Information on parking and traffic changes for Kerry visit

Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry has reserved the south Oval for a campaign rally on Thursday (10/28). The rally will feature a brief appearance by musician Bruce Springsteen and also will include local Democratic candidates. The event is tentatively set to begin at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn, which is located at the corner of West 12th Avenue and College Road.

Starting at 11 a.m. until approximately 9 p.m., College Road will be closed between 17th and 11th avenues. University faculty, staff and students may park in the Ohio Union parking garage however the entrances and exits between the restricted hours will be via High Street only. Hagerty Drive will be closed and 12th Avenue will be closed between High Street and Neil Avenue.

Gates to the rally open at 4 p.m. and visitors should expect to pass through metal detectors and have their belongings checked before entering the secured area. No outside signs, large bags or umbrellas will be allowed. Tickets are available at the Kerry website at http://www.johnkerry.com/events/102804_columbus_oh_form.php, or in room 314 of the Ohio Union.

Since parking on campus is severely limited, visitors should park on west campus. The lots are on Carmack Road, just west of Kenny Road and south of Lane Avenue. Additional public parking is available in the Buckeye lots north of the Schottenstein Center. A free shuttle bus service will be available from both lots.

Local media parking will be reserved on Hagerty Drive and South Oval Drive. Access will only be permitted from Neil Avenue near the Ohio State main library.