March 20, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Stephanie Helper - (310) 247-3090

Beverly Hills, CA - Bleacher seats in the arrivals area for the 72nd Academy Awards^® outside the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium will open to the public on Sunday, March 26, the day of the show, Academy Executive Administrator Ric Robertson announced today.

Bleacher seats will allow Oscar^® fans to watch the arrival of nominees, presenters and other guests at the Academy Awards Presentation.

The Academy anticipates allowing the public to begin entering the bleachers at approximately 6:00 a.m., but that time is subject to change because of inclement weather or production-related activities.
No tickets will be required, according to Robertson. Seating will be first-come, first-served until the available seats are filled. Seating is limited.
Once in the bleachers, guests will not be permitted to leave and re-enter. Since the stay in the bleachers could be as long as 12 hours, guests are advised to bring their own water and snacks. Toilet facilities will be available within the secured area.

Those planning to watch the arrivals from the bleachers may bring amateur cameras. All items will be searched by security. Alcoholic beverages will not be permitted. No signs, banners or posters will be allowed and stereos, radios and other audio devices likely to be disruptive will not be permitted.

The bleachers will be built for the fourth time by Race Management Associates of Long Beach, the company that stages the Long Beach Grand Prix.

Arrivals of nominees, presenters, past Oscar winners and other celebrities are expected between 3 and 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 26.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 1999 will be presented on March 26, 2000, at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium. Sunday at the Oscars^® will be televised live the ABC Television Network beginning at 5:00 p.m. (PST), with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment preceding the presentation ceremony.