The Univ. of Texas athletic program is projecting at least a 90% "renewal rate for football season tickets, and 3,000 new ticket orders have been established," according to Brian Davis of the AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN. UT Assistant AD/Ticket Operations Mark Harrison said that said that the renewal rate "represents 53,700 tickets." After factoring in "new sales, 17,000 student tickets, 4,000 for the visitors section and several thousand for UT faculty members and players, the ticket office expects to have between 7,000 and 10,000 remaining for general sales in August." Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium’s "listed capacity is 100,119, a figure that includes fans in suites." Harrison said of the renewal rate, “It’s higher than the last two years.” He added, “A lot of schools are happy when they get to the 80-85 percent range. So we’re in good shape.” Meanwhile, Harrison said that there is a "noticeable buzz about men’s basketball tickets." The volleyball program, which captured the '12 national title, also is "seeing strong sales" (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 5/14).
PICKING UP THE PACE: In DC, Alex Prewitt reported the Univ. of Maryland football team has "already begun reaping the benefits" of its move to the Big Ten, "increasing ticket sales by more than 5,000 as of May 9." The 34.9% growth "reflects a groundswell of excitement over a new, unfamiliar slate of conference opponents" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 5/13).
