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UF News University of Florida

Championship game to be shown in UF's O'Connell Center, student union

December 18, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida students, faculty and staff can watch the FedEx BCS National Championship football game against the University of Oklahoma in several places on campus Jan. 8.

The game will be simulcast in the O’Connell Center following the 20th-ranked Gator women’s basketball game against Mississippi State and in the Reitz Student Union. All fans are encouraged to wear orange-colored clothing and accessories.

Doors at the O’Connell Center will open at all four gates at 4 p.m. with free admission for the basketball game, 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.

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 Jan. 8 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.

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.