ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio University Department of Athletics has designated the men's basketball game vs. the University of Wisconsin on Saturday, Dec. 8 as Ohio University Employee Appreciation Day and City Employee Day. The 3 p.m. game also will serve as Educational Outreach Day.

University and city employees will receive one free ticket for every one purchased for the contest, while all Athens elementary and middle school students will receive a free voucher for two free tickets.

The Athens school with the most students in attendance will receive a $1,000 check to be presented at halftime of the Dec. 15 men's basketball game vs. Oakland University. The classroom with the most students in attendance will be awarded a pizza party with the Bobcat men's basketball team.

Logan Middle School also was given complimentary tickets and expects to have about 400 students at the game.

Wisconsin, a 2000 Final Four participant, will be the first Big Ten Conference opponent to visit the Convocation Center since the Bobcats lost to Ohio State, 65-62, in the first round of the 1986 National Invitation Tournament.

Men's basketball single-game tickets cost $8 and can be purchased at the Ohio University Athletics Ticket Office by calling (740) 593-1300 or 1-800-575-CATS.