Tickets remain, but arrive early at Reliant Saturday
10/15/2010 3:01:00 PM | Football
With the 2010 installment of the Battle of the Piney Woods just days away, officials from Lone Star Sports & Entertainment announced that less than 7,000 tickets remain available. The annual rivalry game between Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin will be played at Reliant Stadium at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 23.
Tickets will be available on game day, but fans looking to purchase tickets at the gate are urged to arrive early to avoid lines. With all the exciting events at SHSU-SFA tailgate parties, there will be plenty to do before the 2 p.m. kickoff
More than 18,000 tickets have already been sold for the game. Capacity is limited to Reliant Stadium's lower bowl, which seats approximately 26,000. Tickets range in price from $15 to $35 and are available through all TicketMaster outlets and through special packages by calling 832-667-2390.
"We've been extremely impressed with the way sales have gone so far," said Chris Keeney, general manager of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. "Bearkat and Lumberjack fans have a great deal of pride and passion for their schools and have proven that with this game. We expect to sell the game out with 26,000 fans, which will make next Saturday an extremely special day."
Ticket sales to date have been stronger than either school has experienced for an off-campus game in years past. Stephen F. Austin has sold more tickets for this year's game than the school has ever sold to an away game, including playoff contests. Sam Houston State, the designated home team, has also sold more tickets to this game than any off-campus event in school history.
The Battle of the Piney Woods dates back to 1923, with Sam Houston State holding a 48-34-2 edge in the series. The Bearkats have won five of the last six meetings, but Stephen F. Austin won last year's edition, which was played in Nacogdoches.
Stephen F. Austin goes into Saturday's game against Central Arkansas with a 4-1 record, with their only loss coming at Texas A&M, and ranked fourth in the country among Division I-FCS schools. The Lumberjacks are led by senior quarterback Jeremy Moses, a Baytown Lee alum who is the Southland Conference's all-time leading passer.
Sam Houston State enters this weekend's action with a 3-2 record under first-year head coach Willie Fritz. The Bearkats are led on offense by freshman tailback Tim Flanders, who is averaging 111.6 yards per game and has scored a team-high seven touchdowns. Sam Houston State plays host to Southeastern Louisiana at Bowers Stadium at 2:00 p.m. CT Saturday in Huntsville.
About Lone Star Sports & Entertainment
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment (LSSE) is an independent event management company which is closely affiliated with the NFL's Houston Texans. Since being founded in 2003, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. LSSE moved into the world of college football in 2006 when it began managing the Texas Bowl. In its three-year existence, the Texas Bowl has generated an average of $25 million in local economic impact in the Greater Houston area. The Texas Bowl has grown its season ticket base to more than 20,000, a number which is on par with BCS-level bowl games.
