Welcome-home rally planned to celebrate Cats' success

Carol Thompson, associate dean of students, said she anticipates a large crowd at the rally.

In 1994, after the Wildcats arrived home after their Final Four loss to Arkansas, an estimated 20,000 fans flocked to the stadium to congratulate that year's team, Thompson said.

Students and local fans already showed their support for Arizona when over 10,000 fans jammed the McKale Center close to midnight March 23 to welcome the Wildcats home after their overtime win over Providence that propelled them to the Final Four.

"The fans that showed up at midnight at the McKale Center showed why Lute (Olson) said they were the greatest fans in the world," said Lt. Brian Seastone, spokesman for the University of Arizona Police Department.

Two stadium gates, one and eight, will open at 11 a.m. tomorrow for entry into the rally .

"I would imagine if we win, the whole world would want to come," Thompson said.

The team is expected to return from Indianapolis at Tucson International Airport around 11 a.m. tomorrow.

A motorcade will escort the team and staff members from the airport directly to the stadium, Thompson said.

The motorcade route will start at the airport's executive terminal, then go north on South Tucson Boulevard, turn onto East Benson Highway, then north on South Kino Boulevard to South Campbell Avenue where it will turn west onto East Enke Drive and into Arizona Stadium.

Tucson Mayor George Miller, UA President Manuel Pacheco, Athletic Director Jim Livengood and Associated Students President Rhonda Wilson are scheduled to speak at the rally before the microphone is handed over to the coaches and players, Thompson said.

The Wildcat band, cheerleaders and KAMP Student Radio will be on hand to entertain fans before the motorcade arrives at the stadium. Concession stands will also be available at the rally.

Seastone said UAPD officers and Tucson Police Department officers will be leading the motorcade back to the stadium and will provide security at the stadium.

"We want to put on a classy event that brings honor to the team and the school," Thompson said.

Thompson said she formed a committee with five student members to make sure the university puts on a successful program.

Many students expressed concern about how students from other schools have celebrated their team's championships in the past, Thompson said. She said excited fans in Los Angeles looted businesses and overturned cars after UCLA won the men's championship in 1995.

Sun Tran will operate shuttle buses from the northeast side of El Con Mall to the stadium beginning at 10 a.m.

Parking on campus is by permit and limited, Thompson said. The UA has asked people to not park in the surrounding neighborhoods near the university, she said.

"I hope we go the whole way, it would be great for our students," Thompson said.