Aug. 17, 2009

The University of Illinois athletic ticket office has announced a near sellout for home football games against Penn State on Oct. 3 and Michigan State on Oct. 10. Tickets to both games have become scarce.

"We opened sales for the first five rows of Memorial Stadium for the Penn State and Michigan State games a couple weeks ago," Assistant Athletics Director for Ticket Operations Jason Heggemeyer said. "We are running very low on ticket inventory for these two games. Fans that wish to attend these games should act quickly."

Illinois football ticket sales totals are on pace with last year's ticket numbers at this time. Illinois has sold out four games in each of the last two seasons.

"Michigan and Northwestern will reach the first five rows soon," Assistant Athletics Director for Sales & Marketing Chris Hanna said. "The Illinois State game is selling at a pace that eclipses last year's Eastern Illinois game. ISU is shaping up to be our most popular home opener in recent years.

"Coach Zook and our student-athletes will put a very entertaining product on the field again this season. Our ticket sales pace serves as a clear indication that our fans are excited about the upcoming year."