July 22, 2008

The 2008 State Farm Arch Rivalry football game between Illinois and Missouri is sold out. All seats were purchased shortly after tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. today. With both teams coming off outstanding 2007 seasons and projected to enter 2008 ranked, their primetime showdown at the Edward Jones Dome will be among the most anticipated sporting events in St. Louis this year. The Fighting Illini and the Tigers kick off the season at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 30. The game will be televised by ESPN.

While individual tickets are no longer available, a limited number of "Rivals Club" packages remain. Packages feature great seats, an exclusive pregame buffet in the Rams Club, complimentary parking, and more. Fans can reserve a Rivals Club package by calling 314-206-7388.

The 2008 State Farm Arch Rivalry marks the fourth year of the schools' now-annual Labor Day weekend series in St. Louis. Last year, Mizzou held on for a thrilling 40-34 win. The Illini recorded an impressive nine wins and earned a trip to the Rose Bowl. In addition to last season, the Illini and Tigers played at the Edward Jones Dome in 2002 and 2003. The average attendance for the three games was 62,601 - a number sure to be eclipsed this year.

"The excitement surrounding the Illinois and Missouri football programs is taking the game to a whole new level," said Kathleen "Kitty" Ratcliffe, president of the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC), which partners with the St. Louis Sports Commission to produce the Arch Rivalry series. "We're looking forward to the incredible atmosphere the matchup will create throughout Downtown and inside the Edward Jones Dome on Aug. 30."

"We're so very pleased to see our colleagues at Illinois and Mizzou achieve so much success over the past year," said Sports Commission President Frank Viverito. "And we're especially happy for their fan bases and for St. Louis sports fans who will be treated to one of the biggest games on this year's college football calendar."