ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio Athletics Department announced game times for the 2003 football season, which begins under the lights Thursday, Aug. 28, with a home contest against Southeast Missouri State.

The Bobcats’ contest with SEMO will start at 7 p.m. and be part of Communiversity Day festivities at Peden Stadium. Communiversity Day is a promotion focused on attracting more residents of southeast Ohio to campus for a day.

“This region is very community-oriented, and we want more of those communities to take ownership in the Bobcats,” said Derek Scott, Director of Communications for Ohio Athletics. “Communiversity Day gives us a chance to work with groups from all over the region in a way that is mutually beneficial.”

Ohio Athletics is partnering with groups from surrounding communities to sell tickets for the contest, allowing the groups to use their share of the proceeds as a fundraising opportunity.

“We’re working with organizations ranging from youth football teams to volunteer fire departments, and we’re looking for more partners”, added Scott. Any group or organization looking for a fundraising opportunity is encouraged to contact the Ohio Athletics Department by calling 1-800-575-CATS.

As for the remainder of the home schedule, September games against Minnesota and Western Michigan will begin at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively, before the starting time switches to 2 p.m. for the three remaining home games.

Kickoff times for the six road games are also now tentatively set. The contest at Iowa State on Sept. 6 will start at 1 p.m. central time, with the next two games under the lights. The game at Northern Illinois will start at 6:30 p.m. central time, while the Kentucky contest begins at 7 p.m. Afternoon game times have been established by Buffalo (1 p.m.), Akron (noon) and Marshall (4:30 p.m.).

Season tickets for the 2003 Ohio football season are on sale now. For more information, call the Ohio Athletics Ticket Office at 740-593-1300 or 1-800-575-CATS.