When there were 34 seconds left on the clock, the cheers started. 

     “RUPP! ARENA! RUPP RUPP! ARENA!” 

     Those cheers continued until the final buzzer sounded and the Highlands boys varsity basketball team won the 9th Regional Championship. 

     Now, the Ozone’s wish will be granted — the Birds are headed to Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky. to play in the KHSAA Boys Sweet Sixteen tournament. Up against Muhlenberg County Mustangs, the boys will play their first game at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 1. 

     When tickets first went on sale, there was a crazed hecticness in the air. However, now that calls have been made and details have been sorted out, students should know a few important details before they head down to Rupp Arena. 

     First of all, school is canceled in the Fort Thomas Independent School District. Therefore, teachers and students throughout the district can enjoy the game and not worry about substitute teacher plans and missing assignments. 

     The second big issue is in regards to tickets. Tickets are on sale right now for both general seating and the Highlands Fan Zone. The Highlands Fan Zone includes sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 221, 223, and 224. These tickets are $12. and are priced at $16. Those not sitting in the Highlands Fan Zone are advised to sit in sections 18, 20, 25, 26, or 27 to be near the Highlands Endzone. Those tickets are $16. The link to buy both types of tickets can be found here. Bluebird Fans are advised to purchase their tickets as soon as possible, as Rupp Arena is functioning at 25% capacity, leaving around only 500 tickets for Highlands fans.  As of publication, there are only tickets available in sections 221, 223, and 224. 

      With the logistics out of the way, we’ll move on to the fun stuff. While a theme for the Ozone has not yet been decided, there’s a poll on the Highlands Ozone 2020-21 Twitter page for students to decide the theme—it’s currently between “Beach out SB2K21” and “Blue Out.” Make sure you vote and, whichever theme is chosen, make sure you dress up! 

     If the Birds beat the Mustangs, they will play their next game on Friday, April 2 at 8:00 p.m. against the winner of the Bullitt East vs. McCracken County game. The next game will be on Saturday, April 3 at 2:00 p.m. and the championship game will be on Saturday, April 3 at 8:00 p.m.. The bracket can be seen to the right.