Simulcast of championship game follows UF women's basketball game

January 5, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gator fans are invited to attend the University of Florida women’s basketball game Thursday at the O’Connell Center and stay to watch a simulcast of the FedEx BCS National Championship football game between the Gators and the University of Oklahoma.

Doors at the O’Connell Center will open at all four gates at 4 p.m. with free admission for the basketball game against Mississippi State, which starts at 5 p.m. After 5:30 p.m., only students, faculty and staff with Gator 1 cards will be admitted to the O’Connell Center. Game coverage starts at 8 p.m. with kickoff expected at 8:17 p.m.

All fans are encouraged to wear orange-colored clothing and accessories. Tailgating will not be allowed on campus Thursday.

Women’s basketball season ticket holders and Gator Gold Card holders will have their usual accommodations at the basketball game in terms of reserved seating and a special entrance at Gate 1.

The football game will be shown on four large video boards. Dazzlers will perform and several contests will be held. Concessions will be available. Doors will remain open until the beginning of the third quarter or until the arena is filled. Guests will not be allowed to re-enter if they leave.

The game also will be shown in the Reitz Student Union’s Grand Ballroom, where doors will open at 6 p.m., and in the Orange & Brew, which will be open regular hours.

Parking on Thursday will face the usual weekday restrictions until 4:30 p.m. After 4:30 p.m., parking will be available throughout campus as usual on a weekday evening. After the event, all traffic will be southbound on Gale Lemerand Drive and westbound on Second Avenue.

O’Connell Center prohibits these items: alcoholic beverages, weapons, chair backs larger than a single seat, food/drink containers, bottles, cans, ice bags, ice chests, noise-making devices, large cameras, flags, umbrellas, backpacks, video cameras/cases, strollers or any items deemed hazardous by personnel. Prohibited items must be returned to vehicles or disposed of before entering.