Aug. 20, 2007

Champaign, Ill. - Seventeen games at the Assembly Hall highlight the 2007-08 Illini men's basketball schedule. Season ticket renewals have been mailed and sent via email, and the deadline for renewals is Sept. 6.

The Assembly Hall has been sold out in season tickets for the last three years. Due to the popularity of the program and the staggering renewal rate, the UI Division of Intercollegiate Athletics created a season ticket wait list last August. In one year, that list has grown to over 5,000 people requesting over 15,000 tickets. All current season ticket holders will have the opportunity to renew their men's basketball season tickets before they are made available to people on the wait list.

"Last year we had an overwhelming response with 99 percent of our men's basketball season ticket holders renewing," said Jason Heggemeyer, assistant athletics director and director of the athletic ticket office. "During my 10 years in collegiate athletics, it is the highest renewal rate I have ever been associated with. We anticipate strong renewal numbers again this year."

The Illini set a school record with 17 sellouts at the Assembly Hall last season, while also setting a school record for total attendance (282,506). In addition, Illinois tied its record for average attendance with the sellout average of 16,618 ranking 10th nationally. The UI will carry a school record of 45 consecutive sellout crowds into the 2007-08 season.

"Our fans have been amazing in selling out the Assembly Hall in season tickets the last three years, and we hope to extend the sellout streak to four straight years this season," Illinois Head Coach Bruce Weber said. "The passion and support for Illinois basketball is unparalleled, and we appreciate the loyal support from our fans who continue to pack The Hall in record numbers."

Season ticket holders can renew online here, or by mail, phone (1-866-ILLINI-1) or fax (217-244-4170). Fans interested in adding their name to the season ticket wait list, meanwhile, can sign up here.