckeye Dance Force, celebrity cameos, the Men's Glee Club, a Phi Beta Sigma step show, the crowning of the Homecoming king and queen, two $250 and one $1,000 City Center shopping sprees, and much more.

   Tickets are $5 for Ohio State students, faculty and staff, and $15 for the general public. They are available at selected locations around campus, the Office of Student Activities (292- 8763), and the Jerome Schottenstein Center Ticket Office, 555 Arena Drive (292-2624 or 1-800-GO-BUCKS).

Contact: Student Co-Chairs Gilda Mossadegh and Rob Siston, or Don Stenta, assistant director of student activities, all at (614) 292-8763

Or, visit the Homecoming Web site at www.osu.edu/homecoming