ISU Director of Athletics Larry Lyons recommends fans seek FCS title game tickets from StubHub and other secondary markets. (WJBC file photo)
By Eric Stock
NORMAL – Some Redbird fans might be having a tough time securing tickets for the FCS title game in Frisco, Texas on Jan. 10.
Illinois State University Athletics Director Larry Lyons told WJBC's Scott Laughlin, within 48 hours of clinching a bid to the championship game by defeating New Hampshire on Saturday, the university got more requests for tickets than the 2,800 tickets allotted, plus 500 student tickets.
PODCAST: Coach Brock Spack discusses FCS title game preparation with Scott and Colleen on WJBC.
Lyons said the university wants to prioritize tickets for donors, season ticket holders and those who have a connection with the ISU.
"We are trying to identify an affiliation to Illinois State, primarily an alumni status, because we are getting requests from all over the country for this particular game," Lyons said.
Fans could also try to get general admission seats, but it appears many of them have already been taken. Lyons said the secondary market such as StubHub could be an option.
"No doubt, there's some ticket brokers who bought tickets and now they are putting it on the secondary market," Lyons said.
Many of the 20,000 tickets at Toyota Stadium were sold before ISU and North Dakota State secured bids for the title game.
Lyons added getting a hotel could also be a challenge as many North Dakota State fans reserved their hotels when they were in the title game there last year. Dallas is also hosting the FBS championship game that weekend.
Suzi Davis Travel in Bloomington has canceled its fight and bus promotions to Texas because there aren't enough tickets available. Customers can still make individual requests for travel and housing options.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen's interview with Lyons on WJBC.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
