The Book: 2003 Football

[NewsCopy]

LOUISIANA La. — How excited are Louisiana fans about Rickey Bustle’s second year as Ragin’ Cajun head football coach?

Much of that interest will be gauged by season ticket sales for the six home games at 31,000-seat Cajun Field.

After that, the number of actual filled seats will likely depend on the Cajuns’ success on the field after a 3-9 record in Bustle’s first year.

“We’re right at 75 percent of the total of season tickets we sold last year,” said Kay Dischler, the Cajuns’ assistant athletic director for finance.

“We think it will start to pick up after the Saints game.”

The NFL’s New Orleans Saints will hold their annual Black-Gold Scrimmage at Cajun Field this Saturday, one day before the Cajuns report back to begin their fall drills.

“We just sent out a huge (18,000) mail-out to our alumni and to people in the area,” Dischler added. “We think that will have an impact.”

“I think it will grow as we get closer and people feel the energy of football,” said Eric Maron of the school’s marketing and promotions department. “We’re ahead of this time last year.”

UL officials are counting on Bustle’s charisma to boost what has been sagging interest, a process that began last year.

The rest of the story

Bruce Brown
bbrown@theadvertiser.com

[BonCajun]

"“We’re right at 75 percent of the total of season tickets we sold last year,” said Kay Dischler, the Cajuns’ assistant athletic director for finance."

I had asked around and could never find out how many tickets were sold last year. Does anyone know why the secrecy? Seventy-five percent of an unknown number doesn't tell us much

[BonCajun]

With the two drafted players gone UL might get tested deep real early.

[DestinCajun]

Looks like we may be able to red shirt every defensive frosh player you listed although I suspect Lamar Morgan may be a legitimate contributor. When you can RS all your freshmen, you are in pretty decent shape.

[CDeb]

The school has never released actual numbers of season tickets sold in any sport, good or bad. I was told unofficially that last years numbers were in the 4,800-5,000 range.

[Turbine]

Originally posted by CDeb
. . . I was told unofficially that last years numbers were in the 4,800-5,000 range.

That sounds very close to the number (4500) I read in Phil Steel's preseason magazine.

I have no idea how he came up with the figure but since it's close to what you heard we are safe guessing a litle less than 5000.

Using the extremes, and the 75% figure, season tickets could currently be running anywhere from 3375 - 3750.

Some serious work needs to be done.

[cajun tom]

This is not good. Come on alumni and support the UL's football team. Tulane sold 15,000 season tickets. This is a disgrace.

[RaginRash]

Thanx! I only paid a PR company 95K for it!

[Turbine]

Originally posted by SwampFox
Rash, luv that new avatar.

Isn't that cool?

He is setting the bar high.

[Cajun1997]

Besides KPEL what other radio stations (and cities) carry Cajun Football games? Please list the station, city, and number. Thanks,