U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, a Democratic presidential contender, will hold a public rally Feb. 16 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required.

Tickets can be picked up at two locations:

• between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the USC Student Government Office, Room 227 of Russell House on Greene Street between Sumter and Bull streets, or
• between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. or between 5 p.m. and midnight at Mac's On Main restaurant, 1710 Main St.

On Feb. 17, Obama will hold a town hall event in Orangeburg at Claflin University's Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center, 400 Magnolia St. Ticket information for that event will be released later. Doors open at 10 a.m.

1/07