July 2, 2008

University of Illinois ticket office officials announced Tuesday that over 6,000 student season tickets have been sold for the 2008 football season. Season tickets for students will be capped at 10,000 this season, meaning over half of the tickets have been sold with less than 10 weeks remaining until the Sept. 6 home opener against Eastern Illinois.

In early June, the DIA announced a sellout in the Block I student section, which along with the student ticket base, is housed in the North End Zone. Student season tickets are currently on sale for $77, a special "Red Zone" price named for Illini Pro and College Hall of Famer Harold "Red" Grange. They are priced the same as the Horseshoe section in the south end, which sold out earlier this summer in 45 minutes. Student season ticket sales have remained brisk throughout the summer's freshman orientation periods.

"It is great to see the excitement continue to grow among our students as the season gets closer," said Assistant Athletic Director for Sales and Marketing Chris Hanna. "We fully anticipate selling out the allotted 10,000 student season tickets. Students who want to purchase tickets should do so soon to guarantee their spot in Memorial Stadium."

The 2008 home schedule includes six games and begins with the Illinois Renaissance Celebration set for Sept. 6 vs. Eastern Illinois. The home opener will feature appearances by members of the Top 10 Greatest Fighting Illini football players at each position. The remaining five games include Sept. 13 Louisiana-Lafayette; Oct. 11 Minnesota (Homecoming); Oct. 18 Indiana (Foundation Day); Nov. 1 Iowa (Dad's Day); Nov. 15 Ohio State (Senior Day).

Orders for sideline tickets also are being accepted and can be placed online at fightingillini.com, by calling 1-866-ILLINI-1 or by visiting the Athletic Ticket Office at the Assembly Hall.