Brutus Invasion – Ohio State Buckeyes
8/6/2008 12:00:00 AM | General
Brutus Buckeye statues decorate Schottenstein Center, lead way to Ohio Stadium
Forty Brutus Buckeye statues, all decorated with a unique personality or theme, will be displayed outside the Jerome Schottenstein Center beginning August 6th. The “Brutus On Parade” program, which runs through mid-October, is helping fund the renovation of the William Oxley Thompson Library. The exhibit is free-of-charge and located outside of the Schottenstein Center along the northwest, northeast and southeast plaza of the arena.
The seven-foot tall, fiberglass statues of the popular Buckeye mascot include colorful designs depicting popular figureheads like E. Gordon Gee, Ohio State University President, Buckeye football head coach Jim Tressel and football legends like Archie Griffin and Bill Willis. Statues also feature likenesses of restaurant founder Dave Thomas, Christopher Columbus, as well as themes focused on the Ohio State Marching Band, sports, super heroes, space exploration and various occupations. A full list of themes can be found at www.brutusonparade.com .
A number of local individuals and companies pledged between $10,000 to $20,000 to sponsor a statue. A limited number of statues are still available for sponsorship.
“Brutus On Parade” is patterned after Chicago’s successful “Cows on Parade” in 1999 and the 2004 program at the University of Iowa featuring the mascot Herky Hawkeye.
Ohio State initiated a $109 million renovation project of its William Oxley Thompson Library in January 2007. The Ohio State Library is a university landmark and a cornerstone of the university, ranked 21st among the 113 members of the Association of Research Libraries. The project, to be completed by 2009, will create a facility that serves Ohio State students and faculty well into the 21st century.
###
The Jim Tressel likeness and drum major Brutus lead the way from the Schottenstein Center across Lane Ave. and into Ohio Stadium.
The Bill Willis Brutus shows his Ohio State No. 99 jersey and the back displays his No. 30 Cleveland Browns uniform.
Astronaut John Glenn Brutus
Movie hero Indiana Jones Brutus
** FOR MORE PHOTOS OF BRUTUS STATUES CLICK THE “PHOTO ALBUM” LINK ABOVE”
