COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Ohio State men’s basketball team will embark on a trip to Spain Aug. 1 to play three games while experiencing the country’s culture during the three-city tour.
Ohio State will arrive in Madrid the morning of Aug. 2, travel to Valencia Aug. 5 and then cap off the trip with three days in Barcelona before returning to Columbus Aug. 11.
The Buckeyes play one game in each city. Ohio State will take on the Madrid Generals Aug. 4, the Valencia All Stars Aug. 7 and the Catalan All Stars Aug. 9.
Chris Holtmann, now in his second year at Ohio State, will use 10 practices in Columbus to prepare the 2018-19 Buckeyes for the trip.
Ohio State fans are invited to an open practice July 31 at Value City Arena, the day before the team departs.
Ohio State Open Practice Details
When: 5-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 31. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Where: Value City Arena
Parking: Free
Entrance: Northwest Rotunda, Value City Arena. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Seating: South side of the arena behind the team benches
Concessions: none
Additional Info: Coach Holtmann and selected players will address the fans in attendance following the practice at about 6 p.m. The program will end at about 6:30 p.m.
Ohio State Men’s Basketball
Spain Itinerary (Aug. 1-11)
Aug. 1: The Buckeyes will depart Columbus and arrive in Madrid Friday morning.
Aug. 2: The Buckeyes will take a guided tour of Madrid. As part of the tour, the team will walk through the city center, including Puerta Del Sol and Plaza Mayor, two of the city’s main squares.
A welcome dinner for the team is planned for the evening.
Aug. 3: Visit medieval Toledo, the former Spanish capital.
Aug. 4: Tour of Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, home to Spanish soccer giant, Real Madrid. It’s one of the largest stadiums in Europe (80,000)
Game One vs. Madrid Generals
Aug. 5: Travel to Valencia by train. Team will have time to spend on the beach and explore the city on its own.
Aug. 6: Guided tour of Valencia. Paella dinner on the beach.
Aug. 7: Visit the Valencia Bullfighting museum.
Game Two vs. Valencia All Stars
Aug. 8: Travel to Barcelona with stop in Cambrils. Day of sailing the Costa Daurada on a catamaran.
Walking tour of Barcelona.
Aug. 9: Guided tour of Barcelona.
Game Three vs. Catalan All Stars
Aug. 10: Visit La Sagrada Familia, a church that has been under construction since 1882 and not expected to be completed in 2026.
Farewell Dinner
Aug. 11: Return to Columbus.
