14
December
2006
|
18:00 PM
America/New_York

OSU Marching Band heads west for the BCS National Championship Game

COLUMBUS – It's back to the desert for the 225-member Ohio State University Marching Band, as the Buckeyes prepare for a return trip to the Phoenix area and a Tostitos BCS National Championship date with the University of Florida on January 8, 2007.

Before leaving Columbus, the largest all-brass and percussion band in the world will spend three evenings in rehearsal at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. With the university's Winter quarter already underway, the band will assemble on Wednesday (1/3) and Thursday (1/4), from 7 to 10 p.m., and Friday (1/5) from 7 to 9 p.m. to practice its pregame and halftime shows. The rehearsals are open to MEDIA ONLY.

Due to the possibility of inclement weather on Friday and limited space at the facility, the practice session will now be closed to the general public. The band will depart for Arizona early Saturday morning and is expected to land in Arizona around 9 a.m. MST.

The band plans to perform "Hollywood Blockbusters" during the halftime portion of the championship game. Featuring some of the silver screen's favorite themes, the show drew a standing ovation at the 2006 Michigan game.

In Tempe, media are encouraged to cover the band's final public rehearsal before the BCS Championship, at Tempe High School, 1730 S. Mill Avenue, at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 7 beginning at 10 a.m. Former band members are welcome to bring instruments and play along at the end of the session. Previous rehearsals at the school have drawn crowds of over 1,000 alumni and local music fans.

Here is a complete list of Ohio State University Marching Band appearances at the championship: Performance times are approximate and subject to change.

Wednesday, January 3, 2007
7-10 p.m. EST
Music & Marching Rehearsal - Woody Hayes Athletic Center
The band plays through the pre-game and halftime shows. Media only.

Thursday, January 4, 2007
7-10 p.m. EST
Music & Marching Rehearsal - Woody Hayes Athletic Center

The band plays through the pre-game and halftime shows. Media only.

Friday, January 5, 2007
7-9 p.m. EST
Music & Marching Rehearsal - Woody Hayes Athletic Center

The band plays through the pre-game and halftime shows.
NO LONGER OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Saturday, January 6, 2007
approximately 7 p.m.
"Glendale Glitters and Glows" BCS Block Party
59th and Glendale Avenues in Glendale

The annual Glendale event features a special joint pep rally with the OSUMB and Florida Bands.

Sunday, January 7, 2007
10 a.m. - noon
Public Rehearsal
Tempe High School, 1730 S. Mill Avenue in Tempe
The band welcomes the public and OSU Alumni to its final rehearsal before the game. Former band members are welcome to bring instruments and play along at the end of the session.
2:30 p.m. (performance at approximately 4 p.m.)
Buckeye Bash Pep Rally
Chase Field, 401 East Jefferson, Phoenix
Annual bowl gathering of Buckeye faithful with university officials, cheerleaders and the band.

Monday, January 8, 2007
2:15 p.m.
Performances at Pre-game Party and Corporate Events

University of Phoenix Stadium Lot in Glendale
5:35 p.m.
Pre-game Performance - Tostitos BCS National Championship
Halftime Performance with the University of Florida Band


Contacts (media only please):
The Band will be staying at the Fiesta Inn, 2100 S. Priest Drive, Tempe (480) 967-1441.
Reach the band at the Steinbrenner Band Center in Columbus: (614) 292-2598.
In Tempe, reach Dr. Woods at the Fiesta Inn (480) 967-1441 or Media Contact, David Carwile, by cell (614) 323-4046.