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Ticket sales strong despite seat license plan
USC sells 51,000 season tickets for 2009 after asking buyers to pay one-time fee
CommentsIn a sagging economy, consumers are finding plenty of ways to cut back. But USC football fans are finding things other than season tickets to give up.
The school announced Tuesday that it has sold 51,000 season tickets for the 2009 season, despite the increased cost that comes with the seat donation plan.
USC has sold 92 percent of available season tickets.
“I’m very encouraged,” athletics director Eric Hyman said. “Nobody forecasted this economic climate to be what it is, and for the Gamecock Nation to be able to show this level of support has been remarkable.”
In August, the school passed a plan that requires each season-ticket purchaser to contribute an additional, one-time per-seat payment. The added cost ranges from $50-$395 a seat.
USC called it a YES program — Yearly Equitable Seating — and said it was in line with what many other colleges are doing, especially in the SEC.
Not only have fans largely re-upped for season tickets, the majority of those who asked to move their seats have asked to go to a more expensive area, according to Gamecock Club director Bryan Risner.
USC plans to release a study on expanding Williams-Brice Stadium in December.
“It’s spectacular. And the people will begin to see all the things we’re trying to do crystalized. They’ll see the dollars are piling back in the facilities,” Hyman said.
Coach Steve Spurrier opened his Tuesday news conference by thanking Gamecock fans.
“They love their football as well as their athletic teams here,” Spurrier said. “Hopefully they believe our football program is headed in the right direction.”
Reach Emerson at (803) 771-8676.
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