February 18, 2003

Full-time UConn faculty and staff will have a chance to jump on the Husky football bandwagon this week, when they receive offers from the Division of Athletics to sign up for season tickets at the University's new Rentschler Field.

The ticket offers, which will be sent to about 7,000 UConn employees, including staff at the Health Center, give Husky boosters a chance to get into the game up front, purchasing season tickets for end zone seats for only $150.

The seats do not require a separate seat donation, although employees can upgrade to Club, Chairback, or preferred seats that do require a donation. The donation for Club and Chairback seats can be made through payroll deduction.

Tickets can be purchased as a one- or three-year package.

"People are going to be pleasantly surprised when they see the stadium," says Jack Hayes, associate director of athletics for development. "I know it's a clichŽ, but there really isn't a bad seat in the house. It's a 40,000-seat stadium, and everybody will be close to the action."

Full-time faculty and staff who are UConn Club members will be seated first, in order of priority points. Then all other full-time employees will be seated, based on the order in which the applications are received.

All faculty and staff will be seated together, Hayes says, creating a community of Husky supporters that, he hopes, will rival the students for enthusiasm.

The 2003 season opens August 30 against Big Ten member Indiana. Other home games include contests against Boston College, Akron, Rutgers, and Western Michigan.

Ticket orders must be postmarked by March 14.