Aug. 27, 2005

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State Athletics Department officials reported Saturday, Aug. 27 that football season-ticket sales have exceeded 60,000 for just the fourth time in school history and as a result, season-ticket sales have been suspended for both the general public and MSU students.

As of Friday, Aug. 26, 60,692 football season tickets have been sold, an increase of 4,160 season tickets from last season and the third-highest total in MSU history. That figure also reflects an increase in the demand for student season tickets with 12,037 sold, up 1,485 from 2004. It marks the highest number of student season tickets purchased since 1991 (13,360). Since the late 1990s, the MSU Athletics Department has allocated approximately 10,500 football season tickets for students. In 2005, MSU Athletics Director Ron Mason approved measures to meet the increased ticket demand from the student body.

Spartan football season-ticket sales topped the 60,000 mark for three-straight years from 1999-2001, with an all-time record 61,479 season tickets purchased in 2000.

Michigan State has played before a sellout crowd in 47 of its last 52 home games, including the last 39 in a row. The Spartans have ranked among the NCAA's top 20 in attendance each of the last 49 years, including No. 20 in 2004, averaging 73,602 fans per game.

With the addition of suites and club seats, the current stadium capacity is listed at 75,005.

"We experienced an across-the-board increase in the demand for football season tickets, from the students and faculty to requests for family plan, scholarship, club and suite seating," Mason said. "With a number of ticket options available, we truly offer something for everyone."

"I think everyone is excited about the new-look Spartan Stadium," MSU third-year head coach John L. Smith said. "Spartan football fans are second to none and that's why the stadium is sold out on a consistent basis. Now, it's our job to go out and give those loyal fans something to cheer about."

All-Time Football Season-Ticket Sales
Rank	Season		Tickets Sold
1.	2000		61,479
2.	2001		61,198
3.	2005		60,692
4.	1999		60,109