July 19, 2007
The University of Illinois has reached a milestone for football season ticket sales. The Fighting Illini have sold more new 2007 football season tickets than they have in any year in the school's documented history, bringing the season total to nearly 34,000.
"I am very pleased with the public response to our upcoming football season," Director of Athletics Ron Guenther said. "Our marketing and football staffs have done some great work in getting our fans excited about Illini football."
Illinois football season ticket sales totals have been documented since 1981. The Fighting Illini have already sold 11,000 more season tickets to the public than they did all of last season. Illinois has also sold an additional 1,700 student season tickets compared to the same date last year. The capacity for Memorial Stadium in 2007 will be 57,078 due to the renovation project.
The Fighting Illini have sold out the south end of Memorial Stadium, including the Horseshoe and the extensions. The expanded Block "I" seating area, located in middle of the stadium's north end, is sold out. The entire north end of the stadium, which is reserved for the students, is on pace to sell out. Student overflow will be accommodated on the east side of the stadium.
Sideline season tickets remain on sale to the public at a price of $214 and student season tickets are $60. Both sideline and student season tickets continue to sell at a steady clip.
Single-game tickets will go on sale to the public on July 23. Due to the tremendous success of ongoing season ticket sales, a substantial response is expected to this initial on-sale date for Champaign home games against Western Illinois, Penn State, Wisconsin (Dad's Day), Michigan, Ball State (Homecoming), and Northwestern (Senior Day). Single-game tickets are $50 for the Michigan and Wisconsin home games, and $42 for all remaining games.
Tickets for the Sept. 1 St. Louis "home" game against Missouri are already available to the general public. By purchasing tickets through the Illinois ticket office, fans guarantee themselves the best seat locations and seating near other Illinois fans. Tickets for the State Farm Arch Rivalry are available at $62 and $44 price levels.
Fans can purchase Fighting Illini football tickets at fightingillini.com, toll free at 1-866-ILLINI-1 or by visiting the athletic ticket office at the Assembly Hall.
