Aug. 22, 2000

LOGAN, Utah - Excitement about the upcoming football season at Utah State University is evident in at least one area, as season ticket sales are at an all-time high.

Aggie fans have already purchased 5,000 season tickets for the 2000 season nearly three weeks prior to the first home game. In fact, only a limited number of west side chairback seats are available The highest season ticket total in the last five years was 3,271 in 1998.

Utah State will play five home games in the first year of new head coach Mick Dennehy's tenure. Included in those contests are home games against in-state schools Southern Utah and Utah as well as visits from Idaho, Arkansas State and Idaho State.

"The community has really taken to Mick and his staff," said USU director of athletics Rance Pugmire. "The coaches have done a great job of getting out and being visible.

"A lot of credit goes to (associate athletics director for external affairs) Kevin Dustin and his staff too," Pugmire said. "We have really emphasized ticket sales in everything we do and we have been creative in getting the message out about the importance of supporting the program."

Among the ways USU has gone about promoting season ticket sales have been programs such as "I'm An Aggie" with local businesses and selling tickets to corporations in Cache Valley.

"I cannot say enough about the response from the community and many of the corporate leaders," Pugmire said.

Many business have purchased large blocks of tickets for employees, clients, youth groups, civic groups and/or promotional purposes. Dustin said the department encourages all businesses to become involved with Utah State athletics by purchasing season tickets that can be donated to worthy recipients or used by the companies themselves.

To purchase season tickets call 1-888-U-STATE-1 or (435) 797-0305. To find out more about the Big Blue Club and how to be involved call (435) 797-BLUE.