In St. Paul, Marcus Fuller noted Minnesota officials have "done what they can to make sure they don't have an empty student section" for tonight's season opener against UNLV. All incoming UM freshmen -- about 6,000 in all -- "will receive free tickets," as will 2,000 transfer students. This is the "first time the Gophers have opened the season at home since the team moved" to TCF Bank Stadium in '09. UM Associate AD/Strategic Communications Chris Werle said that the school is "estimating attendance for Thursday's game at about 45,000." After selling out "every game during their first year in the new stadium, the Gophers struggled to maintain student interest under former coach Tim Brewster." UM "sold only 3,100 student season tickets for football" last year but have "sold 3,640 already this year" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 8/27).
DEVILS' ADVOCATE: In Phoenix, Jeff Metcalfe noted Arizona State will go into its season opener tonight against Sacramento State with a 95% renewal in season tickets and "better than" 230% increase in new season-ticket sales. That "equates to the athletic department already reaching its goal for season-ticket revenue." Meanwhile, student season ticket sales are up 19% "from last year’s record total." ASU has "sold out its ticket allotment for its game against Notre Dame" at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Oct. 5 (AZCENTRAL.com, 8/27).
KNIGHT MOVES: UCF Senior Associate AD/External Operations Zack Lassiter said that "season ticket sales are up seven percent." He added that about 1,000 more season tickets "have been sold this year than last ... though UCF will continue to sell season ticket packages through the South Carolina game on Sept. 28." Lassiter said that UCF has "specifically seen growth in its young alumni base." In Orlando, Paul Tenorio noted young alumni sales "are up" 400% from '12 (ORLANDOSENTINEL.com, 8/28).
